Prewriting

Selecting topics, developing ideas, organizing thoughts.

Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is one or two sentences that state the argument or purpose of the information presented in a paper. The purpose of a thesis statement is to clarify your position. In addition, a thesis statement articulates a theory in a clear way.

Essentials of a Thesis Statement

Thesis statements should be very specific so that the audience is clear about your purpose.
The most common place to find a thesis statement is at the end of the introduction.
It is very important to give a thesis statement room to change as you work on your paper. The focus or direction of your ideas may change somewhat as a paper is written, and the thesis statement will need to reflect this.

Tip

When a paper topic is assigned, an easy way to develop a thesis statement is to turn the assignment into a question. Then use one or two sentences to answer the question. The answer becomes the thesis statement.

When a paper topic is not assigned, a question needs to be produced and then answered just as before.

Developing a Thesis Statement

First, it is important to identify the type of paper that you are writing because the thesis statement will differ accordingly.

Argumentative Thesis

An argumentative paper’s goal is to convince the audience of your opinion or belief using supporting evidence. Therefore, your thesis will be a clear statement of your position.

Example:

Going to college is the only way to secure a successful future.

A paper with this thesis would have to argue convincingly, including providing evidence, that college is key to a successful future.

Analytical Thesis

In an analytical paper, you analyze and evaluate the main parts of an idea or issue for the audience. Your thesis will state what idea or issue you plan to evaluate.

Example:

The founding fathers established the framework for the U.S. Constitution using the philosophies of the Enlightenment.

A paper with this thesis would have to analyze the ways in which the Constitution was influenced by specific ideas from the Enlightenment.

Explanatory Thesis

In an explanatory paper, you explain an issue or idea, and your thesis will state the issue or idea you plan to explain.

Example:

Even though an artist can create an extraordinary work of art with both, acrylic paint and oil paint are very different.

A paper with this thesis would have to explain the ways in which acrylics and oils differ.

Sources

Hacker, Diana. A Writer’s Reference. 6th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.

“How to Write a Thesis Statement.” Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services. 27 April 2004. 19 Nov 2007. http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml

Purdue University. “Creating a Thesis Statement.” The OWL at Purdue. 28 Sept 2006. 19 Nov 2007. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/