what's a nuanced thesis

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What defines a "nuanced" thesis or conclusion?

"Nuance" describes subtle differences, generally referring to color, tone, or meaning. But what does this difference exactly refer to in the context of a thesis? For example, if my thesis is "nuanced," what does my thesis have subtle differences from ? Is this referring to "theses in general," and therefore meaning that my thesis is original by its subtle differences, but similar to many arguments made on the subject?

Or, does this mean that my thesis handles many similar but slightly different ways to interpret the subject it is talking about?

Or, perhaps, does this mean that my thesis talks about a subject, but has "slight differences" from a simple answer to the question—that is, the thesis answers the given prompt on the subject, but is structured with "subtle differences" such that it answers more than what the given prompt asks you to answer?

Edit: A fourth interpretation came to mind: does this mean that the ideas within my thesis are subtly different from each other ?

The context for this is that I am studying for the ACT, and one of the criteria for "Ideas and Analysis" part of the rubric says that "the argument’s thesis [should reflect] nuance and precision in thought and purpose."

If my thesis should reflect nuance in thought and purpose, and nuance is defined as "subtle difference," what exactly should my thought and purpose reflect subtle difference from ? I'm assuming this is stating that my thought and purpose should be subtly different from the thoughts and purpose of "people in general" (whatever that means), but when I search for examples of a "nuanced thesis," I am unsure as to whether this interpretation of the word in this context is right.

Here is an example given by hateessays.com :

The example: “Q: The main purpose of a film is to entertain the audience. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?.” You can argue ‘yes, the main purpose of a film is to entertain the audience’ by using examples of humour, suspense etc. You can also argue ‘no, the purpose of a film is not to entertain -it’s to educate’. Or you could go as far as saying ‘the purpose of a film is to indoctrinate – or solely to make money’. Those are extreme positions, though – good luck arguing them. A nuanced argument: elegant and sophisticated. one nuanced argument would be to define “entertain[ing] an audience” to include feelings of horror and pity, as well as happiness.

From this, it seems my third interpretation of what "nuanced" is supposed to mean is correct. In this usage of the word, what do "nuanced" things have subtle differences from ?

'nuanced' allows qualifications. – Mitch Commented Dec 7, 2016 at 16:30
2 Here's a stab at an answer. A nuanced thesis explores the subtle differences, as opposed to being subtly different from another thesis. If it only looks at one 'variant', it's not nuanced . If it looks at more than one, and explains why or how they are (subtly) different, it's nuanced . – Lawrence Commented Dec 7, 2016 at 16:43

2 Answers 2

I would delve past the word nuanced, to the quality of subtlety .

A nuanced thesis, argument, or debate of any kind possesses "subtle distinction or variation" in its details, borrowing the first sense described by Merriam-Webster .

Then I would turn to the second sense of subtle : "having or marked by keen insight and ability to penetrate deeply and thoroughly [Example: a subtle scholar]", by Merriam-Webster again; emphasis added at "deeply and thoroughly".

This means that you should avoid a superficial treatment of the topic, and do not over-simplify or choose between false dichotomies . In that linked Wikipedia article, heed the advice that there "may be a position that is between two extremes (such as when there are shades of grey)" — nuances , in other words — or consider a completely different and novel alternative, and be prepared to answer the most serious counter-arguments of more than one viewpoint .

A nuanced thesis acknowledges all the complexities and shades of meaning present to the topic. Any solution or answer you develop may create unintended consequences and new problems, and a nuanced thinker tries to anticipate those and adequately address them.

Remember, the ACT rubric also calls for precision of thought , so the writer must aim to sift through all those subtle differences (discerning what is central and what is peripheral), finally reaching a conclusion which answers at least part of a question or conflict.

I've read theses which attached caveats to their findings, admitting how their conclusion may not be broadly applicable in other situations. Some also acknowledge lingering questions which require further inquiry or discussion, outside the scope of your original thesis and so to be taken up in a separate work or by another writer/researcher.

The ACT writing test scoring rubric states, in the "Score 6" section on Ideas and Analysis:

The argument's thesis reflects nuance and precision in thought and purpose.

Merriam-Webster defines " nuance " as

(1) a subtle distinction or variation; (2) a subtle quality; (3) sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value)

If you think about sense 3 above, there's no requirement for there to be difference or variation from anything in particular. I would think that this is the sense of "nuance" you should be paying attention to, and is what the example you gave from hateessays.com reflects.

I think you may have made your question more complicated for yourself than it needs to be by assuming that there must be something that the thesis is compared to. If you read through the rubric and look at the entirety of the "Score 6" section on Ideas and Analysis, you will see more about what ACT is looking for, and the third sense of "nuance" above should fit the bill.

1 Katherine's link to the ACT rubric was helpful. It's interesting to see what key words distinguish the highest score of 6 from lower proficiency levels. Certain key elements are required: engaging with multiple perspectives; establishing a context; the presence in the work of implications, complexities, tensions, and underlying assumptions; expression of thought and purpose. My own answer emphasized multiple viewpoints and the anticipation of unintended consequences — ACT's "implications" and "tensions" are better terms. All the marks of a subtle writer. – Randy Tillman Commented Dec 7, 2016 at 23:59

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Writing conclusions.

Though expectations vary from one discipline to the next, the conclusion of your paper is generally a place to explore the implications of your topic or argument. In other words, the end of your paper is a place to look outward or ahead in order to explain why you made the points you did.

Writing the Conclusion

In the past, you may have been told that your conclusion should summarize what you have already said by restating your thesis and main points. It is often helpful to restate your argument in the conclusion, particularly in a longer paper, but most professors and instructors want students to go beyond simply repeating what they have already said. Restating your thesis is just a short first part of your conclusion. Make sure that you are not simply repeating yourself; your restated thesis should use new and interesting language.

After you have restated your thesis, you should not just summarize the key points of your argument. Your conclusion should offer the reader something new to think about—or, at the very least, it should offer the reader a new way of thinking about what you have said in your paper.

You can employ one of several strategies for taking your conclusion that important step further:

Answer the question, "So what?"
Connect to a larger theme from the course
Complicate your claim with an outside source
Pose a new research question as a result of your paper's findings
Address the limitations of your argument

The strategy you employ in writing a conclusion for your paper may depend upon a number of factors:

The conventions of the discipline in which you are writing
The tone of your paper (whether your paper is analytical, argumentative, explanatory, etc.)
Whether your paper is meant to be formal or informal

Choose a strategy that best maintains the flow and tone of your paper while allowing you to adequately tie together all aspects of your paper.

