final thesis statement

Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

• Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing

Final Thesis Statement

Crafting a compelling final thesis statement is an essential aspect of academic writing, encapsulating the core argument and purpose of your research. This concise yet potent sentence serves as a roadmap for your readers, guiding them through your paper’s key ideas. In this guide, we’ll explore exemplary final thesis statement examples, break down the art of constructing one step by step, and offer valuable tips to ensure your thesis statement effectively captures the essence of your work.

What is a Final Thesis Statement? – Definition

A final thesis statement is a concise and assertive sentence that appears at the end of the introductory paragraph of an academic paper or essay. It serves as a clear and focused declaration of the main argument or point that the writer intends to prove or discuss throughout the rest of the paper. This statement provides a roadmap for readers, outlining the scope and direction of the paper’s content.

What is an example of a Final thesis statement?

“Increasing access to quality education in underserved communities positively impacts long-term economic development by empowering individuals with skills, fostering innovation, and reducing socioeconomic disparities.”

In this example, the final thesis statement clearly presents the main topic (increasing access to education) and the key points that will be discussed (economic development, skills empowerment, innovation, and reducing disparities).

100 Final Thesis Statement Examples

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1. Climate Change and Coastal Ecosystems: Rising temperatures imperil coastal ecosystems. This thesis emphasizes sustainable conservation to protect biodiversity and coastal communities from climate change.

2. Mental Health Portrayal in Contemporary Literature: Modern literature redefines mental health narratives. This thesis explores how portrayals destigmatize disorders, offering nuanced insights into psychological complexities.

3. Social Media and Adolescent Self-Perception: Social media distorts self-worth among teens. This thesis underscores the need for education addressing media literacy and emotional resilience.

4. Automation, AI, and Workforce Evolution: Automation and AI reshape industries. This thesis advocates educational reforms for adaptable skills crucial in an evolving job landscape.

5. Historical Roots of Systemic Racism: Systemic racism’s historical origins persist. This thesis addresses ongoing responsibilities to combat racial inequalities through comprehensive social changes.

6. Fusion of Traditional and Digital Art: Art merges tradition and technology. This thesis explores how blending mediums creates novel expressions, reshaping perceptions of aesthetics.

7. Sustainable Urban Planning for the Future: Urban growth strains resources. This thesis underscores sustainable urban planning as crucial to mitigate environmental and social challenges.

8. Genetic Engineering: Ethics and Progress: Genetic engineering sparks ethical debates. This thesis examines balancing medical advancements with human autonomy and ecological diversity.

9. Global Health Security and Preparedness: Pandemics transcend borders. This thesis advocates international collaboration and readiness to minimize health crises’ impacts.

10. Empowering Women in STEM Fields: Gender equality fuels STEM innovation. This thesis promotes breaking barriers and fostering opportunities for women in science and technology.

11. Literature’s Role in Driving Social Change: Literature influences cultural shifts. This thesis explores how written works catalyze transformative changes in attitudes and societal norms.

12. Digital Privacy Amid Information Sharing: Data protection in a digital era. This thesis analyzes the balance between convenience and safeguarding personal information.

13. Cultural Diversity’s Impact on Global Business: Cultural diversity propels global commerce. This thesis examines embracing differences for effective international relations and strategies.

14. Alternative Energy and Environmental Sustainability: Renewable energy combats climate change. This thesis evaluates its potential to mitigate environmental degradation and reduce fossil fuel dependency.

15. Education’s Crucial Role in Poverty Alleviation: Education breaks the cycle of poverty. This thesis investigates its significance in skill development, community upliftment, and reducing disparities.

16. Psychological Effects of Virtual Reality: Virtual reality’s mental impact grows. This thesis probes its influence on mental health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.

17. Ethics in AI and Autonomous Systems: AI’s ethical quandaries demand attention. This thesis delves into ensuring responsible and just use of AI and autonomous technologies.

18. Early Childhood Education’s Long-Term Benefits: Early education reaps lifelong rewards. This thesis highlights cognitive, social, and academic advantages, advocating for its prioritization.

19. Cultural Identity Amid Globalization: Cultural identity in a globalized world. This thesis explores how individuals navigate multicultural influences, shaping their sense of self.

20. Resource Depletion and Conservation Strategies: Natural resource depletion prompts action. This thesis underscores the urgency for sustainable practices to preserve Earth’s resources.

21. Technology’s Impact on Human Relationships: Technology reshapes interpersonal dynamics. This thesis delves into how digital communication affects relationships, from intimacy to social connections.

22. Bioethics and Genetic Manipulation: Genetic manipulation raises ethical questions. This thesis explores navigating the ethical landscape while harnessing genetic advancements for medical progress.

23. Urbanization and Public Health Challenges: Urban growth poses health risks. This thesis investigates strategies for sustainable urban development that prioritize public well-being.

24. Effects of Media on Body Image Perception: Media shapes body image ideals. This thesis examines media’s influence on self-perception and advocates for promoting healthy body images.

25. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: AI transforms medical practices. This thesis explores AI’s potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment, and patient care in the healthcare sector.

26. Education Reform and Digital Learning: Digital learning reshapes education. This thesis analyzes the role of technology in transforming traditional educational approaches and improving learning outcomes.

27. Political Polarization and Social Media: Social media drives political division. This thesis explores the relationship between online platforms and the increasing polarization of political ideologies.

28. Cybersecurity and Protecting Digital Assets: Digital assets face security threats. This thesis delves into the importance of cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information in a digital age.

29. Cultural Appropriation and Creative Expression: Cultural appropriation sparks debates. This thesis explores the fine line between appreciating and appropriating cultural elements in artistic and creative contexts.

30. Aging Population and Healthcare Systems: An aging population strains healthcare. This thesis examines how healthcare systems can adapt to meet the unique needs of elderly citizens.

31. Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development: Social entrepreneurship drives sustainability. This thesis explores how innovative business models address social and environmental challenges for lasting impact.

32. Digital Divide and Access to Technology: Digital access remains unequal. This thesis addresses the divide between technology haves and have-nots and advocates for bridging the gap.

33. Mass Media’s Influence on Political Opinion: Mass media shapes political beliefs. This thesis examines how media outlets impact public perception and influence political decision-making.

34. Space Exploration and Technological Advancements: Space exploration fuels innovation. This thesis explores how advancements in space technology drive progress across various industries on Earth.

35. Globalization and Cultural Homogenization: Globalization affects cultural diversity. This thesis investigates the tension between increased interconnectedness and the preservation of unique cultural identities.

36. Mental Health Interventions in Schools: Schools play a role in mental health. This thesis discusses strategies for integrating mental health support within educational systems to benefit students.

37. Online Education and Traditional Learning: Online education redefines learning. This thesis compares the advantages and disadvantages of online and traditional classroom-based education.

38. Impact of Social Media on Political Activism: Social media shapes political movements. This thesis explores how online platforms mobilize activism and influence social and political change.

39. Renewable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation: Renewable energy combats climate crisis. This thesis evaluates the role of sustainable energy sources in mitigating climate change’s effects.

40. Gender Stereotypes in Media Representation: Media reinforces gender stereotypes. This thesis examines how media portrayal impacts societal expectations and perceptions of gender roles.

41. Digital Addiction and Screen Time Impact: Digital addiction affects well-being. This thesis examines the consequences of excessive screen time and advocates for balanced digital engagement.

42. Environmental Conservation and Indigenous Knowledge: Indigenous knowledge supports conservation. This thesis explores the collaboration between traditional ecological wisdom and modern conservation efforts.

43. Online Privacy and Data Security: Online privacy faces threats. This thesis delves into the importance of safeguarding personal data in the digital age to prevent privacy breaches.

44. Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment: AI transforms job markets. This thesis discusses how automation and AI influence employment landscapes and the need for skill adaptability.

45. Mental Health Stigma and Media Representation: Media shapes mental health perception. This thesis explores how media can reduce stigma by portraying mental health struggles authentically.

46. Renewable Energy and Rural Development: Renewable energy empowers rural areas. This thesis analyzes how sustainable energy initiatives can stimulate economic growth and improve living conditions.

47. Ethics of Biotechnology and Genetic Modification: Biotechnology raises ethical concerns. This thesis examines the moral implications of genetic modification for both humans and ecosystems.

48. Social Media’s Influence on Political Participation: Social media drives political engagement. This thesis explores how online platforms mobilize citizens and amplify their participation in democratic processes.

49. Artificial Intelligence and Creative Industries: AI transforms creative fields. This thesis examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative processes and artistic expressions.

50. Education and Social Mobility: Education as a path to social mobility. This thesis discusses how quality education contributes to upward social mobility and reduces inequality.

51. Impacts of Digital Literacy on Society: Digital literacy shapes societies. This thesis explores the importance of digital literacy skills in promoting informed citizenship and equitable access to information.

52. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Sustainable agriculture ensures food security. This thesis analyzes the connection between environmentally-friendly farming practices and global food supply.

53. Diversity and Inclusion in Corporate Culture: Diversity fosters inclusive workplaces. This thesis discusses the benefits of diverse work environments and strategies to promote inclusion in corporate culture.

54. Mental Health Interventions in Workplace Settings: Workplace mental health support matters. This thesis explores implementing interventions that enhance employee well-being and productivity.

55. Technological Innovation and Healthcare Accessibility: Innovation improves healthcare access. This thesis examines how technology expands medical services and narrows healthcare disparities.

56. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment Prevention: Digital spaces combat cyberbullying. This thesis explores strategies to prevent online harassment and create safer online environments.

57. Renewable Energy Integration into Grids: Renewable energy in power grids. This thesis evaluates the challenges and benefits of integrating renewable sources into existing energy infrastructures.

58. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Climate change demands adaptation. This thesis discusses strategies to cope with and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.

59. Media Influence on Consumer Behavior: Media shapes consumer choices. This thesis examines how media advertisements and information impact purchasing decisions and consumer trends.

60. Education and Environmental Awareness: Education drives environmental consciousness. This thesis explores the role of education in cultivating environmentally responsible behaviors and attitudes.

61. Artificial Intelligence and Education Enhancement: AI transforms learning experiences. This thesis delves into the integration of artificial intelligence to personalize education and improve student outcomes.

62. Wildlife Conservation and Ecosystem Preservation: Conservation safeguards ecosystems. This thesis explores the importance of protecting wildlife habitats for ecological balance and the survival of species.

63. Cybersecurity and Privacy in the Digital Age: Digital privacy under threat. This thesis examines the significance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect personal information in an interconnected world.

64. Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Social media’s mental health effects. This thesis investigates how online platforms influence psychological well-being and advocates for responsible usage.

65. Space Exploration and Technological Innovation: Space exploration drives progress. This thesis discusses how space missions fuel technological advancements with applications on Earth.

