If you have to write a short essay or dissertation for a PhD, the thesis statement can be the hardest sentence to formulate. An effective thesis affirms the purpose of the text and consequently has the goal of controlling, defining and structuring the entire argument. Without a solid thesis, the argument could be weak, devoid of direction and interest to the reader.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Understand what it is
Step 1. State the thesis statement correctly
This sentence conveys to the reader the points and / or arguments you intend to cover in the essay. Since it tells the audience the direction of your argument or analysis and how you will interpret the importance of the subject, its function is to offer a map. In other words, a thesis statement answers the question: "What is the text about?". Here are other features:
- A thesis statement is a statement, not a fact or observation. Facts are used in the text to support the thesis.
- The thesis takes on a perspective, which means it introduces your position on a particular topic.
- The thesis is the main idea and explains the topics you intend to discuss.
- It answers a specific question and explains how you intend to support your argument.
- A thesis is questionable. The reader should be able to argue from an alternate position or support your point of view.
Step 2. Express it right
The thesis statement must be identified as such. You can do this by using a very distinctive tone, as well as specific types of expressions and words. Use words like "why" and clear, defined language.
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Here are some examples of thesis statements characterized by good language:
- "After William the Conqueror's English campaign, the territory developed the strength and culture that would lead it to build the British Empire."
- "Hemingway significantly changed literature by standardizing a simplistic style and a blunt tone."
Write a Thesis Statement Step 2 Step 3. Insert the thesis statement in the right place
Due to its role, the thesis appears at the beginning of a text, usually at the end of the first paragraph or at a point in the introduction. Although many look for it at the end of the first paragraph, its location depends on several factors, such as the length that the introduction must have before you can present the thesis or the overall length of the text.
Write a Thesis Statement Step 3 Step 4. Limit your thesis statement to a sentence or two in length
It must be clear and straight to the point: this allows the reader to identify the topic and direction of the essay, but also your position on the subject.
Method 2 of 4: Find the Perfect Thesis Statement
Write a Thesis Statement Step 4 Step 1. Choose a topic that interests you
It must be the first step to write the essay and the thesis statement, because all the direction of the text will depend on the subject you are talking about. Unfortunately, if the topic has been assigned to you, you must skip this step.
Write a Thesis Statement Step 5 Step 2. Explore the topic
The goal of this passage is to find a particular and specific theme within a broad subject on which you can structure an argument. For example, consider the topic of computers. There are many aspects of this topic that need to be explored, such as hardware, software, and programming. However, vague issues, such as that of computer science in general, do not allow you to create good thesis statements. Instead, more specific issues, such as Steve Jobs' effects on today's computer industry, offer a much clearer focus.
Write a Thesis Statement Step 6 Step 3. Know the type, purpose, and audience of the essay
They are usually defined by the professor, but even if you have the possibility to choose them yourself, keep in mind that they will have a considerable impact on the thesis statement. If you have to write a persuasive essay, your goal must be to demonstrate something to a specific group in order to convince them. If you have to write a descriptive essay, the purpose must be to describe something to specific readers. The objective of the text must be expressed in the thesis statement.
Method 3 of 4: Write It Well
Write a Thesis Statement Step 7 Step 1. The thesis statement must address the objective of the text in a specific way
You should deal with a single issue in detail, so that the various points are fully supported in the body of the essay. Consider the following examples:
- "During the American Civil War, both sides fought because of slavery; the North did it for moral reasons, while the South did so to protect its institutions."
- "The main problem of the American metallurgical industry is the lack of funds to renovate obsolete plants and equipment."
- "Hemingway's stories contributed to the creation of a new style of prose through the use of long dialogues, concise sentences and powerful Anglo-Saxon words."
Write a Thesis Statement Step 9 Step 2. Start with a question
Regardless of the complexity of the topic, almost any thesis statement can be constructed by answering a question. For example, imagine that your teacher has assigned you an essay in which you have to talk about why computers would be useful in fourth grade. Turn this sentence into a question, such as "What are the benefits of using computers in fourth grade?" Then, he formulates a sentence that will serve as a thesis statement: "The potential benefits of using computers in fourth grade are…".
Write a Thesis Statement Step 10 Step 3. Follow a rigid structure
Knowing the basic formulas will not only allow you to write a thesis of acceptable length, it will also help you understand how you should organize the whole argument. The thesis should contain two parts:
- A clear topic or subject.
- A brief summary of what you will say.
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A thesis statement can also be considered a formula or scheme that combines your ideas in a practical and functional way:
- [Something] [does something else] due to [certain reasons].
- Due to [certain reasons], [something] [does something else].
- Despite [certain evidence to the contrary], [certain reasons] show that [something] [does something else].
- The latter example includes a counter-argument, which complicates the thesis statement but strengthens the argument. In fact, you should always be aware of all counter-arguments in opposition to your thesis. This passage refines the thesis and also forces you to consider the arguments you have to refute in the text.
588571 11 Step 4. Write the thesis
Writing a preliminary thesis will put you on the right path and will force you to reflect, further develop your ideas and clarify the content of the text. You will be able to think about the thesis logically, clearly and concisely.
There are two schools of thought on writing a thesis. According to some, one should not write the text without first having established a concrete thesis, even if it were to alter slightly at the end. Others believe that it is difficult to predict the conclusions that will be drawn once the text is finished, so they argue that the thesis should not be drafted until it is certain. Do what you think is best for you
Method 4 of 4: Improving a Thesis
588571 12 Step 1. Analyze the thesis statement once you think you have a solid or final version
The point is to make sure you prevent mistakes that can undermine the thesis. To get a better idea of what to do and avoid, consider the following:
- Never formulate the thesis in the form of a question. The task of a thesis is to answer a question, not ask one.
- A thesis is not a list. If you intend to answer a specific question, inserting too many variables would lose the focus of the text. The thesis must be short and concise.
- Never name a topic you don't intend to discuss in the essay.
- Don't write in the first person. Using phrases like "I will prove that …" is generally frowned upon by professors.
- Don't be argumentative. The point of the essay is to convince someone of your position, not to irritate them. The best way to do this is to get him to listen to you. Show open-mindedness with your tone, seeking common ground despite differing points of view.
588571 13 Step 2. Remember that the thesis doesn't have to be absolute
A thesis is in progress and can sometimes change. As you write the essay, you may realize that your views have changed or that the direction has shifted slightly. Consequently, be sure to constantly re-read the thesis, compare it to the text, and make the appropriate changes so that it is consistent. Once you have finished writing, review the thesis and determine if it needs another correction.
Advice
- Imagine that the thesis is like a case defended by a lawyer. A thesis statement should explain to readers the "case" you intend to deal with and how you will do it. You can also imagine it is a contract. Presenting new ideas that the reader is not ready for could be alienating.
- An effective thesis statement checks the whole argument. Determine what you cannot say. If a paragraph does not support the thesis, omit it or change the thesis.
