Thesis statements

* Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is one or two sentences in your essay's first paragraph that state your central idea/argument. Its function in an essay/research paper is similar to that of the topic sentence in a paragraph. It should:
- assert one main idea on the topic
- be clearly stated, using simple and direct language
- be grounded in a clearly established context (ie your ideas must be given in terms of clear real-life examples and events, and not remain abstract).
- assert a position and challenge the reader (ie state a clear argument and make the reader want to continue reading)

For a very good guide on how to write a strong thesis statement, including good examples of weak and strong statements see here.
Also see Handout p.293 and Diana Hacker, p.113.

Review the examples of strong Thesis statements on the University of Indiana website and in Diana Hacker, pp 113-4. How do your sentences compare? How can you improve them.

Remember, the Thesis Statement will give your reader the key to your essay. It should also challenge them and get them interested in reading on. The thesis statement you write this week is likely to change as you research your topic more deeply. Having a good idea now of your thesis will help guide your research.