66. Accessibility and Inclusivity in Web Design: Inclusive web design matters. This thesis explores designing digital platforms to accommodate individuals with diverse abilities for equitable access.

67. Genetic Diversity and Conservation Biology: Genetic diversity crucial for conservation. This thesis highlights how preserving genetic variation supports species resilience and ecosystem health.

68. Social Media and Political Disinformation: Social media spreads misinformation. This thesis examines the role of online platforms in disseminating false information and its impact on public discourse.

69. Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence: Ethics in AI development. This thesis explores the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence technologies and the need for responsible implementation.

70. Education’s Role in Climate Change Awareness: Education for climate consciousness. This thesis discusses integrating climate change education to foster informed citizenship and sustainable practices.

71. Sustainable Transportation Solutions: Transportation’s environmental impact. This thesis explores sustainable alternatives to traditional transportation modes to reduce carbon emissions.

72. Media Influence on Consumer Culture: Media shapes consumer lifestyles. This thesis examines how media representations influence cultural norms and consumer behavior patterns.

73. Mental Health Support in Marginalized Communities: Marginalized populations and mental health. This thesis advocates for tailored mental health interventions to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.

74. Robotics and Future Labor Market Dynamics: Robotics and job markets. This thesis analyzes how automation impacts employment sectors and the need for retraining programs.

75. Eco-Friendly Building Design and Sustainability: Building design for sustainability. This thesis discusses eco-friendly architectural practices that minimize environmental impact and promote energy efficiency.

76. Social Media and Civic Engagement: Social media and civic participation. This thesis explores how online platforms facilitate engagement in social and political issues.

77. Urban Agriculture and Food Security: Urban farming and nutrition. This thesis investigates the role of urban agriculture in enhancing food security and promoting local sustainable practices.

78. Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare Diagnosis: AI’s role in medical diagnostics. This thesis evaluates the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance accuracy and efficiency in medical diagnosis.

79. Green Technology and Environmental Conservation: Green tech for conservation. This thesis examines how innovative technologies contribute to environmental protection and resource sustainability.

80. Education for Global Citizenship: Global citizenship through education. This thesis advocates for educational curricula that foster cultural understanding, empathy, and responsible global citizenship.

81. E-Waste Management and Environmental Impact: E-waste’s ecological consequences. This thesis explores strategies for managing electronic waste to minimize environmental harm and promote recycling.

82. Social Media and Youth Activism: Social media’s role in activism. This thesis examines how online platforms empower youth to advocate for social and political change.

83. Sustainable Fashion and Ethical Consumerism: Ethical fashion choices matter. This thesis discusses the importance of sustainable fashion practices in promoting ethical consumer behavior.

84. Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Justice: AI in law enforcement. This thesis explores the benefits and ethical concerns of using artificial intelligence in criminal justice systems.

85. Community Gardens and Urban Resilience: Community gardens enhance resilience. This thesis highlights the role of urban gardens in strengthening communities and promoting sustainable living.

86. Media Literacy Education in the Digital Age: Media literacy’s relevance today. This thesis discusses the importance of teaching critical media consumption skills to navigate the digital landscape.

87. Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Health: Biodiversity’s importance for ecosystems. This thesis explores the consequences of biodiversity loss on ecosystem stability and resilience.

88. Social Media’s Impact on Body Image: Social media and body perception. This thesis investigates how online platforms influence body image ideals and self-esteem.

89. Urbanization and Cultural Preservation: Urbanization and cultural heritage. This thesis examines the challenges of preserving cultural identities amidst rapid urban growth.

90. Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Warfare: AI’s role in military ethics. This thesis delves into the ethical implications of integrating artificial intelligence into modern warfare.

91. Renewable Energy and Economic Development: Sustainable energy and economies. This thesis analyzes how renewable energy initiatives contribute to economic growth and job creation.

92. Media Framing and Public Opinion: Media’s framing of news. This thesis explores how media coverage shapes public perceptions and attitudes on various issues.

93. Green Infrastructure and Urban Sustainability: Green infrastructure in cities. This thesis discusses the benefits of integrating natural elements into urban design for sustainable and resilient cities.

94. Cybersecurity and National Security: Digital security and nations. This thesis examines the intersection of cybersecurity measures and national security strategies.

95. Education and Gender Equality: Education empowers women. This thesis advocates for educational initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women worldwide.

96. Urbanization and Health Disparities: Urbanization’s health impacts. This thesis explores how rapid urban growth contributes to health inequalities and suggests interventions for improvement.

97. Artificial Intelligence in Language Translation: AI’s impact on language barriers. This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in breaking down language barriers through translation technology.

98. Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Preservation: Tourism and cultural heritage. This thesis discusses responsible tourism practices that support cultural preservation and benefit local communities.

99. Media Influence on Political Polarization: Media’s role in polarization. This thesis explores how media narratives contribute to the widening divide in political ideologies.

100. Education for Environmental Stewardship: Environmental stewardship through education. This thesis advocates for educational programs that foster environmental awareness and responsibility.

These examples encapsulate a diverse array of research topics and areas, showcasing the versatility of thesis statements in various academic disciplines and contexts.

Final Thesis Statement Examples for Research Paper

A research paper’s thesis statements define the scope of inquiry. They concisely state the main argument or investigation focus, guiding readers through the study’s core ideas and discoveries.

• Addressing the mental health stigma, this research paper explores how media portrayals contribute to negative perceptions, emphasizing the need for accurate representation and increased public awareness.
• This research paper analyzes the impact of urban green spaces on mental well-being, revealing how proximity to nature positively influences psychological health and underscores the importance of urban planning.
• Exploring renewable energy integration in developing nations, this research paper examines the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to sustainable energy sources to address both environmental and economic goals.
• Investigating the effects of social media on political polarization, this research paper delves into echo chambers, algorithms, and their role in reinforcing ideological divisions within online communities.
• Examining the genetic basis of rare diseases, this research paper discusses how advancements in genomics contribute to diagnosis, treatment, and the potential for personalized medicine.
• This research paper explores the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, analyzing the implications of decision-making algorithms in situations with moral dilemmas.
• Assessing the relationship between music therapy and cognitive improvement in Alzheimer’s patients, this research paper demonstrates how music interventions can enhance memory and quality of life.
• Investigating the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, this research paper discusses the interconnectedness of ocean health, coral bleaching, and the urgent need for conservation.
• This research paper examines the economic impact of globalization on labor markets, analyzing how outsourcing and offshoring practices influence job opportunities and wage disparities.
• Exploring the role of empathy in reducing cyberbullying, this research paper investigates the effectiveness of empathy-based interventions in promoting online civility and preventing digital harassment.

Final Thesis Statement Examples for Personal Essay

Personal essays reveal unique experiences. Their final thesis statements for personal essay encapsulate the author’s viewpoint and central message, guiding the narrative while inviting readers to share in their personal insights.

• My journey through overcoming social anxiety unravels the complexities of mental health, highlighting the importance of seeking support and embracing personal growth.
• Reflecting on my cultural heritage, this personal essay explores how traditions and values shape my identity, connecting me to my roots while navigating a diverse world.
• The transformative power of travel unfolds in my personal essay as I recount a solo backpacking adventure that reshaped my perspectives and ignited a thirst for exploration.
• In this personal essay, I delve into my struggle with body image, detailing how media portrayals affected my self-esteem and the steps I took to foster self-acceptance.
• A near-death experience taught me valuable life lessons, as detailed in this personal essay, revealing the fragility of existence and inspiring a newfound appreciation for every moment.
• Through the lens of a challenging friendship, my personal essay unravels the dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and the lessons learned from navigating complex relationships.
• This personal essay recounts my volunteering experience in a local shelter, shedding light on the rewards of selflessness and the profound impact of helping others.
• Embracing change as a constant, my personal essay chronicles my journey through various career shifts, illustrating the resilience required to adapt and thrive in an evolving world.
• Reflecting on my relationship with nature, this personal essay chronicles the solace and inspiration I find in the wilderness, showcasing how nature fuels my creativity and well-being.
• My personal essay shares the transformative power of literature in overcoming adversity, highlighting how stories provided solace, perspective, and the strength to overcome challenges.

Final Thesis Statement Examples for Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays persuade readers. Their final thesis statements for argumentative essay assert a debatable stance, summarizing the core argument and providing a roadmap for the essay’s persuasive discourse.

• This argumentative essay advocates for stricter gun control policies, presenting statistical evidence of reduced gun violence in countries with stringent firearm regulations.
• Exploring the benefits of a universal basic income, this argumentative essay demonstrates how providing financial stability can stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and empower individuals.
• Presenting evidence of climate change’s human origins, this argumentative essay emphasizes the necessity of global cooperation and policy changes to combat environmental degradation.
• In this argumentative essay, the positive impact of standardized testing is debated, analyzing how such assessments contribute to educational accountability and performance improvement.
• Arguing for the adoption of renewable energy, this essay showcases the economic benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels, from job creation to decreased reliance on imports.
• This argumentative essay discusses the value of arts education in schools, demonstrating how creative disciplines enhance critical thinking, empathy, and overall academic achievement.
• Debating the benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), this argumentative essay examines how GMOs impact food security, health, and ecosystems.
• In this essay, the merits of online education versus traditional classroom learning are debated, exploring the accessibility, convenience, and quality of both approaches.
• Arguing for the importance of preserving indigenous languages, this essay highlights how language connects individuals to cultural heritage and fosters intergenerational bonds.
• Examining the effects of social media on adolescents, this argumentative essay evaluates the impact on mental health, self-esteem, and the role of responsible digital engagement.

Final Thesis Statement Examples for Narrative Essay

Narrative essays recount personal stories. Their final thesis statements for narrative essay capture the narrative’s essence, guiding readers into the essay’s events while reflecting the writer’s perspective.

• A heartwarming narrative essay recounts my journey of adopting a rescue dog, revealing how the bond formed between us brought healing and joy to our lives.
• Through my narrative essay, I relive the transformative summer I spent volunteering abroad, where I connected with new cultures, forged lasting friendships, and discovered my purpose.
• My narrative essay recounts the surreal experience of witnessing a meteor shower during a camping trip, capturing the beauty of the cosmos and my sense of wonder.
• In this narrative essay, I recall the challenges of starting a small business, sharing the lessons learned, the setbacks overcome, and the satisfaction of building something from scratch.
• The powerful narrative essay tells the story of my grandmother’s immigration journey, tracing her courage, sacrifices, and the legacy she instilled in our family.
• Through my narrative essay, I recount the exhilarating roller coaster ride that serves as a metaphor for life’s unpredictable twists, turns, and the thrill of embracing them.
• This narrative essay chronicles my experience facing stage fright during a school presentation, illustrating the growth that emerged from confronting my fears head-on.
• In this reflective narrative essay, I revisit a childhood memory of baking with my grandmother, revealing the cherished lessons passed down through generations.
• My narrative essay depicts the cross-country road trip that exposed me to diverse landscapes, cultures, and the realization that adventure and self-discovery await outside comfort zones.
• Through the lens of a serendipitous encounter, my narrative essay unfolds the tale of a chance meeting that led to a meaningful connection, underscoring the beauty of human interaction.

