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Handout created by Kristen Gay
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Ten Tips for Impressive Thesis Statements
In most research papers, the thesis statement represents the writer’s overall argument for the paper, which will
be supported and developed in each paragraph. Having a strong or weak thesis can make a significant difference
in how well the writer states his/her claim and defends it, and it can also influence how well the reader
understands and follows this argument. Below, ten tips for constructing, placing, supporting, and developing an
impressive thesis statement are explained:
1. Strong thesis statements are arguable. This means that a reasonable person could potentially disagree with
your claim. To test this, try to think of potential counter-arguments. If you can find several that seem
plausible, then your thesis statement is probably an argument, rather than a simple statement. Try to
make your thesis statement provocative. While it is not necessary to be controversial, and you certainly
should not try to offend readers, try to think of an argument that will be strong and memorable.
2. Strong thesis statements tell your reader what the topic is. The thesis statement is a good time to clarify
what the rest of your paper will be about. What topic and which points will be focused on throughout the
paper?
3. Strong thesis statements tell the reader your stance on the topic. Remember: the beginning of the paper is
usually not the time to treat your argument as a mystery. Instead, ensure that your reader understands
both (1) your topic and (2) your stance on the topic from the very beginning, so they will understand
how each paragraph fits into your overall argument. In argumentative papers that allow you to use first
person, it is great to use verbs like argue, contend, posit, or claim to clearly state your position on the
issue. These verbs act as “signal words” that show the reader when you are making your argument.
4. Strong thesis statements are insightful. This means that strong thesis statements look at the topic in a
different way, and provide insights into the topic that might not be obvious.
5. Strong thesis statements are complex. A strong thesis statement will be complex enough to sustain
development throughout the paper. If you only have one or two points to make in regards to your thesis,
can you add details to your argument in order to give yourself “more to write about” as you support it?
6. Strong thesis statements are clearly written. Strive to make the thesis statement clear as its own statement.
A way to ensure that the thesis makes sense is to remove it from your paper and read it separately. While
it probably makes more sense in context, what do you understand from the sentence when it is taken as
its own argument? Does your argument still seem clear? Avoid cryptic or vague points and strive for
clarity and specificity instead.
7. Strong thesis statements are about a sentence long. While there is not a rule for how long thesis
statements can be, in general, you should try to capture your argument for the paper in a sentence. If you
cannot write the thesis in a sentence, try to further hone in on your major claim.
8. Strong thesis statements are found in the introduction paragraph. In general, thesis statements for
research papers should be found in the first paragraph of the paper. Personal narratives are the exception
to this rule; for these assignments, thesis statements might come at the end of the essay. For
research papers, however, the thesis statement should come in the introduction so the reader understands
how each paragraph supports your stance on the issue (see number 3).
9. Strong thesis statements are supported with background information in the introduction. Often, the
strongest thesis statements are not merely “dropped in” to the first paragraph. They are developed
throughout the introduction, where background information, a discussion of relevant information about
the topic, and a “build up” to the argument can be used to ensure that the reader fully understands the
thesis statement. This also ensures that the reader has some knowledge of the topic, so they can better
place your argument in the discussion.
10. Strong thesis statements are supported by each paragraph’s main point. A thesis statement is not a
stand-alone sentence; it sets up the argument that will be developed in each paragraph. Once you have
written your thesis statement, make sure that each paragraph’s main point clearly supports the thesis.
Additionally, ensure that each supporting paragraph develops and advances the thesis in some way.
Also, try to answer the “so what?” question by reiterating the thesis statement in the conclusion. Why
does your argument matter? To whom does it matter? Why does it matter now?
Sample Thesis: Consider the following example of a weak and strong thesis statement.
Weak thesis: Many Americans are unhealthy. This thesis statement is probably not arguable, it is not
specific
(unhealthy in what ways?), and it is not insightful or complex. It is, however, one sentence long,
and it does generally state the writer’s topic and stance on the topic.
Now, consider the following stronger thesis statement that uses the attributes of strong thesis statements given
above:
Strong thesis: Many U.S. women are unhealthy because of toxins in beauty products, so the United States
should institute harsher testing for makeup products that are carried in Sephora stores nationwide. This
thesis statement is arguable because many people might disagree with several aspects of this argument.
This thesis is specific because it states a specific type of products to be discussed (beauty products) at a
specific store (Sephora), a specific group who might be at risk (women), and a specific call to action
(harsher testing should be instituted). The thesis is complex because it suggests several points of
discussion and development that will follow in the supporting paragraphs (the reader might assume that
a discussion of Sephora’s current product testing policies, unhealthy products, women as a consumer
group, and harsher testing policies will follow).
How might this thesis be made more insightful? To make the thesis more insightful, the writer might focus
on how the store should ban products that are tested on animals, since that would not be the most expected
claim.
Exercise: Now that you are more familiar with attributes of strong thesis statements, try creating an argument
based on these tips. This exercise can still be useful if you already have a thesis statement that you’d like to
strengthen. Just adapt this process to revise the paper.
1. Write (or review) your introductory paragraph. Capture background information and a general discussion of
relevant points about your topic.
2. Write your thesis statement near/at the end of this paragraph. Run it through the criteria for effective thesis
statements. (Is it arguable? Insightful? Does it tell your reader about the topic/ your stance on the topic?
Is it specific? Complex? Is it clearly written? Is it about a sentence long?) Adapt your statement so that it
fulfills each of these attributes of a strong thesis.
3. Once you are satisfied with your thesis statement, briefly outline (or summarize) the main points for each of
the subsequent paragraphs. Does each paragraph have a point that clearly supports your argument? If
not, can the points be adjusted to do so?
4. If/once each of the main points in the paper does support the thesis, ensure that you have developed the thesis
in each body paragraph. Try not to simply restate your argument; instead, work on making new points
about it based on each supporting point, and try to complicate your argument in relation to each
paragraph.
*Note: While these tips can be helpful in writing research papers, remember that they are not prescriptive for all
assignments. Use these tips as they seem useful to you, and remember to check with your instructor about
conventions for thesis statements in your classroom and field.