A Closer Look at Thesis Statements
How do I write a thesis statement?
1. Identify a topic. Know what kind of thesis statement is needed.
Always consult with your professor if you have any questions regarding your assignment or what is
expected of you from the prompt. Here are some generic examples of what certain types of papers are
looking for.
Proposal Paper
A thesis should
identify a problem
and propose a
solution.
Example: Because
recycling bins are not
used properly on some
college campuses, colleges
should provide each room
with its own designated
recycling bins.
Evaluation Paper
A thesis should provide
criteria that will be used to
establish the effectiveness of
what is being evaluated (a
judgment).
Example: Bridesmaids is an example
of a romantic comedy because it
has strong character development
which, in turn, allows the movie
plot to escalate with conflict
between two romantically-involved
protagonists, but still end happily.
Rhetorical Analysis
A thesis should include
whether the author’s
argument is effective
based upon logical
fallacies, rhetorical
devices (such as pathos,
ethos, and logos), writing
style, etc.
Example: The author makes a
compelling argument that
encourages readers to take
action because he clearly
establishes his credibility, there
are few logical fallacies, and
appeals to the reader through
satire.
Research Paper
A thesis should state
your position on an issue
and preview evidence
that is used in supporting
your position.
Example: Facebook can
damage a student’s academic
career because it encourages
incorrect grammar, it is an
easy distraction, and it can
lead to other internet
distractions.
2. Take a stand.
If you do not know what you need to defend, you will not be able to make your thesis arguable. For
your thesis to be arguable, you should make it clear that you have taken a position on a topic that is
debatable. For example, “Indiana is east of Illinois” would not be a good thesis statement because it is a
fact. On the other hand, “Indiana is not as fun as Illinois” would be a better thesis because people can
disagree on the topic.
If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you have an arguable thesis.
[ ] Can a reasonable person disagree with my thesis statement?
[ ] Can I find evidence to support my thesis?
[ ] Is my thesis specific?
[ ] Is my thesis NOT a fact, an opinion, or a question?
NOTE: For more information, see the Bedford Handbook, pp. 19-21.
3. Construct a working thesis.
Begin to focus your ideas into a central idea that will be defended with evidence throughout the duration
of your paper. The thesis statement will usually be placed at the end of your first paragraph. Follow
these guidelines in constructing your thesis.
[ ] Your thesis should be clear and specific.
o Both WHAT you are saying and HOW you are saying should be clear.
[
[
] Your thesis should be applicable to your audience, meaning you should be
telling your reader pertinent information for what you will be discussing,
and sometimes, why they should listen to what you have to say. You should
identify your audience by understanding why you are writing (to inform, to
persuade, to entertain, etc.), considering how informed your audience is of
your topic, and your relationship to your readers. (NOTE: For more
information, see the Bedford Handbook, pp. 3, 10).
] Your thesis should answer the prompt you are given. If you are unsure
whether or not you are on the right track, consult your professor or a
writing tutor at the Writing Center.
NOTE: For more information, see the Bedford Handbook, pp. 19-21.
4. Revise your thesis.
As you are writing your paper, sometimes your ideas will change and the outline of your paper will be
different. When you are finished writing your paper – or while you are you are writing your paper –
reread your thesis statement and be sure that it is still supported throughout your paper. Keep in mind
that your thesis points the reader in a specific direction, and the more you draft, the more specific your
thesis can be.
NOTE: For more information, see the Bedford Handbook, pp. 19-21, 46.
How do I know if I have a strong thesis?
What a thesis should be:
How to get it there:
Your thesis should be of applicable length to the
prompt.
Concise
Too long: Can I take out unnecessary words?
Too short: Will the reader ask “so what?”,
“why?”, or “how?”
Your thesis should be written in a way that
makes it easy to understand. Both HOW you say
Clear
it and WHAT you say are important. Reread
your thesis aloud to check the clarity.
Your thesis statement should be focused. It
should demand attention, answer the prompt,
Compelling
allow for disagreement, and be supported by
evidence.
NOTE: For more information, see the Bedford Handbook, pp. 27.
Finally, if you still have questions, visit the Writing Center.
Located on the 3rd floor of Mellinger
Mon-Thurs 3PM-5PM
Sun-Thurs 7PM-10PM
CAC, Professor Draxler and Durante, The Bedford Handbook and http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/ , 2012