Final Thesis Statement Examples in Literature

Literary analyses delve into texts. Their final thesis statements dissect themes, characters, or literary devices, providing an interpretive lens that guides readers through the intricacies of the work.

• In Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” Gregor Samsa’s transformation into an insect symbolizes the dehumanizing effects of modernity and societal alienation.
• Through the lens of symbolism, William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” depicts the descent into savagery, exploring the inherent duality of human nature.
• In George Orwell’s “1984,” the omnipresent government surveillance serves as a cautionary tale about totalitarianism, highlighting the erosion of individual freedom.
• Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” employs stream of consciousness to delve into the inner lives of characters, revealing the complexities of human consciousness.
• In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the mockingbird motif symbolizes innocence and empathy, serving as a poignant commentary on racial injustice.
• Emily Dickinson’s poems, characterized by their brevity and introspection, explore themes of mortality, nature, and the inner workings of the human psyche.
• Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” employs magical realism to explore the traumatic legacy of slavery, offering a unique perspective on historical trauma and healing.
• F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” critiques the American Dream, depicting the emptiness and moral decay lurking beneath the pursuit of wealth and status.
• Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” delves into the psychological complexity of its titular character, grappling with themes of revenge, madness, and existential contemplation.
• Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” utilizes magical realism to explore the interplay between reality and imagination, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.

Final Thesis Statement Examples for Technology Topics

Technology-focused theses explore innovations. Their final thesis statements topics introduce the technological subject matter and highlight the intended analysis or implications of advancements.

• This essay explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in autonomous vehicles, addressing the challenges of decision-making algorithms in morally complex scenarios.
• Analyzing the impact of virtual reality in education, this thesis discusses how immersive experiences enhance learning outcomes and foster engagement among students.
• Blockchain technology’s potential in securing online transactions is examined, highlighting its applications beyond cryptocurrency and its role in enhancing cybersecurity.
• Investigating the role of 3D printing in healthcare, this thesis explores how additive manufacturing revolutionizes medical devices, prosthetics, and personalized treatments.
• The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices into smart homes is explored, detailing the convenience, energy efficiency, and security enhancements they offer.
• Examining the dark side of social media algorithms, this thesis discusses the spread of misinformation, echo chambers, and the challenges of algorithmic content curation.
• This thesis analyzes the implications of biometric authentication, exploring the balance between convenience and privacy in adopting fingerprint, facial, and retinal recognition.
• The transformative potential of quantum computing is discussed, detailing how quantum bits (qubits) could revolutionize data processing, cryptography, and problem-solving.
• Exploring the future of wearable technology, this thesis investigates the merging of fashion and functionality, from smart clothing to health-monitoring wearables.
• This thesis examines the ethical considerations of gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, addressing the potential for therapeutic applications as well as concerns of unintended consequences.

Final Thesis Statement Examples for Middle School

Middle school thesis statements simplify concepts. They concisely present topics or arguments, aiding young learners in organizing their thoughts and guiding their exploration of the subject.

• This essay explores the importance of mindfulness exercises in reducing stress and improving concentration among middle school students.
• The impact of video games on academic performance is investigated, analyzing the potential benefits of moderation and responsible gaming habits.
• This thesis discusses the benefits of community service projects for middle school students, from fostering empathy to building leadership skills.
• Exploring the history of civil rights movements, this essay emphasizes their relevance today and encourages middle school students to be advocates for equality.
• The value of reading diverse literature is highlighted, encouraging middle school students to explore books that broaden their understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
• This essay discusses the impact of social media on peer relationships, promoting healthy digital communication and responsible online behavior among middle school students.
• The importance of physical activity and its connection to academic success is explored, encouraging middle school students to prioritize exercise for overall well-being.
• Exploring the concept of environmental sustainability, this essay encourages middle school students to engage in eco-friendly practices and take ownership of protecting the planet.
• This thesis examines the benefits of learning a second language in middle school, from cognitive advantages to enhancing cross-cultural communication.
• The history and significance of Earth Day are discussed, inspiring middle school students to participate in activities that promote environmental awareness and conservation.

Final Thesis Statement Examples About Freedom

Freedom-themed theses explore autonomy. Their final thesis statements articulate perspectives on freedom’s definition, significance, or limits, driving discussions about personal liberties.

• This essay explores the multifaceted nature of freedom, delving into political, social, and personal dimensions and the responsibilities that come with it.
• Freedom of expression’s role in shaping democratic societies is discussed, emphasizing the need for protecting diverse viewpoints while maintaining civility and respect.
• This thesis analyzes the tension between individual freedom and collective well-being, examining the balance governments must strike to ensure public safety without infringing on liberties.
• The significance of freedom in artistic expression is explored, showcasing how creativity flourishes when artists are empowered to challenge norms and voice dissent.
• The struggles of marginalized communities in fighting for freedom and equality are highlighted, encouraging societal recognition of historical injustices and ongoing efforts for change.
• This essay examines the relationship between freedom and responsibility, emphasizing how individuals should exercise their liberties while considering the impact on others.
• The intersection of digital privacy and personal freedom is discussed, advocating for robust privacy protections in an increasingly interconnected and surveilled world.
• Freedom of religion’s importance is explored, discussing how societies must respect diverse faiths while safeguarding individuals’ rights to practice or not practice.
• This thesis delves into the freedom of the press and its role in holding institutions accountable, illustrating how a free press contributes to transparent governance.
• The notion of inner freedom and self-empowerment is discussed, emphasizing how individuals can liberate themselves from self-doubt and societal pressures to find fulfillment.

Final Thesis Statement Examples on Science Topics

Scientific theses probe natural phenomena. Their final thesis statements introduce research questions, theories, or discoveries, offering a glimpse into the inquiry’s purpose and direction.

• This essay explores the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, detailing the effects of warming oceans, rising sea levels, and acidification on biodiversity.
• The potential benefits of gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 are examined, discussing applications in medicine, agriculture, and the ethical considerations they entail.
• This thesis delves into the nature vs. nurture debate, investigating the interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping human traits.
• The role of vaccinations in public health is discussed, emphasizing the importance of herd immunity and dispelling misinformation surrounding vaccine safety.
• This thesis examines the process of evolution and natural selection, showcasing how species adapt to their environments over time through genetic variation.
• The scientific method’s significance in advancing knowledge is explored, highlighting its systematic approach to hypothesis testing, experimentation, and evidence-based conclusions.
• This essay discusses the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, detailing how these elusive cosmic components shape the universe’s expansion and structure.
• The implications of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics are analyzed, discussing how AI algorithms enhance accuracy and efficiency in disease detection.
• This thesis explores the principles of quantum mechanics, detailing phenomena like superposition and entanglement that challenge our classical understanding of reality.
• The concept of genetic engineering and its potential to address genetic disorders is examined, presenting the ethical considerations and medical breakthroughs it entails.

These examples cover a diverse range of topics and essay types, showcasing the versatility of thesis statements across different contexts and subject areas.

Difference Between a Final Thesis and a Working Thesis

A working thesis serves as an initial draft or a provisional idea that guides your research and writing process. It’s a preliminary statement that you create at the beginning of your project, subject to change as you gather more information and refine your arguments. Working theses are often broad and may not fully capture the nuances of your research.

A final thesis, on the other hand, is the polished, refined version of your working thesis that appears in the introduction of your paper. It’s the culmination of your research, analysis, and critical thinking. The final thesis succinctly conveys the main argument or point you’re making in your paper, and it is supported by evidence and well-structured analysis.  Our undergraduate thesis statement is also worth a look at

How to Write a Final Thesis Statement – Step by Step Guide

Writing a final thesis statement requires careful thought and planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a strong and effective final thesis statement:

Step 1: Understand Your Assignment and Topic:

• Read and understand your assignment prompt or research question.
• Familiarize yourself with the topic you’ll be addressing in your paper.

Step 2: Review Your Research and Analysis:

• Gather all your research materials and notes.
• Review the evidence, arguments, and analysis you’ve conducted.

Step 3: Craft a Working Thesis:

• Start by creating a working thesis that captures your preliminary understanding of the topic.
• This working thesis will serve as the foundation for your final thesis statement.

Step 4: Identify Your Main Argument:

• Reflect on your research and identify the main argument or point you want to make.
• Consider what you’ve learned from your research and how it has shaped your perspective.

Step 5: Make Your Thesis Specific:

• Refine your working thesis to be specific and focused on your main argument.
• Avoid vague or general statements that lack clarity.

Step 6: Ensure It’s Debatable:

• Your thesis should present an argument that is debatable and not just a statement of fact.
• It should invite discussion and analysis from your readers.

Step 7: Consider Counterarguments:

• Think about potential counterarguments to your thesis.
• Decide if you want to address these counterarguments directly in your thesis or leave them for the body of your paper.

Step 8: Provide a Roadmap:

• Your thesis should indicate the direction your paper will take.
• Mention the main points or themes you’ll be discussing in the body of your paper.

Step 9: Revise and Refine:

• Take time to revise and refine your thesis statement.
• Consider its clarity, specificity, and overall effectiveness.

Step 10: Seek Feedback:

• Share your thesis statement with peers, instructors, or mentors.
• Gather feedback and insights to help you further refine your statement.

Step 11: Align with Paper Structure:

• Ensure that your thesis statement aligns with the structure of your paper.
• Each paragraph should contribute to proving or supporting your thesis.

Step 12: Edit for Grammar and Clarity:

• Edit your thesis for grammar, punctuation, and clarity.
• Make sure it’s easy to understand and free of errors.

Step 13: Finalize Your Thesis:

• Once you’re satisfied with your thesis statement, consider it your final version.
• Use this statement as the guiding principle for your entire paper.

Step 14: Revisit After Writing:

• After completing your paper, revisit your thesis statement.
• Make sure it accurately reflects the content and findings of your paper.

Step 15: Proofread Your Final Paper:

• Before submitting your paper, proofread it for grammar, style, and consistency.
• Ensure that your final paper effectively supports and aligns with your thesis statement.

Remember that writing a strong final thesis statement is an iterative process. It might take several revisions to refine your statement to its strongest version. Taking the time to create a clear, focused, and arguable thesis statement will set the tone for the rest of your paper and help guide your readers through your arguments and analysis.  You may also be interested in our  education thesis statement .