The Final "So what?" Strategy

Part of generating a thesis statement sometimes requires answering the "so what?" question—that is, explaining the significance of your basic assertion. When you use the "so what?" strategy to write your conclusion, you are considering what some of the implications of your argument might be beyond the points already made in your paper. This strategy allows you to leave readers with an understanding of why your argument is important in a broader context or how it can apply to a larger concept.

For example, consider a paper about alcohol abuse in universities. If the paper argues that alcohol abuse among students depends more on psychological factors than simply the availability of alcohol on campus, a "so what?" conclusion might tie together threads from the body of the paper to suggest that universities are not approaching alcohol education from the most effective perspective when they focus exclusively on limiting students' access to alcohol.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "How does my argument affect how I approach the text or issue?"

The "Connecting to a Course Theme" Strategy

When you use the "connecting to a course theme" strategy to write your conclusion, you are establishing a connection between your paper's thesis and a larger theme or idea from the course for which you are writing your paper.

For example, consider a paper about mothers and daughters in Eudora Welty's Delta Wedding for a class called "The Inescapable South." This paper argues that a strong dependence on the mother is analogous to a strong dependence on the South. A "connecting to a course theme" conclusion for this paper might propose that Welty's daughter characters demonstrate what type of people can and cannot escape the South.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "What is an overall theme of this course? How does my paper's thesis connect?"

The "Complicating Your Claim" Strategy

When you use the "complicating your claim" strategy to write your conclusion, you are using one or more additional resources to develop a more nuanced final thesis. Such additional resources could include a new outside source or textual evidence that seemingly contradicts your argument.

For example, consider a paper about Ireland's neutrality during World War II. This paper argues that Ireland refused to enter the war because it wanted to assert its sovereignty, not because it had no opinion about the conflict. A "complicating your claim" conclusion for this paper might provide historical evidence that Ireland did aid the Allies, suggesting that the Irish were more influenced by international diplomacy than their formal neutrality might suggest.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "Is there any evidence against my thesis?" or "What does an outside source have to say about my thesis?"

The "Posing a New Question" Strategy

When you use the "posing a new question" strategy to write your conclusion, you are inviting the reader to consider a new idea or question that has appeared as a result of your argument.

For example, consider a paper about three versions of the folktale "Rapunzel." This paper argues that German, Italian, and Filipino versions of "Rapunzel" all vary in terms of characterization, plot development, and moral, and as a result have different themes. A "posing a new question" conclusion for this paper might ask the historical and cultural reasons for how three separate cultures developed such similar stories with such different themes.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "What new question has developed out of my argument?"

The "Addressing Limitations" Strategy

When you use the "addressing limitations" strategy to write your conclusion, you are discussing the possible weaknesses of your argument and, thus, the fallibility of your overall conclusion. This strategy is often useful in concluding papers on scientific studies and experiments.

For example, consider a paper about an apparent correlation between religious belief and support for terrorism. An "addressing limitations" conclusion for this paper might suggest that the apparent correlation relies on the paper's definition of "terrorism" and, since the definition is not objective, the apparent correlation might have been wrongly identified.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "In what aspects is my argument lacking? Are there circumstances in which my conclusions might be wrong?"

Polishing Your Conclusion—and Your Paper

After you've completed your conclusion, look over what you have written and consider making some small changes to promote clarity and originality:

Unless your discipline requires them, remove obvious transitions like "in conclusion," "in summary," and "in result" from your conclusion; they get in the way of the actual substance of your conclusion.
Consider taking a strong phrase from your conclusion and using it as the title or subtitle of your paper.

Also, be sure to proofread your conclusion carefully for errors and typos. You should double-check your entire paper for accuracy and correct spelling as well.

Produced by Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

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12 Constructing the Thesis and Argument from the Ground Up

Amy Guptill; Liz Delf; Rob Drummond; and Kristy Kelly

Amy Guptill Adapted by Liz Delf, Rob Drummond, and Kristy Kelly

Moving beyond the five-paragraph theme.

As an instructor, I’ve noted that a number of new (and sometimes not-so-new) students are skilled wordsmiths and generally clear thinkers but are nevertheless stuck in a high school style of writing. They struggle to let go of certain assumptions about how an academic paper should be. Some students who have mastered that form, and enjoyed a lot of success from doing so, assume that college writing is simply more of the same. The skills that go into a very basic kind of essay—often called the five-paragraph theme —are indispensable. If you’re good at the five-paragraph theme, then you’re good at identifying a clearfl and consistent thesis, arranging cohesive paragraphs, organizing evidence for key points, and situating an argument within a broader context through the intro and conclusion.

In college you need to build on those essential skills. The five-paragraph theme, as such, is bland and formulaic; it doesn’t compel deep thinking. Your instructors are looking for a more ambitious and arguable thesis, a nuanced and compelling argument, and real-life evidence for all key points, all in an organically structured paper.

Figures 12.1 and 12.2 contrast the standard five-paragraph theme and the organic college paper. The five-paragraph theme (outlined in figure 12.1 ) is probably what you’re used to: the introductory paragraph starts broad and gradually narrows to a thesis, which readers expect to find at the very end of that paragraph. In this idealized format, the thesis invokes the magic number of three: three reasons why a statement is true. Each of those reasons is explained and justified in the three body paragraphs, and then the final paragraph restates the thesis before gradually getting broader. This format is easy for readers to follow, and it helps writers organize their points and the evidence that goes with them. That’s why you learned this format.

In contrast, figure 12.2 represents a paper on the same topic that has the more organic form expected in college. The first key difference is the thesis. Rather than simply positing a number of reasons to think that something is true, it puts forward an arguable statement: one with which a reasonable person might disagree. An arguable thesis gives the paper purpose. It surprises readers and draws them in. You hope your reader thinks, “Huh. Why would they come to that conclusion?” and then feels compelled to read on. The body paragraphs, then, build on one another to carry out this ambitious argument. In the classic five-paragraph theme ( figure 12.1 ), it hardly matters which of the three reasons you explain first or second. In the more organic structure ( figure 12.2 ), each paragraph specifically leads to the next.

The last key difference is seen in the conclusion. Because the organic essay is driven by an ambitious, nonobvious argument, the reader comes to the concluding section thinking, “OK, I’m convinced by the argument. What do you, author, make of it? Why does it matter?” The conclusion of an organically structured paper has a real job to do. It doesn’t just reiterate the thesis; it explains why the thesis matters.

