Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is a one to two sentence claim near the beginning of your paper. This powerful little sentence has the power to structure your paper, assist your reader, and challenge the opposition. It is the reason for the paper and the primary way that you make your voice heard.

How do I start on a thesis statement?

While it may seem small, a thesis statement takes careful preparation and detailed research:

  • After you have decided on a topic and done your research, you still have to contemplate the problems, solutions, and/or causes surrounding your topic.
  • Then, ask yourself what you believe is the best course of action, according to your research and beliefs.
  • Next, be confident! Remember, the thesis statement (and the whole paper) is your voice, so do not be afraid to make a claim. If you do not make a claim, you cannot see if it works or not.
  • Do not be afraid of revision. A thesis statement usually changes a few times before the author is completely happy with it. You have to be sure that it matches your argument, what you want to say, and what your research shows.