Tips for Writing a Final Thesis Statement

• Be Clear and Concise: Your thesis statement should be a clear and concise reflection of your main argument. Avoid vague or convoluted language that might confuse your readers.
• Make It Debatable: A strong thesis is arguable and invites discussion. Avoid statements of fact; instead, present a claim that others could reasonably disagree with.
• Express a Strong Standpoint: Your thesis should clearly convey your stance on the topic. It’s the backbone of your paper, so ensure it’s impactful and thought-provoking.
• Stay Focused: Keep your thesis statement focused on a single main idea. Avoid trying to cover too many aspects or arguments in one sentence.
• Include Main Points: Briefly mention the main points or themes that your paper will explore. This provides your readers with a roadmap for what to expect.
• Revise and Refine: Crafting a strong thesis often requires multiple revisions. Don’t settle for the first version; keep refining until it accurately represents your argument.
• Tailor to Your Audience: Consider the expectations and knowledge level of your audience. Your thesis should engage and resonate with them.
• Consider Counterarguments: While not always necessary, addressing potential counterarguments can demonstrate your depth of understanding and strengthen your thesis.
• Reflect Your Paper’s Structure: Ensure that your thesis aligns with the structure of your paper. Each paragraph should contribute to supporting or proving your thesis.
• Use Precise Language: Choose your words carefully. Clear, specific, and impactful language enhances the strength of your thesis.
• Avoid Generic Statements: Steer clear of generic, overused phrases that lack substance. Instead, craft a statement that reflects your unique insights and perspective.
• Edit for Clarity: Your thesis should be easily understandable. Proofread it for grammatical errors and make sure it flows smoothly.
• Test for Relevance: After completing your paper, revisit your thesis. Make sure it remains relevant to the content and findings of your paper.
• Seek Feedback: Share your thesis with peers, professors, or mentors. Feedback from others can provide valuable insights for improvement.
• Practice Patience: Writing an impactful thesis takes time and reflection. Be patient with yourself as you work to create the strongest possible statement.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a final thesis statement that effectively encapsulates your argument, engages your readers, and sets the tone for a successful paper.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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This resource provides tips for creating a thesis statement and examples of different types of thesis statements.

Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
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Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

Basics of thesis statements.

The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper. Specific means the thesis deals with a narrow and focused topic, appropriate to the paper's length. Arguable means that a scholar in your field could disagree (or perhaps already has!).

Strong thesis statements address specific intellectual questions, have clear positions, and use a structure that reflects the overall structure of the paper. Read on to learn more about constructing a strong thesis statement.

Being Specific

This thesis statement has no specific argument:

Needs Improvement: In this essay, I will examine two scholarly articles to find similarities and differences.

This statement is concise, but it is neither specific nor arguable—a reader might wonder, "Which scholarly articles? What is the topic of this paper? What field is the author writing in?" Additionally, the purpose of the paper—to "examine…to find similarities and differences" is not of a scholarly level. Identifying similarities and differences is a good first step, but strong academic argument goes further, analyzing what those similarities and differences might mean or imply.

Better: In this essay, I will argue that Bowler's (2003) autocratic management style, when coupled with Smith's (2007) theory of social cognition, can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover.

The new revision here is still concise, as well as specific and arguable.  We can see that it is specific because the writer is mentioning (a) concrete ideas and (b) exact authors.  We can also gather the field (business) and the topic (management and employee turnover). The statement is arguable because the student goes beyond merely comparing; he or she draws conclusions from that comparison ("can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover").

Making a Unique Argument

This thesis draft repeats the language of the writing prompt without making a unique argument:

Needs Improvement: The purpose of this essay is to monitor, assess, and evaluate an educational program for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, I will provide suggestions for improvement.

You can see here that the student has simply stated the paper's assignment, without articulating specifically how he or she will address it. The student can correct this error simply by phrasing the thesis statement as a specific answer to the assignment prompt.

Better: Through a series of student interviews, I found that Kennedy High School's antibullying program was ineffective. In order to address issues of conflict between students, I argue that Kennedy High School should embrace policies outlined by the California Department of Education (2010).

Words like "ineffective" and "argue" show here that the student has clearly thought through the assignment and analyzed the material; he or she is putting forth a specific and debatable position. The concrete information ("student interviews," "antibullying") further prepares the reader for the body of the paper and demonstrates how the student has addressed the assignment prompt without just restating that language.

Creating a Debate

This thesis statement includes only obvious fact or plot summary instead of argument:

Needs Improvement: Leadership is an important quality in nurse educators.

A good strategy to determine if your thesis statement is too broad (and therefore, not arguable) is to ask yourself, "Would a scholar in my field disagree with this point?" Here, we can see easily that no scholar is likely to argue that leadership is an unimportant quality in nurse educators.  The student needs to come up with a more arguable claim, and probably a narrower one; remember that a short paper needs a more focused topic than a dissertation.

Better: Roderick's (2009) theory of participatory leadership  is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning.

Here, the student has identified a particular type of leadership ("participatory leadership"), narrowing the topic, and has made an arguable claim (this type of leadership is "appropriate" to a specific type of nurse educator). Conceivably, a scholar in the nursing field might disagree with this approach. The student's paper can now proceed, providing specific pieces of evidence to support the arguable central claim.

Choosing the Right Words

This thesis statement uses large or scholarly-sounding words that have no real substance:

Needs Improvement: Scholars should work to seize metacognitive outcomes by harnessing discipline-based networks to empower collaborative infrastructures.

There are many words in this sentence that may be buzzwords in the student's field or key terms taken from other texts, but together they do not communicate a clear, specific meaning. Sometimes students think scholarly writing means constructing complex sentences using special language, but actually it's usually a stronger choice to write clear, simple sentences. When in doubt, remember that your ideas should be complex, not your sentence structure.

Better: Ecologists should work to educate the U.S. public on conservation methods by making use of local and national green organizations to create a widespread communication plan.

Notice in the revision that the field is now clear (ecology), and the language has been made much more field-specific ("conservation methods," "green organizations"), so the reader is able to see concretely the ideas the student is communicating.

Leaving Room for Discussion

This thesis statement is not capable of development or advancement in the paper:

Needs Improvement: There are always alternatives to illegal drug use.

This sample thesis statement makes a claim, but it is not a claim that will sustain extended discussion. This claim is the type of claim that might be appropriate for the conclusion of a paper, but in the beginning of the paper, the student is left with nowhere to go. What further points can be made? If there are "always alternatives" to the problem the student is identifying, then why bother developing a paper around that claim? Ideally, a thesis statement should be complex enough to explore over the length of the entire paper.

Better: The most effective treatment plan for methamphetamine addiction may be a combination of pharmacological and cognitive therapy, as argued by Baker (2008), Smith (2009), and Xavier (2011).

In the revised thesis, you can see the student make a specific, debatable claim that has the potential to generate several pages' worth of discussion. When drafting a thesis statement, think about the questions your thesis statement will generate: What follow-up inquiries might a reader have? In the first example, there are almost no additional questions implied, but the revised example allows for a good deal more exploration.

Thesis Mad Libs

If you are having trouble getting started, try using the models below to generate a rough model of a thesis statement! These models are intended for drafting purposes only and should not appear in your final work.

• In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert _____.
• While scholars have often argued ______, I argue______, because_______.
• Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which is important because_______.

Words to Avoid and to Embrace

When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize , and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing.

Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question , and interrogate . These more analytical words may help you begin strongly, by articulating a specific, critical, scholarly position.

Read Kayla's blog post for tips on taking a stand in a well-crafted thesis statement.

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Developing a Thesis Statement

Updated Jun 2022

A thesis statement defines the core elements involved in the question around which a research project is built. With it you can shape and implement a plan of action for conducting your research. You begin by creating one or more suppositions-or hypotheses-as to what the answer to that question might be. Think of them as preliminary thesis statements.

The difference between a preliminary and a final thesis can be thought of as the difference between:

"I don't know, but I'm thinking such and such." -and- "Trust me on this one thing."

A final thesis statement removes the doubt inherent in a preliminary thesis and provides a solid basis for your project. The rightness of you position will be advanced and argued in your research paper.

Creating a Preliminary Thesis Statement

Creating a preliminary thesis is the first step. For this, you must already have a research question. Examine it carefully and do a little brainstorming as to what the possible answer(s) might be: make some educated guesses and write them down.

You want to end up with a statement that isn't necessarily conclusive but gets you thinking and started on building one that is: a final statement around which your research can be focused. Let's use an environmental question fueling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling debate (circa 2006) to build a thesis statement.

Research Question: What is the impact of China's rapidly expanding economy on global oil markets and how does it affect the argument against drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Formulate a preliminary answer; add some supporting facts or observations-in this case both-as well as a preliminary conclusion, as in the following:

Preliminary Thesis Statement: The growth of China's rapidly expanding economy is radically changing the playing field in a global oil-market dominated for decades by the United States and Japan. Currently the second largest consumer of petroleum products in the world, China may very well become the largest, possibly importing as much as two-thirds of its requirement by 2025. This may be due to the growing Chinese auto market. It may also be due to an inability to meet established nuclear power plant construction targets. Regardless, the stakes are high. The question of where enough energy to satisfy global needs is going to come from cannot be downplayed. Despite the protests of environmental activists across the United States, the increasing needs of China to sustain their growing economy by contracting with nations deemed hostile by the United States may very well change the tone of the debate about drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It may tilt away from environmentalist conservation positions toward those who favor exploration and production.

This preliminary thesis provides some direction for your inquiry. In one short paragraph, four things are accomplished:

• A preliminary answer to the first part of a two-part question has been given: "China's economy is radically changing the global, oil-market playing-field."
• A hypothetical observation has been added: "In time, China might become the largest player in the field."
• A supporting fact is also added: "China is currently the second largest petroleum-product consumer in the world."
• Finally, a concluding supposition or hypothesis is suggested: "The tone of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling debate may change."

Reviewing the Preliminary Thesis Statement

Reviewing the preliminary thesis is the second step. In this example you'll notice that the preliminary statement is a little bit loose, a little broad. This is not unusual, and it's okay. It suggests too much information, but at least there is something with which to work.

In the example, the two-part question has both a "what" and a "how" component. The preliminary thesis briefly answers the "what" component, makes a credible observation regarding "why", and then suggests a hypothetical answer to the "how" component.

So, where did the "why" come from: that wasn't part of the original question? The interesting thing about questions is how often they lead to others. The important thing to note here is that an answer to an unasked question is a good indicator that something needs to be revised. And perhaps it's in the question itself. Sometimes a research question needs revising before the preliminary thesis can be revised. How about, something like this:

Revised Research Question: Why is the expanding Chinese economy exerting so much pressure on global oil markets and how will it affect the debate between corporate America and environmentalists over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Considering Your Purpose and Audience

Consider both your purpose and the interest of your audience next. Notice that the new question is more purpose driven. The inquiry is more specific. It asks: "Why" does one situation exist and "how" will it affect another? Notice that the "what" component has been removed, replaced by a fact and a rephrased question that incorporates the "why" component.