The substantial time you spent mastering the five-paragraph form in figure 12.1 was time well spent; it’s hard to imagine anyone succeeding with the more organic form without the organizational skills and habits of mind inherent in the simpler form. (And it is worth noting that there are limited moments in college where the five-paragraph structure is still useful—in-class essay exams, for example.) But if you assume that you must adhere rigidly to the simpler form, you’re blunting your intellectual ambition. Your instructors will not be impressed by obvious theses, loosely related body paragraphs, and repetitive conclusions. They want you to undertake an ambitious independent analysis, one that will yield a thesis that is somewhat surprising and challenging to explain.

The Three-Story Thesis

From the ground up.

You have no doubt been drilled on the need for a thesis statement and its proper location at the end of the introduction. And you also know that all of the key points of the paper should clearly support the central driving thesis. Indeed, the whole model of the five-paragraph theme hinges on a clearly stated and consistent thesis. However, some students are surprised—and dismayed—when some of their early college papers are criticized for not having a good thesis. Their instructor might even claim that the paper doesn’t have a thesis when, in the author’s view, it clearly does. So what makes a good thesis in college?

Version A: Linen served as a form of currency in the ancient Mediterranean world, connecting rival empires through circuits of trade.
Version B: Linen served as a form of currency in the ancient Mediterranean world, connecting rival empires through circuits of trade. The economic role of linen raises important questions about how shifting environmental conditions can influence economic relationships and, by extension, political conflicts.

How do you produce a good, strong thesis? And how do you know when you’ve gotten there? Many instructors and writers embrace a metaphor based on this passage by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (1809–1894). He compares a good thesis to a three-story building:

There are one-story intellects, two-story intellects, and three-story intellects with skylights. All fact collectors who have no aim beyond their facts are one-story men. Two-story men compare, reason, generalize using the labor of fact collectors as their own. Three-story men idealize, imagine, predict—their best illumination comes from above the skylight. (50)

In other words,

One-story theses state inarguable facts. What’s the background?
Two-story theses bring in an arguable (interpretive or analytical) point . What is your argument?
Three-story theses nest that point within its larger, compelling implications . Why does it matter?

Thesis: that’s the word that pops at me whenever I write an essay. Seeing this word in the prompt scared me and made me think to myself, “Oh great, what are they really looking for?” or “How am I going to make a thesis for a college paper?” When rehearing that I would be focusing on theses again in a class, I said to myself, “Here we go again!” But after learning about the three-story thesis, I never had a problem with writing another thesis. In fact, I look forward to being asked on a paper to create a thesis.

Timothée Pizarro

writing student

The biggest benefit of the three-story metaphor is that it describes a process for building a thesis. To build the first story or level, you first have to get familiar with the complex, relevant facts surrounding the problem or question. You have to be able to describe the situation thoroughly and accurately. Then with that first story built, you can layer on the second story by formulating the insightful, arguable point that animates the analysis. That’s often the most effortful part: brainstorming, elaborating and comparing alternative ideas, finalizing your point. With that specified, you can frame up the third story by articulating why the point you make matters beyond its particular topic or case.

The concept of a three-story thesis framework was the most helpful piece of information I gained from the writing component of DCC 100. The first time I utilized it in a college paper, my professor included “good thesis” and “excellent introduction” in her notes and graded it significantly higher than my previous papers. You can expect similar results if you dig deeper to form three-story theses. More importantly, doing so will make the actual writing of your paper more straightforward as well. Arguing something specific makes the structure of your paper much easier to design.

Peter Farrell

In the course of developing your central, argumentative point, you’ll come to recognize its larger context; in this example, you may claim that online learning can serve to better integrate higher education with the rest of society, as online learners bring their educational and career experiences together. Here is an example:

The final thesis would be all three of these pieces together. These stories build on one another; they don’t replace the previous story. Here’s another example of a three-story thesis:

Here’s one more example:

A thesis statement that stops at the first story isn’t usually considered a thesis . A two-story thesis is usually considered competent, though some two-story theses are more intriguing and ambitious than others. A thoughtfully crafted and well-informed three-story thesis puts the author on a smooth path toward an excellent paper.

Three-Story Theses and the Organically Structured Argument

The three-story thesis is a beautiful thing. For one, it gives a paper authentic momentum. The first paragraph doesn’t just start with some broad, vague statement; every sentence is crucial for setting up the thesis. The body paragraphs build on one another, moving through each step of the logical chain. Each paragraph leads inevitably to the next, making the transitions from paragraph to paragraph feel wholly natural. The conclusion, instead of being a mirror-image paraphrase of the introduction, builds out the third story by explaining the broader implications of the argument. It offers new insight without departing from the flow of the analysis.

I should note here that a paper with this kind of momentum often reads like it was knocked out in one inspired sitting. But in reality, just like accomplished athletes, artists, and musicians, masterful writers make the difficult thing look easy. As writer Anne Lamott notes, reading a well-written piece feels like its author sat down and typed it out, “bounding along like huskies across the snow.” However, she continues,

This is just the fantasy of the uninitiated. I know some very great writers, writers you love who write beautifully and have made a great deal of money, and not one of them sits down routinely feeling wildly enthusiastic and confident. Not one of them writes elegant first drafts. All right, one of them does, but we do not like her very much. (21)

Experienced writers don’t figure out what they want to say and then write it. They write in order to figure out what they want to say.

Experienced writers develop theses in dialogue with the body of the essay. An initial characterization of the problem leads to a tentative thesis, and then drafting the body of the paper reveals thorny contradictions or critical areas of ambiguity, prompting the writer to revisit or expand the body of evidence and then refine the thesis based on that fresh look. The revised thesis may require that body paragraphs be reordered and reshaped to fit the emerging three-story thesis. Throughout the process, the thesis serves as an anchor point while the author wades through the morass of facts and ideas. The dialogue between thesis and body continues until the author is satisfied or the due date arrives, whatever comes first. It’s an effortful and sometimes tedious process.

Novice writers, in contrast, usually oversimplify the writing process. They formulate some first-impression thesis, produce a reasonably organized outline, and then flesh it out with text, never taking the time to reflect or truly revise their work. They assume that revision is a step backward when, in reality, it is a major step forward.

Everyone has a different way that they like to write. For instance, I like to pop my earbuds in, blast dubstep music, and write on a whiteboard. I like using the whiteboard because it is a lot easier to revise and edit while you write. After I finish writing a paragraph that I am completely satisfied with on the whiteboard, I sit in front of it with my laptop and just type it up.

Kaethe Leonard

However, in academics a “strong” argument is comprehensive and nuanced, not simple and polemical. The purpose of the argument is to explain to readers why the author—through the course of his or her in-depth study—has arrived at a somewhat surprising point. On that basis, it has to consider plausible counterarguments and contradictory information. Academic argumentation exemplifies the popular adage about all writing: show, don’t tell. In crafting and carrying out the three-story thesis, you are showing your reader the work you have done.

