How to write a thesis statement

Are you struggling to nail down the central argument of your essay or research paper? Look no further!

Whether you’re a seasoned academic or a newbie writer, our step-by-step guide will equip you with the tools you need to take your thesis statement game to the next level. Let’s get started!

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a concise and clear declaration that summarizes the main point or argument of an essay. It is usually found in the introductory paragraph and informs the reader about the purpose of the paper or essay.

The thesis statement should be specific and focused, and it should reflect the writer’s position on the topic. A good thesis statement provides direction and structure to the paper. 

Thesis statement example

Introduction

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among adolescents. While social media platforms provide various benefits such as enhancing communication and connectivity, they have also been linked to negative mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This paper aims to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health among adolescents, and argues that social media use has a detrimental effect on the mental well-being of young people. Thesis statement

Why do you need a thesis statement?

  • To help coordinate and refine your case
  • To give your reader a “roadmap” to your argument
  • To put your thoughts to the test by condensing them into a sentence or two

Now, let’s continue with the steps of writing a good thesis statement.

Step 1: Ask yourself a question

After choosing your essay’s topic, simply ask yourself a question. Upon some research, create a partial response to this question. 

You may need different questions to ask yourself for various types of essays. Now let’s have a look at question examples to ask yourself.

  • Is the death penalty a viable option?
  • What are the outcomes of substance abuse?​
  • To what point are women in Othello portrayed differently than they are today? ​

These questions lead you to think about a number of points, therefore helping you craft your thesis statement more easily. 

Step 2: Write your first answer

While answering the question, you’ll take your first step into creating your thesis statement. Your answer will take you to a working thesis for your essay and will lead your study. 

For an argumentative essay,

  • Is the death penalty a viable option?

The death penalty is not a viable option because there is little reliable indication that the death penalty is more successful than lengthy jail sentences in deterring violence.​​

For an expository essay,

  • What are the outcomes of substance abuse?

Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and psychosis are typical side effects of substance abuse.

Step 3: Keep working on your answer

Now keep working on your answers by considering your position and reasons to support it. 

For your answer to “Is the death penalty a viable option?” Your developed thesis sentence could look like this: 

Argumentative thesis statement in progress

The death penalty is not a viable option Your position because there is little reliable indication that the death penalty is more effective than lengthy jail sentences in deterring violence. Reasons

For the expository essay thesis statement, consider highlighting the topic and key points.

For your answer to “What are the outcomes of substance abuse?​” Your developed thesis sentence could look like this: 

Expository thesis statement in progress

Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and psychosis Key points are typical side effects of substance abuse. Topic

Step 4: Finish your thesis statement

Now you need to think about why you chose this answer and how you can persuade your reader to agree with you. Your answer can be even more detailed during the writing now that you’ve researched your topic. 

So for argumentative essay, your answer could be a thesis like this one:

Argumentative thesis statement

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)
....(introduction continues)
The death penalty should be abolished because evidence shows that it is not a more effective deterrent to violent crime than lengthy prison sentences. Thesis statement

And for your answer to expository question, the final thesis statement would look like: 

Expository thesis statement

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)
....(introduction continues)
The psychological side effects of substance abuse, including depression, anxiety, mood swings, and psychosis, can have a significant impact on individuals and society in terms of mental health and overall well-being. Thesis statement

Strong vs. weak thesis statements

A strong thesis statement should clearly state your point of view on a subject.

If you’re writing a report for a health class, you may be asked to review a common weight-loss product. And here is a couple of weak and strong thesis statements to analyze. 

  • The Strawberry Herb Tea Supplement has both positive and negative qualities.
  • Strawberry Herb Tea Supplement poses a risk to consumers because it encourages rapid weight loss, which results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass.

Only one key argument should be stated in a strong thesis statement. If the thesis statement has more than one key argument, the reader can become confused about the subject.

  • Companies can take advantage of the Internet’s marketing power, and Facebook accounts can serve as both advertisements and customer service.
  • Since the Internet has so much marketing power, businesses can take advantage of it by creating Facebook accounts that provide both advertisement and customer service.

Observation and analysis method

One method for composing a thesis statement is to use the observation and analysis method. It’s considered one of best methods to create a thesis statement. Keep in mind that the method is also great for topic sentences, which are the first few sentences of a body paragraph.

Observation

Proof, accurate facts, or a decision that your audience can readily agree with.

Analysis

Your examination, stance, or perspective on the observation, which your audience may or may not agree with.

Overall, the analysis is debatable and argumentative, while the observation provides proof or logic to back up the analysis.   

Observation and analysis in thesis statement example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)
Through close observation of bird behavior in urban environments Observation and analysis of scientific studies on the subject, Analysis it can be determined that the presence of skyscrapers and other man-made structures negatively impacts bird migration patterns.

Key takeaways

Dos and don'ts of writing a thesis statement

  • Be as precise as possible about the points you’ll make in your paper.
  • Illustrate the overall theme of the essay in your thesis statement.
  • Break the sentences up when it becomes too long.
  • DON’T be obscure or confusing.
  • DON’T make a list of each body paragraph’s subject.
  • DON’T try to put too many thoughts into one sentence.

General misconceptions on thesis statements

  • The thesis statement must be at the end of the introduction paragraph
This is a good place to put a thesis statement, but it isn’t the only one. Some theses may be expressed in the first few sentences of an essay; some require a paragraph or two of introduction, and some may not be completely formed until the end.
  • No matter how many clauses it comprises, a thesis statement must be one sentence long
What matters the most is that you make a clear statement. If you need more than one sentence, use two or three.
  • You can’t begin writing an essay unless you’ve written a strong thesis statement
While it’s a good idea to draft a thesis argument early on in a major project, refining a thesis is an integral part of working your way through your thoughts.
  • You must give three supporting points in a thesis statement

The key points suggest that the essay would justify and support their claim, but they do not have to be in any particular number.

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Ibrahim Akturk
Content editor at Tamara Research. Translation major, huge coffee and baking nerd. Addicted to good music and great articles.

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