With a clearer purpose the interest of the audience will be much easier to hold. In this case, two groups with opposing views have been identified. Each has a vested interest in what you have to say. With a more purposeful question a more precise thesis can now be shaped.

Revised Preliminary Thesis Statement: Currently the second largest consumer of petroleum products in the world, China may very well become the largest, possibly importing as much as two-thirds of its requirement by 2025. This rapidly expanding demand for oil may be caused, in part, by their exploding automobile industry and, in part, by an inability to meet their nuclear power plant construction targets. Regardless, the stakes are high and oil resources are limited. With increased global competition, the demand will rapidly outpace current production capabilities in the oil producing nations. Such increased competition is going to seriously impact the current debate between environmentalists and corporate America regarding drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. And, in the end, the environmentalists may not like the outcome.

You can see that, with just a little tweaking, the preliminary thesis has taken on a sharper focus, one that will attract the attention of an audience that includes people on both sides of this divisive issue. It begins with a simple statement of fact supported by reasons that address the new "why" in the revised question. A very transparent conclusion suggesting the direction the research paper will take follows.

Considering the Scope of Your Thesis

Finally, consider the scope of your statement. There's still something a little bulky about the preliminary thesis. It's time to hone it down, narrow it to where the actual research won't be overwhelming. Here's a possibility:

Further Revised Preliminary Thesis Statement: China, currently the second largest consumer of petroleum products in the world, is poised to become the largest. Projections indicate that it will be importing as much as two-thirds of its nation's requirement by 2025. Regardless of the reasons for this-and there are many-global resources are limited as demand soars. With production capabilities in the oil producing nations maxed at current levels and increased competition from China to secure enough oil to sustain their economic growth, the current debate between environmentalists and corporate America over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is going to ratchet up a decibel or two. And the environmentalists are going to be hard-pressed to win the argument.

Converting Your Preliminary to a Final Thesis

Converting from a preliminary to a final thesis is the last step. You've come a long way. It's shorter, but still bulky. Let's set the first few sentences aside and tweak the last to see what happens.

Final Thesis Statement: With production capabilities in the oil producing nations maxed at their current levels, and increased competition from China to import that oil, the current debate between environmentalists and corporate America over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is going to ratchet up a decibel or two. And the environmentalists are going to be hard-pressed to win the argument.

An Even Better Final Thesis Statement: Environmentalists are likely to lose ground in the current debate over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as oil producing nations struggle to meet the increased demands of an emerging industrial China competing for limited supplies in the global oil market.

Okay. There you have it, a final thesis statement. The preliminary statement has been honed down and tightened up. And guess what? The sentences that were set aside, as well as all the others you have worked on during your revision, aren't a waste. They, or any combination of them, might make an excellent opening paragraph. You may want to include some version of your original research question, also. It's a great way to get started:

Plausible Opening Paragraph: China, currently the second largest consumer of petroleum products in the world, is poised to become the largest. Projections indicate that it will be importing as much as two-thirds of its nation's requirement by 2025. Regardless of the reasons for this-and there are many-global resources are limited as international demand soars. How will this affect the current debate between environmentalists and corporate America over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

Palmquist, Mike & Peter Connor. (2008). Developing a Thesis Statement. Writing@CSU . Colorado State University. https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=21

What Makes a Thesis Statement Spectacular? — 5 things to know

Table of Contents

What Is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a declarative sentence that states the primary idea of an essay or a research paper . In this statement, the authors declare their beliefs or what they intend to argue in their research study. The statement is clear and concise, with only one or two sentences.

Thesis Statement — An Essential in Thesis Writing

A thesis statement distills the research paper idea into one or two sentences. This summary organizes your paper and develops the research argument or opinion. The statement is important because it lets the reader know what the research paper will talk about and how the author is approaching the issue. Moreover, the statement also serves as a map for the paper and helps the authors to track and organize their thoughts more efficiently.

A thesis statement can keep the writer from getting lost in a convoluted and directionless argument. Finally, it will also ensure that the research paper remains relevant and focused on the objective.

Where to Include the Thesis Statement?

The thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction section of your essay or research paper. It usually consists of a single sentence of the writer’s opinion on the topic and provides a specific guide to the readers throughout the paper.

6 Steps to Write an Impactful Thesis Statement

Step 1 – analyze the literature.

Identify the knowledge gaps in the relevant research paper. Analyze the deeper implications of the author’s research argument. Was the research objective mentioned in the thesis statement reversed later in the discussion or conclusion? Does the author contradict themselves? Is there a major knowledge gap in creating a relevant research objective? Has the author understood and validated the fundamental theories correctly? Does the author support an argument without having supporting literature to cite? Answering these or related questions will help authors develop a working thesis and give their thesis an easy direction and structure.

Step 2 – Start with a Question

While developing a working thesis, early in the writing process, you might already have a research question to address. Strong research questions guide the design of studies and define and identify specific objectives. These objectives will assist the author in framing the thesis statement.

Step 3 – Develop the Answer

After initial research, the author could formulate a tentative answer to the research question. At this stage, the answer could be simple enough to guide the research and the writing process. After writing the initial answer, the author could elaborate further on why this is the chosen answer. After reading more about the research topic, the author could write and refine the answers to address the research question.

Step 4 – Write the First Draft of the Thesis Statement

After ideating the working thesis statement, make sure to write it down. It is disheartening to create a great idea for a thesis and then forget it when you lose concentration. The first draft will help you think clearly and logically. It will provide you with an option to align your thesis statement with the defined research objectives.

Step 5 – Anticipate Counter Arguments Against the Statement

After developing a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This list of arguments will help you refute the thesis later. Remember that every argument has a counterargument, and if yours does not have one, what you state is not an argument — it may be a fact or opinion, but not an argument.

Step 6 – Refine the Statement

Anticipating counterarguments will help you refine your statement further. A strong thesis statement should address —

• Why does your research hold this stand?
• What will readers learn from the essay?
• Are the key points of your argumentative or narrative?
• Does the final thesis statement summarize your overall argument or the entire topic you aim to explain in the research paper?

5 Tips to Create a Compelling Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a crucial part of any academic paper. Clearly stating the main idea of your research helps you focus on the objectives of your paper. Refer to the following tips while drafting your statement:

1. Keep it Concise

The statement should be short and precise. It should contain no more than a couple of sentences.

2. Make it Specific

The statement should be focused on a specific topic or argument. Covering too many topics will only make your paper weaker.

3. Express an Opinion

The statement should have an opinion on an issue or controversy. This will make your paper arguable and interesting to read.

4. Be Assertive

The statement should be stated assertively and not hesitantly or apologetically. Remember, you are making an argument — you need to sound convincing!

5. Support with Evidence

The thesis should be supported with evidence from your paper. Make sure you include specific examples from your research to reinforce your objectives.

Thesis Statement Examples *

Example 1 – alcohol consumption.

High levels of alcohol consumption have harmful effects on your health, such as weight gain, heart disease, and liver complications.

This thesis statement states specific reasons why alcohol consumption is detrimental. It is not required to mention every single detriment in your thesis.

Example 2 – Benefits of the Internet

The internet serves as a means of expediently connecting people across the globe, fostering new friendships and an exchange of ideas that would not have occurred before its inception.

While the internet offers a host of benefits, this thesis statement is about choosing the ability that fosters new friendships and exchange ideas. Also, the research needs to prove how connecting people across the globe could not have happened before the internet’s inception — which is a focused research statement.

*The following thesis statements are not fully researched and are merely examples shown to understand how to write a thesis statement. Also, you should avoid using these statements for your own research paper purposes.

A gripping thesis statement is developed by understanding it from the reader’s point of view. Be aware of not developing topics that only interest you and have less reader attraction. A harsh yet necessary question to ask oneself is — Why should readers read my paper? Is this paper worth reading? Would I read this paper if I weren’t its author?

A thesis statement hypes your research paper. It makes the readers excited about what specific information is coming their way. This helps them learn new facts and possibly embrace new opinions.

Writing a thesis statement (although two sentences) could be a daunting task. Hope this blog helps you write a compelling one! Do consider using the steps to create your thesis statement and tell us about it in the comment section below.

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9.1 Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

Learning objectives.

• Develop a strong, clear thesis statement with the proper elements.
• Revise your thesis statement.

Have you ever known a person who was not very good at telling stories? You probably had trouble following his train of thought as he jumped around from point to point, either being too brief in places that needed further explanation or providing too many details on a meaningless element. Maybe he told the end of the story first, then moved to the beginning and later added details to the middle. His ideas were probably scattered, and the story did not flow very well. When the story was over, you probably had many questions.

Just as a personal anecdote can be a disorganized mess, an essay can fall into the same trap of being out of order and confusing. That is why writers need a thesis statement to provide a specific focus for their essay and to organize what they are about to discuss in the body.

Just like a topic sentence summarizes a single paragraph, the thesis statement summarizes an entire essay. It tells the reader the point you want to make in your essay, while the essay itself supports that point. It is like a signpost that signals the essay’s destination. You should form your thesis before you begin to organize an essay, but you may find that it needs revision as the essay develops.

Elements of a Thesis Statement

For every essay you write, you must focus on a central idea. This idea stems from a topic you have chosen or been assigned or from a question your teacher has asked. It is not enough merely to discuss a general topic or simply answer a question with a yes or no. You have to form a specific opinion, and then articulate that into a controlling idea —the main idea upon which you build your thesis.

Remember that a thesis is not the topic itself, but rather your interpretation of the question or subject. For whatever topic your professor gives you, you must ask yourself, “What do I want to say about it?” Asking and then answering this question is vital to forming a thesis that is precise, forceful and confident.

A thesis is one sentence long and appears toward the end of your introduction. It is specific and focuses on one to three points of a single idea—points that are able to be demonstrated in the body. It forecasts the content of the essay and suggests how you will organize your information. Remember that a thesis statement does not summarize an issue but rather dissects it.

A Strong Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement contains the following qualities.

Specificity. A thesis statement must concentrate on a specific area of a general topic. As you may recall, the creation of a thesis statement begins when you choose a broad subject and then narrow down its parts until you pinpoint a specific aspect of that topic. For example, health care is a broad topic, but a proper thesis statement would focus on a specific area of that topic, such as options for individuals without health care coverage.

Precision. A strong thesis statement must be precise enough to allow for a coherent argument and to remain focused on the topic. If the specific topic is options for individuals without health care coverage, then your precise thesis statement must make an exact claim about it, such as that limited options exist for those who are uninsured by their employers. You must further pinpoint what you are going to discuss regarding these limited effects, such as whom they affect and what the cause is.