The model of the organically structured paper and the three-story thesis framework explained here is the very foundation of the paper itself and the process that produces it. Your instructors assume that you have the self-motivation and organizational skills to pursue your analysis with both rigor and flexibility; that is, they envision you developing, testing, refining, and sometimes discarding your own ideas based on a clear-eyed and open-minded assessment of the evidence before you.

The original chapter, Constructing the Thesis and Argument—from the Ground Up by Amy Guptill, is from Writing in College: From Competence to Excellence

Discussion Questions

What writing “rules” were you taught in the past? This might be about essay structure, style, or something else. Which of these rules seem to be true in college writing? Which ones are not true in college?
In what contexts is the five-paragraph essay a useful structure? Why is it not helpful in other contexts—what’s the problem?
Despite their appeal to patients, robotic pets should not be used widely, since they cause more problems than they solve.
In recent years, robotic pets have been used in medical settings to help children and elderly patients feel emotionally supported and loved.
Shifting affection to robotic pets rather than live animals suggests a major change in empathy and humanity and could have long-term costs that have not been fully considered.
Television programming includes content that some find objectionable.
The percentage of children and youth who are overweight or obese has risen in recent decades.
First-year college students must learn how to independently manage their time.
The things we surround ourselves with symbolize who we are.
Find a scholarly article or book that is interesting to you. Focusing on the abstract and introduction, outline the first, second, and third stories of its thesis.
Find an example of a five-paragraph theme (online essay mills, your own high school work), produce an alternative three-story thesis, and outline an organically structured paper to carry that thesis out.

Additional Resources

The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an excellent, readable rundown on the five-paragraph theme, why most college writing assignments want you to go beyond it, and those times when the simpler structure is actually a better choice.
There are many useful websites that describe good thesis statements and provide examples. Those from the writing centers at Hamilton College and Purdue University are especially helpful.

Works Cited

Holmes, Oliver Wendell. The Poet at the Breakfast-Table: His Talks with His Fellow-Boarders and the Reader. James R. Osgood, 1872.

Lamott, Anne. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. Pantheon, 1994.

Media Attributions

12.1 five-paragraph theme © Amy Guptill is licensed under a CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike) license
12.2 organic college paper © Amy Guptill is licensed under a CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike) license

Constructing the Thesis and Argument from the Ground Up Copyright © 2022 by Amy Guptill; Liz Delf; Rob Drummond; and Kristy Kelly is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Make a Strong Thesis Statement

We've all been there: up into the late hours of the night, struggling through writing a paper that you are completely unsure about (that just so happens to be due tomorrow). Your paper seems to meander and not make sense and you are frustrated. Most often when we struggle with a paper it's because our thesis statements aren't in order.

Think of your paper's thesis statement like a coverline on the front of a magazine. Though the story inside may be hundreds or even thousands of words long, the coverline on the front details what the story is about in just a few succinct, compelling words. The coverline will give you an argument as to why you should pick the magazine up from the rack and put it on the conveyor belt along with your other groceries. The same goes for your paper's thesis statement. Its purpose in your paper is to make an argument about your topic in a way that pieces and organizes all of your evidence together. The thesis statement should keep the reader engaged and make them want to read more.

Most importantly, the thesis statement should perfectly sum up what the rest of the paper is saying. Have you ever seen a really good movie trailer and then been extremely disappointed by the movie itself because it wasn't what the trailer portrayed it to be? Think about that as you write a thesis statement to go in your paper. You want your thesis statement to be compelling, but you also want your thesis to be backed up with evidence in the body of the paper so that the reader doesn't feel duped at the end.

So, you know that a thesis statement is important and central to your paper, but how do you go about writing an effective one? Here are a few examples of what to do (and what not to do) when writing your thesis statement.

The thesis should go at the beginning of the paper

Because the thesis is so central and integral to how the rest of your paper reads, it should go in the first paragraph (or at least one of the first few paragraphs) in the paper. Much like a lede sentence in a newspaper article, the thesis tells the reader what the rest of the article is about and clues them into what they can expect the rest of the way. If the thesis were to go anywhere but the beginning, this would be confusing to your audience as they wouldn't know the point of why they were reading in the first place.

Make your thesis give direction to the rest of your paper

All thesis statements make arguments about your topic, but good thesis statements give direction to how the rest of the paper will be shaped. In order to accomplish this, your thesis should lend itself to several reasons that elaborate on your claim. For example, the thesis "College athletes should be paid," while certainly an argument, isn't effective because it lacks a sense of structure. This argument doesn't naturally lend itself to body paragraphs. However, if you wrote your thesis as, "College athletes deserve compensation because it is the ethical and moral thing to do," then you have two potential reasons that support your claims, thus giving shape to the rest of the paper.

Because you have added in a claim to your argument, you can now spend several paragraphs discussing (with your evidence to back it up) things such as the time college athletes devote to their sport and then several paragraphs on how many collegiate athletes come from poverty and how difficult it is for them to make it. With these claims it will be much easier for you to figure out how to structure your paper effectively.

Make sure your argument is debatable

Though it's good to question everything that you learn with a bit of healthy skepticism, there are certain truths that we as a public already know. For example, everyone knows that rent is high in New York City . This statement is unequivocal and therefore it would not be interesting to write a thesis statement that simply said, "New York City's rents are among the highest in the world." This isn't something that can be argued for or against—it is simply a fact that most people know.

The moment your fact becomes an actual thesis statement is when you add the argument to it. You could take your fact: "New York City's rents are among the highest in the world" and then add the argument, "and should be rent controlled in order to preserve the multi-cultural and unique identity that it has historically had."

Only when you add the argument does it really become a thesis statement (and also becomes something that your audience would likely want to read on about).

Smaller is better when it comes to thesis statements

Papers are often more focused when the argument you are trying to make is smaller. If your argument is overly broad (think something like, "child care should be more affordable in the United States"), then your paper will most likely be meandering and lack a sense of direction. With a topic so large, there is too much information to cover effectively in such a short amount of time and space. When you make the argument smaller and localize it (something like "Childcare should be publicly subsidized in California"), then it's easier to zero in on facts and provide evidence to your audience.

Ensure that your thesis statement actually answers the research question

Sometimes you may be so busy researching and making sure that your thesis statement is effective that you may forget to check if the paper is actually responding correctly to the paper prompt. For example, if your teacher asked you to write an essay on Atticus Finch's parenting style in To Kill a Mockingbird , then writing your paper and your thesis statement on how Boo Radley is the mockingbird won't be answering the question. Even if the essay and thesis statement are strong, the paper won't be addressing the issue your teacher wanted you to explore.