Ability to be argued. A thesis statement must present a relevant and specific argument. A factual statement often is not considered arguable. Be sure your thesis statement contains a point of view that can be supported with evidence.

Ability to be demonstrated. For any claim you make in your thesis, you must be able to provide reasons and examples for your opinion. You can rely on personal observations in order to do this, or you can consult outside sources to demonstrate that what you assert is valid. A worthy argument is backed by examples and details.

Forcefulness. A thesis statement that is forceful shows readers that you are, in fact, making an argument. The tone is assertive and takes a stance that others might oppose.

Confidence. In addition to using force in your thesis statement, you must also use confidence in your claim. Phrases such as I feel or I believe actually weaken the readers’ sense of your confidence because these phrases imply that you are the only person who feels the way you do. In other words, your stance has insufficient backing. Taking an authoritative stance on the matter persuades your readers to have faith in your argument and open their minds to what you have to say.

Even in a personal essay that allows the use of first person, your thesis should not contain phrases such as in my opinion or I believe . These statements reduce your credibility and weaken your argument. Your opinion is more convincing when you use a firm attitude.

On a separate sheet of paper, write a thesis statement for each of the following topics. Remember to make each statement specific, precise, demonstrable, forceful and confident.

• Texting while driving
• The legal drinking age in the United States
• Steroid use among professional athletes

Examples of Appropriate Thesis Statements

Each of the following thesis statements meets several of the following requirements:

• Specificity
• Ability to be argued
• Ability to be demonstrated
• Forcefulness
• The societal and personal struggles of Troy Maxon in the play Fences symbolize the challenge of black males who lived through segregation and integration in the United States.
• Closing all American borders for a period of five years is one solution that will tackle illegal immigration.
• Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony in Romeo and Juliet spoils the outcome for the audience and weakens the plot.
• J. D. Salinger’s character in Catcher in the Rye , Holden Caulfield, is a confused rebel who voices his disgust with phonies, yet in an effort to protect himself, he acts like a phony on many occasions.
• Compared to an absolute divorce, no-fault divorce is less expensive, promotes fairer settlements, and reflects a more realistic view of the causes for marital breakdown.
• Exposing children from an early age to the dangers of drug abuse is a sure method of preventing future drug addicts.
• In today’s crumbling job market, a high school diploma is not significant enough education to land a stable, lucrative job.

You can find thesis statements in many places, such as in the news; in the opinions of friends, coworkers or teachers; and even in songs you hear on the radio. Become aware of thesis statements in everyday life by paying attention to people’s opinions and their reasons for those opinions. Pay attention to your own everyday thesis statements as well, as these can become material for future essays.

Now that you have read about the contents of a good thesis statement and have seen examples, take a look at the pitfalls to avoid when composing your own thesis:

A thesis is weak when it is simply a declaration of your subject or a description of what you will discuss in your essay.

Weak thesis statement: My paper will explain why imagination is more important than knowledge.

A thesis is weak when it makes an unreasonable or outrageous claim or insults the opposing side.

Weak thesis statement: Religious radicals across America are trying to legislate their Puritanical beliefs by banning required high school books.

A thesis is weak when it contains an obvious fact or something that no one can disagree with or provides a dead end.

Weak thesis statement: Advertising companies use sex to sell their products.

A thesis is weak when the statement is too broad.

Weak thesis statement: The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging.

Read the following thesis statements. On a separate piece of paper, identify each as weak or strong. For those that are weak, list the reasons why. Then revise the weak statements so that they conform to the requirements of a strong thesis.

• The subject of this paper is my experience with ferrets as pets.
• The government must expand its funding for research on renewable energy resources in order to prepare for the impending end of oil.
• Edgar Allan Poe was a poet who lived in Baltimore during the nineteenth century.
• In this essay, I will give you lots of reasons why slot machines should not be legalized in Baltimore.
• Despite his promises during his campaign, President Kennedy took few executive measures to support civil rights legislation.
• Because many children’s toys have potential safety hazards that could lead to injury, it is clear that not all children’s toys are safe.
• My experience with young children has taught me that I want to be a disciplinary parent because I believe that a child without discipline can be a parent’s worst nightmare.

Writing at Work

Often in your career, you will need to ask your boss for something through an e-mail. Just as a thesis statement organizes an essay, it can also organize your e-mail request. While your e-mail will be shorter than an essay, using a thesis statement in your first paragraph quickly lets your boss know what you are asking for, why it is necessary, and what the benefits are. In short body paragraphs, you can provide the essential information needed to expand upon your request.

Thesis Statement Revision

Your thesis will probably change as you write, so you will need to modify it to reflect exactly what you have discussed in your essay. Remember from Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” that your thesis statement begins as a working thesis statement , an indefinite statement that you make about your topic early in the writing process for the purpose of planning and guiding your writing.

Working thesis statements often become stronger as you gather information and form new opinions and reasons for those opinions. Revision helps you strengthen your thesis so that it matches what you have expressed in the body of the paper.

The best way to revise your thesis statement is to ask questions about it and then examine the answers to those questions. By challenging your own ideas and forming definite reasons for those ideas, you grow closer to a more precise point of view, which you can then incorporate into your thesis statement.

Ways to Revise Your Thesis

You can cut down on irrelevant aspects and revise your thesis by taking the following steps:

1. Pinpoint and replace all nonspecific words, such as people , everything , society , or life , with more precise words in order to reduce any vagueness.

Working thesis: Young people have to work hard to succeed in life.

Revised thesis: Recent college graduates must have discipline and persistence in order to find and maintain a stable job in which they can use and be appreciated for their talents.

The revised thesis makes a more specific statement about success and what it means to work hard. The original includes too broad a range of people and does not define exactly what success entails. By replacing those general words like people and work hard , the writer can better focus his or her research and gain more direction in his or her writing.

2. Clarify ideas that need explanation by asking yourself questions that narrow your thesis.

Working thesis: The welfare system is a joke.

Revised thesis: The welfare system keeps a socioeconomic class from gaining employment by alluring members of that class with unearned income, instead of programs to improve their education and skill sets.

A joke means many things to many people. Readers bring all sorts of backgrounds and perspectives to the reading process and would need clarification for a word so vague. This expression may also be too informal for the selected audience. By asking questions, the writer can devise a more precise and appropriate explanation for joke . The writer should ask himself or herself questions similar to the 5WH questions. (See Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” for more information on the 5WH questions.) By incorporating the answers to these questions into a thesis statement, the writer more accurately defines his or her stance, which will better guide the writing of the essay.

3. Replace any linking verbs with action verbs. Linking verbs are forms of the verb to be , a verb that simply states that a situation exists.

Working thesis: Kansas City schoolteachers are not paid enough.

Revised thesis: The Kansas City legislature cannot afford to pay its educators, resulting in job cuts and resignations in a district that sorely needs highly qualified and dedicated teachers.

The linking verb in this working thesis statement is the word are . Linking verbs often make thesis statements weak because they do not express action. Rather, they connect words and phrases to the second half of the sentence. Readers might wonder, “Why are they not paid enough?” But this statement does not compel them to ask many more questions. The writer should ask himself or herself questions in order to replace the linking verb with an action verb, thus forming a stronger thesis statement, one that takes a more definitive stance on the issue:

• Who is not paying the teachers enough?
• What is considered “enough”?
• What is the problem?
• What are the results

4. Omit any general claims that are hard to support.

Working thesis: Today’s teenage girls are too sexualized.

Revised thesis: Teenage girls who are captivated by the sexual images on MTV are conditioned to believe that a woman’s worth depends on her sensuality, a feeling that harms their self-esteem and behavior.

It is true that some young women in today’s society are more sexualized than in the past, but that is not true for all girls. Many girls have strict parents, dress appropriately, and do not engage in sexual activity while in middle school and high school. The writer of this thesis should ask the following questions:

• Which teenage girls?
• What constitutes “too” sexualized?
• Why are they behaving that way?
• Where does this behavior show up?
• What are the repercussions?

In the first section of Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” , you determined your purpose for writing and your audience. You then completed a freewriting exercise about an event you recently experienced and chose a general topic to write about. Using that general topic, you then narrowed it down by answering the 5WH questions. After you answered these questions, you chose one of the three methods of prewriting and gathered possible supporting points for your working thesis statement.

Now, on a separate sheet of paper, write down your working thesis statement. Identify any weaknesses in this sentence and revise the statement to reflect the elements of a strong thesis statement. Make sure it is specific, precise, arguable, demonstrable, forceful, and confident.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.

In your career you may have to write a project proposal that focuses on a particular problem in your company, such as reinforcing the tardiness policy. The proposal would aim to fix the problem; using a thesis statement would clearly state the boundaries of the problem and tell the goals of the project. After writing the proposal, you may find that the thesis needs revision to reflect exactly what is expressed in the body. Using the techniques from this chapter would apply to revising that thesis.

Key Takeaways

• Proper essays require a thesis statement to provide a specific focus and suggest how the essay will be organized.
• A thesis statement is your interpretation of the subject, not the topic itself.
• A strong thesis is specific, precise, forceful, confident, and is able to be demonstrated.
• A strong thesis challenges readers with a point of view that can be debated and can be supported with evidence.
• A weak thesis is simply a declaration of your topic or contains an obvious fact that cannot be argued.
• Depending on your topic, it may or may not be appropriate to use first person point of view.
• Revise your thesis by ensuring all words are specific, all ideas are exact, and all verbs express action.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Tips on writing a thesis statement: composing compelling thesis statements.

College-level courses demand a solid grasp of writing concepts, and some students arrive at Intro to Composition unprepared to write a high-quality essay. Teachers tend to give a bit more slack at the high school level, but college professors are often much more exacting. That’s why excellent writing skills are crucial to the majority of college courses — even outside the English department. 

One of the most important elements to master is the thesis statement. A strong thesis statement is at the root of all writing, from op-eds to research papers. It’s an essential element of any persuasive piece; something we look for without even thinking about it. A convincing, attention-grabbing thesis statement keeps the reader engaged — and lets them know where the piece is headed. 

Having a few tips and tricks in your toolbox can help you to make a convincing academic argument every time.

What is a Thesis Statement?

First, the basics. A thesis statement is a sentence or two that states the main idea of a writing assignment. It also helps to control the ideas presented within the paper. However, it is not merely a topic. It often reflects a claim or judgment that a writer has made about a reading or personal experience. For instance: Tocqueville believed that the domestic role most women held in America was the role that gave them the most power, an idea that many would hotly dispute today. 

Every assignment has a question or prompt. It’s important that your thesis statement answers the question. For the above thesis statement, the question being answered might be something like this: Why was Tocqueville wrong about women? If your thesis statement doesn’t answer a question, you’ll need to rework your statement.