Your thesis will emerge from the writing process (particularly from revisions)

Many novice writers think that your thesis statement should come out fully formed when they first start typing. What really happens is that you have a loose idea of an argument when you first start and the more you read and write on your subject, the clearer your argument will become. The thesis statement will really take shape, however, when you are in the thick of the writing process. As you revise, trim, rearrange, and add your paragraphs, your thesis statement will have more clarity. Remember, your thesis statement should be a succinct summary of what your body of evidence is saying.

Nuance is okay

In an academic argument it's not necessarily about earth shattering revelations as much as it is approaching a question in a new way or coming to a new insight of a particular problem. For example, instead of a thesis that claims to solve world peace, a thesis on what you can do to make your local community a better place can be much more powerful. Don't feel like you have to solve all of the world's problems in your paper. A good argument doesn't solve major problems; it looks at problems under a new light. Good research is done in small increments and often looking at things under a microscope rather than making grand pronouncements.

Thesis statement examples

The following are a few examples of weak thesis statements versus effective and strong thesis statements on well-known paper topics. Use these example thesis statements as a guide to help you think about how you should structure your argument for your particular topic. (Note that these essay topics are for example and are very general and should not be copied for the purposes of your essay.)

Topic 1: Climate Change

What not to do: Climate change is man-made.

How to fix it: Due to the harrowing statistics of climate change, communities should lead the way in diminishing the effects of global warming by investing more in recycling, public transportation and/or carpooling, and promoting the use of clean energy.

Why we fixed it: The first thesis statement definitely gives an argument, but doesn't provide any context or evidence on why the author has come to this conclusion. The first statement is also very broad; the topic is too large and would easily get off track in the body of the paper. The second statement has been narrowed down significantly. It provides solutions and gives the writer a loose structure to follow in the rest of the paper.

Topic 2: The Great Gatsby

What not to do: F. Scott Fitzgerald has a negative view of the American Dream.

How to fix it: Jay Gatsby's quick rise in social stature and economic status and his ultimate undoing by the "old money" crowd in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby represents the author's skeptical and pessimistic view of the so-called American Dream.

Why we fixed it: Though this first statement is an argument that is debatable, it doesn't really give us any context or claims as to how F. Scott Fitzgerald shows us this in his writing. In the second thesis statement, we can clearly see how the writer came to this conclusion about Fitzgerald's opinion through concrete evidence. We can also see how the writer will be able to organize the rest of the paragraphs and discuss Gatsby's social stature, economic status, and the conflict between new and old money.

Topic 3: To Kill a Mockingbird

What not to do: Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird tells us exactly how to fix racism.

How to fix it: Tom Robinson's unfair conviction and death in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird sheds light on the role of systemic racism in the American justice system.

Why we fixed it: This statement reveals something interesting and sheds new light on a problem. The first thesis statement makes a very grand and overarching claim that can't possibly be supported by evidence. Again, it's always best to narrow down your argument and remember that you don't need to solve all of the world's problems in your paper.

Topic 4: Obesity in American Children in the South

What not to do: Children in the Southern part of the United States are more likely to be obese.

How to fix it: Childhood obesity rates in the South have doubled in the last 30 years because of poor access to healthy foods, an increased dependence on technology for entertainment, and high poverty levels in the southern region of the United States.

Why we fixed it: The first statement isn't really an argument, but more of a summary of what the literature says. It doesn't really explain why children from the South are more likely to be obese. The second thesis statement, however, provides us with some insight as well as gives us a structure for the rest of the paper with three concrete reasons that we can go into depth about.

How to go forward

It's no secret that writing is tough. In fact, it's one of the toughest things you'll do in your academic career. However, lots of practice and a clear understanding of how to write a thesis, how it works best, and what things you will need to include in it will make you a better writer and also a better researcher.

Writing Resource: Strong Thesis Statements

Strong claims (thesis statements) tend to…..

Make an argument about how a particular thing (text, video, movie, speech, etc.) works. Try to avoid simple observations or statements that everyone would agree with. Sometimes it’s helpful for your first draft of a thesis to simply start with: “In this essay, I argue….”
A key theory from a particular author;
Central text(s) you analyze;
Other central materials (interviews, media, research studies, scholarship, stories, anecdotes, etc.)
Although many people believe X, through studying Y, I have found M…
Despite the current research on Y, in my own study, I argue X…
Many critical race theorists have defined and explored concept Y; by exploring this comedienne’s persona, I aim to extend Y by adding X.
My work supports research into X by adding an investigation into area Y. Although I have similar findings as John X, by looking at area Y, I further expand the site of investigation.
Offer a very specific explanation of what you’ve found. Strong essays tend to develop out of a question, and claims/theses function as an answer to that question. When working with texts, “findings” often means describing how a particular feature of a text or a particular idea works—and why that feature/idea is important. When describing, try to use specific descriptions, adjectives, and words that explain what’s significant.
In claims/theses, findings and arguments tend to be small and nuanced. Don’t feel like you need to make a completely new discovery or revelation in your claim! Rather, try to be focused and specific about what you have found through the work you do in your essay.

Some Templates

In “title,” Author A explores [important larger concept] by using [aspects of the texts/evidence] in order to suggest [argument about larger concept].

In [research area/topic], Authors A, B and C all draw on [term/concept/theory] in order to [X]. Synthesizing their definitions of this [term/concept/theory], I have found [M]. OR, However, [term/concept/theory] is not clearly defined, which leads to problem [Y].

Looking at [research area/topic], we can use Author A’s [theory/idea] to help us better understand [concept] in a [specific slightly new way]. Specifically, using [theory/idea] allow us to see [Z] about [research area/topic].

Name your project

Being able to talk about what you’re doing as a writer in your thesis will help you to be able to improve it! In Rewriting , Joseph Harris offers the following list of moves writers make when working with sources. Thinking through what you’re doing as a writer in your essay overall can give you direction and focus!

“When you draw on terms or ideas from other writers to use in thinking through your subject” (39). When applied to claims, you might borrow a term, analytical framework, theory, or concept from one text in order to better understand other sources, research, or a question.

Extending is “When you put your own spin on the terms or concepts that you take from other texts” (39). When applied to claims, you might use primary research or a specific text/theory/term to extend the research findings of other sources, the analytical categories of one of your secondary sources, or to extend some of the definitions or terms important to the research area.

Authorizing

Authorizing is “When you invoke the expertise or status of another writer to support your thinking” (39). When applied to claim-making, you might use your research to authorize the seriousness of a particular social issue, to authorize the findings of your primary research, or to authorize the value of a particular research question/area.

Arguing the Other Side

This involves “Showing the usefulness of a term or idea that a writer has criticized or noting problems with one that she or he has argued for” (57). In regards to your claims, you can argue alternative interpretations of terms, concepts, ideas, or analysis that might be important for the research area at large.

Uncovering Values

Uncovering values involves “Surfacing a word or concept for analysis that a text has left undefined or unexamined” (57). In a claim, uncovering values would mean a consideration of the purpose of the undefined term, what is assumed about the term, and why the assumption is problematic or misleading.

Dissenting involves “Identifying a shared line of thought on an issue in order to note its limits” (57). A claim that dissents should identify the shared line of thinking in the secondary sources and explain why and how it is limited. The template below could be even more interesting if the primary research is what challenged idea M.

One example claim

In the news lately, there has been a lot of disparaging of hashtag culture and hashtags as a form of “arm chair” activism, or lazy activism. However, by looking at some of the examples of hashtag protests from Bonilla and Rosa’s “#Ferguson” through the lens of John Del Gandio’s “Activists, Bodies and Political Arguments,” I have found that digital protests that use hashtags are effective because they bring greater awareness to a wider audience of the issue and they also function as, what Del Gandio calls, an important protest signifier.

Additional Resources

Constructing an Argument and Thesis from the Ground Up (Oregon Writes, Kepka)

Developing Your Thesis (Hamilton Writing Center)

Developing a Thesis (Harvard Writing Program)

The Three-Story Thesis (USC Writing Center)

A PDF Link to a Handout of this Writing Guide

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What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on April 16, 2024.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

Thesis template

You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.

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Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.

You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay .
A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement for Master’s programs, and is also sometimes required to complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts colleges.
In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.
In other countries (particularly the UK), a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

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The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

Your discipline
Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section , results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

Example thesis #1: “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807” by Suchait Kahlon.
Example thesis #2: “’A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man’: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947″ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

Your full title
Your full name
Your department
Your institution and degree program
Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

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An abstract is a short summary of your thesis. Usually a maximum of 300 words long, it’s should include brief descriptions of your research objectives , methods, results, and conclusions. Though it may seem short, it introduces your work to your audience, serving as a first impression of your thesis.

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

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Complex Sentence Thesis

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Crafting a compelling and intricate thesis statement can elevate the sophistication of your writing. Complex sentence thesis statements offer a profound way to convey nuanced ideas by combining multiple clauses and concepts. This guide delves into the art of constructing complex sentence thesis statements, providing insightful examples that showcase the depth and breadth of your argument. Alongside expert tips, you’ll learn to wield the complexity of language to captivate your readers and present intricate ideas effectively.

What is a Complex Sentence Thesis Statement? – Definition

A complex sentence thesis statement is a sophisticated and advanced way of presenting your main argument in an essay or research paper. It involves crafting a thesis statement using a complex sentence structure that includes multiple clauses and ideas. This type of thesis statement goes beyond the simple single-clause structure, allowing you to express intricate relationships between various aspects of your topic. Complex sentence thesis statements are particularly effective for conveying complex or multifaceted arguments.

What is an example of a Complex Sentence thesis statement?

Example: “While advancements in technology have revolutionized communication and connectivity, the ethical implications surrounding data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias underscore the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks and critical discourse.”

In this complex sentence thesis statement:

The main argument is presented: “Advancements in technology have revolutionized communication and connectivity.”
“the ethical implications surrounding data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias”
“underscore the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks and critical discourse.”

This example showcases how a complex sentence thesis statement can encapsulate multiple facets of a topic in a single, intricate sentence structure.