Where Will I Use Thesis Statements?

Writing an exceptional thesis statement is a skill you’ll need both now and in the future, so you’ll want to be confident in your ability to create a great one. Whether in academic, professional, or personal writing, a strong thesis statement enhances the clarity, effectiveness, and impact of the overall message. Here are some real-world examples that demonstrate the importance of composing an outstanding thesis statement:

• Academic writing. The success of academic research papers depends on an exceptional thesis statement. Along with establishing the focus of the paper, it also provides you with direction in terms of research. The thesis sets a clear intention for your essay, helping the reader understand the argument you’re presenting and why the evidence and analysis support it.
• Persuasive writing. Persuasive writing depends on an excellent thesis statement that clearly defines the author’s position. Your goal is to persuade the audience to agree with your thesis. Setting an explicit stance also provides you with a foundation on which to build convincing arguments with relevant evidence.
• Professional writing. In the business and marketing world, a sound thesis statement is required to communicate a project’s purpose. Thesis statements not only outline a project’s unique goals but can also guide the marketing team in creating targeted promotional strategies.

Where Do Thesis Statements Go? 

A good practice is to put the thesis statement at the end of your introduction so you can use it to lead into the body of your paper. This allows you, as the writer, to lead up to the thesis statement instead of diving directly into the topic. Placing your thesis here also sets you up for a brief mention of the evidence you have to support your thesis, allowing readers a preview of what’s to come.

A good introduction conceptualizes and anticipates the thesis statement, so ending your intro with your thesis makes the most sense. If you place the thesis statement at the beginning, your reader may forget or be confused about the main idea by the time they reach the end of the introduction. 

What Makes a Strong Thesis Statement?

A quality thesis statement is designed to both inform and compel. Your thesis acts as an introduction to the argument you’ll be making in your paper, and it also acts as the “hook”. Your thesis should be clear and concise, and you should be ready with enough evidence to support your argument. 

There are several qualities that make for a powerful thesis statement, and drafting a great one means considering all of them: 

A strong thesis makes a clear argument .

A thesis statement is not intended to be a statement of fact, nor should it be an opinion statement. Making an observation is not sufficient — you should provide the reader with a clear argument that cohesively summarizes the intention of your paper.

Originality is important when possible, but stick with your own convictions. Taking your paper in an already agreed-upon direction doesn’t necessarily make for compelling reading. Writing a thesis statement that presents a unique argument opens up the opportunity to discuss an issue in a new way and helps readers to get a new perspective on the topic in question. Again, don’t force it. You’ll have a harder time trying to support an argument you don’t believe yourself.

A strong thesis statement gives direction .

If you lack a specific direction for your paper, you’ll likely find it difficult to make a solid argument for anything. Your thesis statement should state precisely what your paper will be about, as a statement that’s overly general or makes more than one main point can confuse your audience. 

A specific thesis statement also helps you focus your argument — you should be able to discuss your thesis thoroughly in the allotted word count. A thesis that’s too broad won’t allow you to make a strong case for anything.

A strong thesis statement provides proof.

Since thesis statements present an argument, they require support. All paragraphs of the essay should explain, support, or argue with your thesis. You should support your thesis statement with detailed evidence that will interest your readers and motivate them to continue reading the paper.

Sometimes it is useful to mention your supporting points in your thesis. An example of this could be: John Updike's Trust Me is a valuable novel for a college syllabus because it allows the reader to become familiar with his writing and provides themes that are easily connected to other works. In the body of your paper, you could write a paragraph or two about each supporting idea. If you write a thesis statement like this, it will often help you to keep control of your ideas.

A strong thesis statement prompts discussion .

Your thesis statement should stimulate the reader to continue reading your paper. Many writers choose to illustrate that the chosen topic is controversial in one way or another, which is an effective way to pull in readers who might agree with you and those who don’t! 

The ultimate point of a thesis statement is to spark interest in your argument. This is your chance to grab (and keep) your reader’s attention, and hopefully, inspire them to continue learning about the topic.

Testing Your Thesis Statement

Because your thesis statement is vital to the quality of your paper, you need to ensure that your thesis statement posits a cohesive argument. Once you’ve come up with a working thesis statement, ask yourself these questions to further refine your statement: 

• Is it interesting ? If your thesis is dull, consider clarifying your argument or revising it to make a connection to a relatable issue. Again, your thesis statement should draw the reader into the paper.
• Is it specific enough ? If your thesis statement is too broad, you won’t be able to make a persuasive argument. If your thesis contains words like “positive” or “effective”, narrow it down. Tell the reader why something is “positive”. What in particular makes something “effective”?
• Does it answer the question ? Review the prompt or question once you’ve written your working thesis and be sure that your thesis statement directly addresses the given question.
• Does my paper successfully support my thesis statement ? If you find that your thesis statement and the body of your paper don’t mesh well, you’re going to have to change one of them. But don’t worry too much if this is the case — writing is intended to be revised and reworked.
• Does my thesis statement present the reader with a new perspective? Is it a fresh take on an old idea? Will my reader learn something from my paper? If your thesis statement has already been widely discussed, consider if there’s a fresh angle to take before settling.
• Finally, am I happy with my thesis ? If not, you may have difficulty writing your paper. Composing an essay about an argument you don’t believe in can be more difficult than taking a stand for something you believe in.

Quick Tips for Writing Thesis Statements

If you’re struggling to come up with a thesis statement, here are a few tips you can use to help:

• Know the topic. The topic should be something you know or can learn about. It is difficult to write a thesis statement, let alone a paper, on a topic that you know nothing about. Reflecting on personal experience and/or researching your thesis topic thoroughly will help you present more convincing information about your statement.
• Brainstorm. If you are having trouble beginning your paper or writing your thesis, take a piece of paper and write down everything that comes to mind about your topic. Did you discover any new ideas or connections? Can you separate any of the things you jotted down into categories? Do you notice any themes? Think about using ideas generated during this process to shape your thesis statement and your paper.
• Phrase the topic as a question. If your topic is presented as a statement, rephrasing it as a question can make it easier to develop a thesis statement.
• Limit your topic. Based on what you know and the required length of your final paper, limit your topic to a specific area. A broad scope will generally require a longer paper, while a narrow scope can be sufficiently proven by a shorter paper.

Writing Thesis Statements: Final Thoughts

The ability to compose a strong thesis statement is a skill you’ll use over and over again during your college days and beyond. Compelling persuasive writing is important, whether you’re writing an academic essay or putting together a professional pitch. 

If your thesis statement-writing skills aren’t already strong, be sure to practice before diving into college-level courses that will test your skills. If you’re currently looking into colleges, Gustavus Adolphus offers you the opportunity to refine your writing skills in our English courses and degree program . Explore Gustavus Adolphus’ undergraduate majors here .

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How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Conclusion

Published on September 6, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 20, 2023.

The conclusion is the very last part of your thesis or dissertation . It should be concise and engaging, leaving your reader with a clear understanding of your main findings, as well as the answer to your research question .

In it, you should:

• Clearly state the answer to your main research question
• Summarize and reflect on your research process
• Make recommendations for future work on your thesis or dissertation topic
• Show what new knowledge you have contributed to your field
• Wrap up your thesis or dissertation

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Table of contents

Discussion vs. conclusion, how long should your conclusion be, step 1: answer your research question, step 2: summarize and reflect on your research, step 3: make future recommendations, step 4: emphasize your contributions to your field, step 5: wrap up your thesis or dissertation, full conclusion example, conclusion checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about conclusion sections.

While your conclusion contains similar elements to your discussion section , they are not the same thing.

Your conclusion should be shorter and more general than your discussion. Instead of repeating literature from your literature review , discussing specific research results , or interpreting your data in detail, concentrate on making broad statements that sum up the most important insights of your research.

As a rule of thumb, your conclusion should not introduce new data, interpretations, or arguments.

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Depending on whether you are writing a thesis or dissertation, your length will vary. Generally, a conclusion should make up around 5–7% of your overall word count.

An empirical scientific study will often have a short conclusion, concisely stating the main findings and recommendations for future research. A humanities dissertation topic or systematic review , on the other hand, might require more space to conclude its analysis, tying all the previous sections together in an overall argument.

Your conclusion should begin with the main question that your thesis or dissertation aimed to address. This is your final chance to show that you’ve done what you set out to do, so make sure to formulate a clear, concise answer.

• Don’t repeat a list of all the results that you already discussed
• Do synthesize them into a final takeaway that the reader will remember.

An empirical thesis or dissertation conclusion may begin like this:

A case study –based thesis or dissertation conclusion may begin like this:

In the second example, the research aim is not directly restated, but rather added implicitly to the statement. To avoid repeating yourself, it is helpful to reformulate your aims and questions into an overall statement of what you did and how you did it.

Your conclusion is an opportunity to remind your reader why you took the approach you did, what you expected to find, and how well the results matched your expectations.

To avoid repetition , consider writing more reflectively here, rather than just writing a summary of each preceding section. Consider mentioning the effectiveness of your methodology , or perhaps any new questions or unexpected insights that arose in the process.

You can also mention any limitations of your research, but only if you haven’t already included these in the discussion. Don’t dwell on them at length, though—focus on the positives of your work.

• While x limits the generalizability of the results, this approach provides new insight into y .
• This research clearly illustrates x , but it also raises the question of y .

You may already have made a few recommendations for future research in your discussion section, but the conclusion is a good place to elaborate and look ahead, considering the implications of your findings in both theoretical and practical terms.

• Based on these conclusions, practitioners should consider …
• To better understand the implications of these results, future studies could address …
• Further research is needed to determine the causes of/effects of/relationship between …

When making recommendations for further research, be sure not to undermine your own work. Relatedly, while future studies might confirm, build on, or enrich your conclusions, they shouldn’t be required for your argument to feel complete. Your work should stand alone on its own merits.

Just as you should avoid too much self-criticism, you should also avoid exaggerating the applicability of your research. If you’re making recommendations for policy, business, or other practical implementations, it’s generally best to frame them as “shoulds” rather than “musts.” All in all, the purpose of academic research is to inform, explain, and explore—not to demand.

Make sure your reader is left with a strong impression of what your research has contributed to the state of your field.

Some strategies to achieve this include:

• Returning to your problem statement to explain how your research helps solve the problem
• Referring back to the literature review and showing how you have addressed a gap in knowledge
• Discussing how your findings confirm or challenge an existing theory or assumption

Again, avoid simply repeating what you’ve already covered in the discussion in your conclusion. Instead, pick out the most important points and sum them up succinctly, situating your project in a broader context.