100 Complex Sentence Thesis Statement Examples

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Despite cultural differences, globalization has led to the convergence of consumer preferences and the dissemination of shared values in the realm of fashion.
As climate change intensifies, the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices becomes evident, prompting the exploration of innovative farming techniques and resource management.
While social media fosters global connectivity and community engagement, its addictive nature and potential for misinformation necessitate heightened digital literacy and responsible usage.
The intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare offers promising solutions for personalized treatment and early disease detection, yet the ethical implications of data privacy and algorithmic decision-making require careful consideration.
In a rapidly changing job market, the integration of technological education in schools becomes paramount, preparing students for the digital era and addressing the demand for specialized skills.
The intricate interplay between socioeconomic factors, access to quality healthcare, and overall well-being underscores the imperative for comprehensive healthcare reforms that address systemic disparities.
By analyzing historical narratives through diverse cultural lenses, a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of past events emerges, fostering empathy and cultural reconciliation.
The juxtaposition of economic growth and environmental preservation prompts the exploration of circular economies, which prioritize resource efficiency and waste reduction to ensure sustainable development.
In the realm of international relations, the balance between state sovereignty and global cooperation becomes increasingly intricate, as nations navigate shared challenges while preserving their distinct identities.
As urbanization continues to reshape cityscapes, the intricate planning and design of sustainable infrastructure are crucial for accommodating growing populations and minimizing environmental impact.
The integration of inclusive education practices in schools not only benefits students with disabilities but also cultivates a culture of diversity and acceptance, enhancing the educational experience for all.
The entwined relationship between mental health and physical well-being necessitates comprehensive healthcare models that address both aspects to ensure holistic patient care.
In literature, the exploration of complex characters with conflicting motivations and desires adds depth to narratives, prompting readers to reflect on the intricacies of human nature.
Amidst debates on immigration policies, the intricate balance between national security concerns and the humanitarian obligation to provide refuge highlights the complexities of migration issues.
The dynamic evolution of language over time is influenced by cultural interactions, technological advancements, and social trends, showcasing the intricate nature of linguistic development.
The intricate web of cause and effect in historical events highlights the interconnectedness of global developments, demonstrating the need for a comprehensive perspective on past occurrences.
The convergence of biotechnology and ethics prompts ethical debates about genetic modification, as the potential benefits of disease prevention are weighed against concerns about playing with nature.
In the context of urban development, the delicate balance between economic growth and the preservation of cultural heritage underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning.
The intricate web of economic interdependence between nations necessitates strategic diplomacy and cooperation, as global economies navigate shared challenges and opportunities.
The exploration of AI-driven creative processes in art and music raises questions about the relationship between human creativity and technological innovation, revealing the complex dynamics between human and machine.
The intersection of cultural norms and gender identity in literature prompts a nuanced exploration of how societal constructs influence character development and narrative themes.
The intricate dance between supply chain efficiency and environmental responsibility in corporate practices highlights the need for sustainable business strategies that prioritize both profitability and planet preservation.
Amid debates on criminal justice reform, the balance between punitive measures and rehabilitation efforts becomes pivotal, as society grapples with the complexities of addressing crime.
The juxtaposition of economic inequality and educational access underscores the role of education as a potential equalizer, necessitating equitable policies that provide quality learning opportunities for all.
The intertwined nature of human rights and cultural relativism prompts philosophical inquiries into the universality of rights and the ethical challenges posed by diverse cultural contexts.
The intricate negotiations between artistic expression and censorship in the digital age reflect the broader tension between free speech and responsible content dissemination on online platforms.
The multifaceted relationship between economic development and environmental preservation requires holistic approaches that balance growth with conservation to ensure a sustainable future.
As artificial intelligence penetrates various industries, the complexity of its impact on employment opportunities necessitates proactive measures to reskill the workforce and ensure a smooth transition.
In the realm of international diplomacy, the intricate choreography of negotiations between conflicting nations demands skilled diplomats who can navigate complexities and promote peaceful resolutions.
The exploration of historical figures through an intersectional lens uncovers the complexities of their identities and the diverse social forces that shaped their contributions to society.
The intricate balance between individual autonomy and societal safety prompts ethical debates about surveillance technologies, as governments seek to protect citizens while respecting civil liberties.
The dynamic interplay between mental health stigma and cultural attitudes underscores the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and fostering open conversations in diverse communities.
The convergence of cultural heritage preservation and technological advancements highlights the role of virtual reality in providing immersive experiences that bridge the gap between past and present.
Amidst discussions on environmental conservation, the intricate relationship between indigenous knowledge and sustainable land management offers valuable insights for holistic ecosystem protection.
The intricate negotiations between trade agreements and national interests exemplify the challenges of balancing economic benefits with the preservation of domestic industries.
The intersection of globalization and traditional practices prompts the examination of how local cultures adapt to external influences while striving to maintain their unique identities.
In the context of urbanization, the balance between aesthetic city planning and functional infrastructure design is essential for creating livable urban spaces that cater to both human needs and artistic aspirations.
The intertwining of historical context and literary analysis reveals the complex layers of meaning within texts, showcasing the profound influence of societal dynamics on creative expression.
The intricate dynamics of family relationships in literature mirror the complexities of real-life connections, enabling readers to delve into themes of love, conflict, and personal growth.
Amid debates on immigration policies, the juxtaposition of economic contributions and cultural diversity underscores the multifaceted benefits that immigrants bring to their host countries
The intricate interactions between socioeconomic status and educational achievement highlight the need for equitable educational opportunities that address systemic inequalities.
The convergence of medical ethics and technological advancements prompts discussions on the ethical implications of genetic engineering and its potential to alter the course of human evolution.
In literature, the exploration of unreliable narrators and conflicting perspectives adds layers of complexity to storytelling, challenging readers to decipher hidden truths and motives.
The intricate web of political alliances and power struggles in history underscores the importance of diplomacy and negotiation in preventing conflicts and fostering international cooperation.
The intersection of cultural appropriation and artistic expression prompts critical analysis of how borrowing from marginalized cultures perpetuates inequality while stifling authentic representation.
Amid debates on artificial intelligence, the complex relationship between human agency and machine autonomy raises ethical questions about the boundaries of technological advancement.
The delicate balance between economic growth and indigenous land rights prompts inquiries into sustainable resource management that respect both economic development and cultural heritage.
The intricate connections between economic policies and income distribution underscore the importance of crafting inclusive economic strategies that benefit diverse socioeconomic groups.
In the context of globalization, the interaction between cultural homogenization and cultural diversity prompts discussions on the preservation of unique cultural identities in a globalized world.
The exploration of moral dilemmas and ethical choices in literature invites readers to grapple with complex scenarios that mirror real-life challenges and moral gray areas.
The intricate link between urban planning and public health prompts considerations of how well-designed cities can promote physical activity, reduce pollution, and enhance overall well-being.
Amid the digital age, the intricate balance between privacy rights and national security concerns fuels debates about the boundaries of surveillance and individual liberties.
The convergence of historical events and personal narratives in literature showcases the interconnectedness of individual experiences with broader sociopolitical contexts.
The intricate relationship between economic incentives and environmental conservation highlights the potential of sustainable business models to drive positive ecological change.
In international relations, the delicate dance of negotiation and compromise shapes the outcome of diplomatic efforts, reflecting the complexities of maintaining peaceful relations between nations.
The intersection of cultural norms and gender roles prompts analyses of how literature reflects and challenges societal expectations, influencing perceptions of identity and equality.
Amid discussions on immigration policies, the nuanced connection between refugees and the global refugee crisis underscores the importance of compassionate responses and international cooperation.
The dynamic interplay between artistic creativity and mental health provides a lens to examine how artistic expression can serve as both catharsis and a means of coping with psychological struggles.
The intertwining of economic inequality and healthcare access emphasizes the need for comprehensive healthcare reforms that address the health disparities faced by marginalized communities.
In literature, the exploration of unreliable memory and subjective narration deepens readers’ engagement by challenging conventional notions of truth and narrative reliability.
The intricate connections between cultural heritage and tourism prompt inquiries into how responsible travel practices can preserve historical sites and foster cross-cultural understanding.
The convergence of artificial intelligence and the legal system raises questions about the ethical implications of using algorithms for judicial decision-making and the potential for biased outcomes.
Amid debates on climate change, the complex relationship between individual actions and global environmental impact calls for a collective approach to sustainable practices and policy changes.
The intersection of technological advancements and educational methodologies prompts discussions on how digital tools can enhance learning outcomes while addressing the challenges of screen time.
The intertwining of economic growth and income inequality underscores the importance of inclusive economic policies that ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
In the realm of urban development, the balance between architectural innovation and historical preservation creates a dynamic tension that shapes the visual landscape of cities.
The intricate link between media representation and societal attitudes prompts critical analyses of how media narratives influence public perceptions of social issues and identities.
The convergence of cultural appropriation and intellectual property rights raises questions about the ethics of borrowing from marginalized cultures while respecting their cultural autonomy.
Amid debates on healthcare policies, the complex relationship between individual choice and public health concerns highlights the importance of balancing personal freedoms with collective well-being.
The intersection of technology and privacy raises questions about the ethical implications of surveillance technologies, prompting discussions on how to protect civil liberties in a digital age.
The intertwining of historical context and scientific advancements showcases how discoveries are influenced by societal developments and cultural paradigms.
In the context of globalization, the balance between economic integration and national identity prompts discussions on how nations can maintain their cultural distinctiveness while participating in a globalized world.
The dynamic interplay between environmental conservation and economic growth prompts inquiries into how sustainable business practices can drive positive ecological change without compromising profitability.
The intricate relationship between media consumption and body image prompts analyses of how media portrayals influence perceptions of beauty, self-esteem, and societal norms.
Amid discussions on technological innovation, the nuanced connection between automation and job displacement necessitates explorations of reskilling and workforce adaptation.
The convergence of cultural heritage and urban revitalization prompts considerations of how historical preservation can contribute to the economic and cultural vibrancy of cities.
In literature, the exploration of moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas invites readers to engage with complex characters and situations that challenge traditional notions of right and wrong.
The intersection of artificial intelligence and creative expression raises questions about the authenticity of AI-generated art and the role of human creativity in an increasingly automated world.
The intertwining of cultural identity and language preservation prompts discussions on how linguistic diversity contributes to the richness of human expression and understanding.
Amid debates on immigration policies, the complex relationship between economic contributions and cultural integration highlights the diverse ways immigrants enrich their host societies
The intricate connections between historical memory and national identity prompt inquiries into how collective narratives shape a society’s perception of its past and present.
The convergence of technology and mental health care raises questions about the potential benefits and challenges of using digital interventions to address psychological well-being.
Amid discussions on social justice, the dynamic interplay between systemic racism and criminal justice disparities underscores the importance of addressing inequalities within the legal system.
The intersection of cultural norms and environmental conservation prompts analyses of how indigenous ecological knowledge can inform sustainable resource management practices.
The intertwining of economic growth and cultural preservation prompts considerations of how tourism can promote cultural heritage without commodifying traditions.
In the context of globalization, the balance between economic interdependence and national sovereignty prompts discussions on how countries can collaborate while safeguarding their interests.
The complex relationship between economic policies and income distribution underscores the importance of inclusive economic strategies that benefit diverse socioeconomic groups.
Amid debates on climate change, the intricate connections between deforestation and carbon emissions highlight the importance of protecting forests for global climate stability.
The intersection of technology and education prompts inquiries into how virtual learning environments can enhance engagement and accessibility while addressing potential screen time concerns.
The dynamic interplay between artistic expression and cultural identity prompts analyses of how artists navigate their heritage while pushing boundaries in a globalized world.
The convergence of ethics and scientific progress raises questions about the boundaries of genetic engineering and its potential to reshape the future of human biology.
Amid discussions on urban planning, the intricate balance between economic development and public space design prompts considerations of how cities can prioritize livability for all residents.
The intersection of gender norms and media representation prompts analyses of how media perpetuate stereotypes while providing opportunities for empowered and diverse narratives.
The intertwining of environmental conservation and economic sustainability prompts inquiries into how ecotourism can provide economic benefits while protecting fragile ecosystems.
In literature, the exploration of psychological depth and character motivations adds layers of complexity to narratives, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of the human psyche.
The convergence of technological advancements and healthcare access raises questions about how telemedicine can bridge gaps in medical care while ensuring patient privacy and quality.
Amid debates on social equity, the dynamic interplay between urban planning and affordable housing prompts discussions on how cities can prioritize inclusivity and prevent gentrification.
The intricate relationship between historical context and political ideologies showcases how the interpretation of historical events is influenced by contemporary beliefs and agendas.
The intersection of cultural norms and technological adoption prompts inquiries into how societies navigate the impacts of digitalization on language, communication, and social interaction.
The complex interplay between individual rights and public safety raises questions about the balance between privacy concerns and surveillance measures in an era of advanced technology.