The end is near! Once you’ve finished writing your conclusion, it’s time to wrap up your thesis or dissertation with a few final steps:

• It’s a good idea to write your abstract next, while the research is still fresh in your mind.
• Next, make sure your reference list is complete and correctly formatted. To speed up the process, you can use our free APA citation generator .
• Once you’ve added any appendices , you can create a table of contents and title page .
• Finally, read through the whole document again to make sure your thesis is clearly written and free from language errors. You can proofread it yourself , ask a friend, or consider Scribbr’s proofreading and editing service .

Here is an example of how you can write your conclusion section. Notice how it includes everything mentioned above:

V. Conclusion

The current research aimed to identify acoustic speech characteristics which mark the beginning of an exacerbation in COPD patients.

The central questions for this research were as follows: 1. Which acoustic measures extracted from read speech differ between COPD speakers in stable condition and healthy speakers? 2. In what ways does the speech of COPD patients during an exacerbation differ from speech of COPD patients during stable periods?

All recordings were aligned using a script. Subsequently, they were manually annotated to indicate respiratory actions such as inhaling and exhaling. The recordings of 9 stable COPD patients reading aloud were then compared with the recordings of 5 healthy control subjects reading aloud. The results showed a significant effect of condition on the number of in- and exhalations per syllable, the number of non-linguistic in- and exhalations per syllable, and the ratio of voiced and silence intervals. The number of in- and exhalations per syllable and the number of non-linguistic in- and exhalations per syllable were higher for COPD patients than for healthy controls, which confirmed both hypotheses.

However, the higher ratio of voiced and silence intervals for COPD patients compared to healthy controls was not in line with the hypotheses. This unpredicted result might have been caused by the different reading materials or recording procedures for both groups, or by a difference in reading skills. Moreover, there was a trend regarding the effect of condition on the number of syllables per breath group. The number of syllables per breath group was higher for healthy controls than for COPD patients, which was in line with the hypothesis. There was no effect of condition on pitch, intensity, center of gravity, pitch variability, speaking rate, or articulation rate.

This research has shown that the speech of COPD patients in exacerbation differs from the speech of COPD patients in stable condition. This might have potential for the detection of exacerbations. However, sustained vowels rarely occur in spontaneous speech. Therefore, the last two outcome measures might have greater potential for the detection of beginning exacerbations, but further research on the different outcome measures and their potential for the detection of exacerbations is needed due to the limitations of the current study.

Checklist: Conclusion

I have clearly and concisely answered the main research question .

I have summarized my overall argument or key takeaways.

I have mentioned any important limitations of the research.

I have given relevant recommendations .

I have clearly explained what my research has contributed to my field.

I have  not introduced any new data or arguments.

You've written a great conclusion! Use the other checklists to further improve your dissertation.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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In a thesis or dissertation, the discussion is an in-depth exploration of the results, going into detail about the meaning of your findings and citing relevant sources to put them in context.

The conclusion is more shorter and more general: it concisely answers your main research question and makes recommendations based on your overall findings.

While it may be tempting to present new arguments or evidence in your thesis or disseration conclusion , especially if you have a particularly striking argument you’d like to finish your analysis with, you shouldn’t. Theses and dissertations follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the discussion section and results section .) The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

For a stronger dissertation conclusion , avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the discussion section and results section
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion …”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g., “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation should include the following:

• A restatement of your research question
• A summary of your key arguments and/or results
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

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George, T. & McCombes, S. (2023, November 20). How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Conclusion. Scribbr. Retrieved April 8, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/write-conclusion/

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25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a Breeze

Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the major keys to writing a great research paper or argumentative essay. The thesis statement is where you make a claim that will guide you through your entire paper. If you find yourself struggling to make sense of your paper or your topic, then it's likely due to a weak thesis statement.

Let's take a minute to first understand what makes a solid thesis statement, and what key components you need to write one of your own.

A thesis statement always goes at the beginning of the paper. It will typically be in the first couple of paragraphs of the paper so that it can introduce the body paragraphs, which are the supporting evidence for your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should clearly identify an argument. You need to have a statement that is not only easy to understand, but one that is debatable. What that means is that you can't just put any statement of fact and have it be your thesis. For example, everyone knows that puppies are cute . An ineffective thesis statement would be, "Puppies are adorable and everyone knows it." This isn't really something that's a debatable topic.

Something that would be more debatable would be, "A puppy's cuteness is derived from its floppy ears, small body, and playfulness." These are three things that can be debated on. Some people might think that the cutest thing about puppies is the fact that they follow you around or that they're really soft and fuzzy.

All cuteness aside, you want to make sure that your thesis statement is not only debatable, but that it also actually thoroughly answers the research question that was posed. You always want to make sure that your evidence is supporting a claim that you made (and not the other way around). This is why it's crucial to read and research about a topic first and come to a conclusion later. If you try to get your research to fit your thesis statement, then it may not work out as neatly as you think. As you learn more, you discover more (and the outcome may not be what you originally thought).

Additionally, your thesis statement shouldn't be too big or too grand. It'll be hard to cover everything in a thesis statement like, "The federal government should act now on climate change." The topic is just too large to actually say something new and meaningful. Instead, a more effective thesis statement might be, "Local governments can combat climate change by providing citizens with larger recycling bins and offering local classes about composting and conservation." This is easier to work with because it's a smaller idea, but you can also discuss the overall topic that you might be interested in, which is climate change.

So, now that we know what makes a good, solid thesis statement, you can start to write your own. If you find that you're getting stuck or you are the type of person who needs to look at examples before you start something, then check out our list of thesis statement examples below.

Thesis statement examples

A quick note that these thesis statements have not been fully researched. These are merely examples to show you what a thesis statement might look like and how you can implement your own ideas into one that you think of independently. As such, you should not use these thesis statements for your own research paper purposes. They are meant to be used as examples only.

• Vaccinations Because many children are unable to vaccinate due to illness, we must require that all healthy and able children be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity.
• Educational Resources for Low-Income Students Schools should provide educational resources for low-income students during the summers so that they don't forget what they've learned throughout the school year.
• School Uniforms School uniforms may be an upfront cost for families, but they eradicate the visual differences in income between students and provide a more egalitarian atmosphere at school.
• Populism The rise in populism on the 2016 political stage was in reaction to increasing globalization, the decline of manufacturing jobs, and the Syrian refugee crisis.
• Public Libraries Libraries are essential resources for communities and should be funded more heavily by local municipalities.
• Cyber Bullying With more and more teens using smartphones and social media, cyber bullying is on the rise. Cyber bullying puts a lot of stress on many teens, and can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Parents should limit the usage of smart phones, monitor their children's online activity, and report any cyber bullying to school officials in order to combat this problem.
• Medical Marijuana for Veterans Studies have shown that the use of medicinal marijuana has been helpful to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Medicinal marijuana prescriptions should be legal in all states and provided to these veterans. Additional medical or therapy services should also be researched and implemented in order to help them re-integrate back into civilian life.
• Work-Life Balance Corporations should provide more work from home opportunities and six-hour workdays so that office workers have a better work-life balance and are more likely to be productive when they are in the office.
• Teaching Youths about Consensual Sex Although sex education that includes a discussion of consensual sex would likely lead to less sexual assault, parents need to teach their children the meaning of consent from a young age with age appropriate lessons.
• Whether or Not to Attend University A degree from a university provides invaluable lessons on life and a future career, but not every high school student should be encouraged to attend a university directly after graduation. Some students may benefit from a trade school or a "gap year" where they can think more intensely about what it is they want to do for a career and how they can accomplish this.
• Studying Abroad Studying abroad is one of the most culturally valuable experiences you can have in college. It is the only way to get completely immersed in another language and learn how other cultures and countries are different from your own.
• Women's Body Image Magazines have done a lot in the last five years to include a more diverse group of models, but there is still a long way to go to promote a healthy woman's body image collectively as a culture.
• Cigarette Tax Heavily taxing and increasing the price of cigarettes is essentially a tax on the poorest Americans, and it doesn't deter them from purchasing. Instead, the state and federal governments should target those economically disenfranchised with early education about the dangers of smoking.
• Veganism A vegan diet, while a healthy and ethical way to consume food, indicates a position of privilege. It also limits you to other cultural food experiences if you travel around the world.
• University Athletes Should be Compensated University athletes should be compensated for their service to the university, as it is difficult for these students to procure and hold a job with busy academic and athletic schedules. Many student athletes on scholarship also come from low-income neighborhoods and it is a struggle to make ends meet when they are participating in athletics.
• Women in the Workforce Sheryl Sandberg makes a lot of interesting points in her best-selling book, Lean In , but she only addressed the very privileged working woman and failed to speak to those in lower-skilled, lower-wage jobs.
• Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide should be legal and doctors should have the ability to make sure their patients have the end-of-life care that they want to receive.
• Celebrity and Political Activism Although Taylor Swift's lyrics are indicative of a feminist perspective, she should be more politically active and vocal to use her position of power for the betterment of society.
• The Civil War The insistence from many Southerners that the South seceded from the Union for states' rights versus the fact that they seceded for the purposes of continuing slavery is a harmful myth that still affects race relations today.
• Blue Collar Workers Coal miners and other blue-collar workers whose jobs are slowly disappearing from the workforce should be re-trained in jobs in the technology sector or in renewable energy. A program to re-train these workers would not only improve local economies where jobs have been displaced, but would also lead to lower unemployment nationally.
• Diversity in the Workforce Having a diverse group of people in an office setting leads to richer ideas, more cooperation, and more empathy between people with different skin colors or backgrounds.
• Re-Imagining the Nuclear Family The nuclear family was traditionally defined as one mother, one father, and 2.5 children. This outdated depiction of family life doesn't quite fit with modern society. The definition of normal family life shouldn't be limited to two-parent households.
• Digital Literacy Skills With more information readily available than ever before, it's crucial that students are prepared to examine the material they're reading and determine whether or not it's a good source or if it has misleading information. Teaching students digital literacy and helping them to understand the difference between opinion or propaganda from legitimate, real information is integral.
• Beauty Pageants Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower women. However, putting women in a swimsuit on a stage while simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an impossible question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the amusement of men. Therefore, we should stop televising beauty pageants.
• Supporting More Women to Run for a Political Position In order to get more women into political positions, more women must run for office. There must be a grassroots effort to educate women on how to run for office, who among them should run, and support for a future candidate for getting started on a political career.

Still stuck? Need some help with your thesis statement?

If you are still uncertain about how to write a thesis statement or what a good thesis statement is, be sure to consult with your teacher or professor to make sure you're on the right track. It's always a good idea to check in and make sure that your thesis statement is making a solid argument and that it can be supported by your research.

After you're done writing, it's important to have someone take a second look at your paper so that you can ensure there are no mistakes or errors. It's difficult to spot your own mistakes, which is why it's always recommended to have someone help you with the revision process, whether that's a teacher, the writing center at school, or a professional editor such as one from ServiceScape .

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