These examples of complex sentence thesis statements showcase the diversity and depth of arguments that can be crafted using intricate sentence structures. They allow for the exploration of multifaceted ideas and encourage thoughtful analysis and discussion.

Complex Sentence Thesis Statement Examples for Essay

Navigate the realm of intricate ideas with our curated collection of complex sentence thesis statement examples for essays. Discover how to craft sophisticated arguments that captivate readers while effectively conveying multifaceted perspectives on a wide range of topics.

Despite cultural barriers, the universal appeal of music transcends borders, connecting people from diverse backgrounds and fostering cross-cultural understanding through its emotive language.
The intricate interplay between nature and nurture shapes individual personality development, as genetics and environment interact to mold the complexities of human behavior.
The convergence of digital technology and traditional art forms prompts discussions on the transformative potential of mixed media, revealing the intricate relationship between innovation and tradition.
Amid debates on social media’s influence, the complex interconnection between online identity and real-life self-perception raises questions about the impacts of curated digital personas on mental well-being.
The dynamic dance between socioeconomic disparities and educational opportunities underscores the urgency of equitable educational policies that address systemic barriers and empower marginalized communities.
The convergence of medical ethics and genetic advancements prompts inquiries into the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas posed by gene editing technology in the realm of human health.
The intricate relationships between historical narratives and collective memory influence societal perspectives on past events, shaping cultural identity and informing current societal beliefs.
Amid discussions on AI-driven decision-making, the complex balance between automation and human intuition raises ethical questions about the appropriate roles of algorithms and human judgment.
The intersection of architectural innovation and sustainability prompts analyses of how green design principles can harmonize with urban aesthetics to create ecologically conscious cityscapes.
The convergence of economic globalization and environmental degradation prompts inquiries into how international policies can harmonize economic growth with responsible resource management to ensure a sustainable future.

Complex Sentence Thesis Statement Examples for Research Paper

Elevate your research papers with our diverse array of complex sentence thesis statement for research papers examples. Uncover the art of presenting intricate concepts, and learn how to structure your arguments using advanced sentence structures to enhance the depth and complexity of your academic work.

The intricate interplay between social media usage and self-esteem in adolescents prompts an exploration of how online platforms contribute to body image concerns and shape self-perception.
Amid debates on renewable energy adoption, the complex relationship between government policies and private sector investments raises questions about how regulatory frameworks influence sustainable energy transitions.
The dynamic convergence of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity necessitates comprehensive research into the intricate vulnerabilities and safeguards required to protect against AI-driven cyber threats.
The intersection of historical trauma and mental health outcomes prompts in-depth research into the enduring effects of historical events on the psychological well-being of affected populations.
Amid discussions on urban planning, the complex balance between walkability and transportation infrastructure prompts research into how cities can create pedestrian-friendly environments while addressing transportation needs.
The intertwined nature of corporate social responsibility and profit motives prompts research into how businesses can integrate ethical practices into their operations while maintaining financial viability.
The convergence of cultural heritage preservation and technological innovation calls for research into how virtual reality technologies can recreate historical sites, offering immersive experiences to a global audience.
In the realm of climate change adaptation, the intricate relationship between community engagement and resilience-building prompts research into how local participation contributes to effective climate strategies.
The dynamic interplay between cultural identity and language preservation requires research into how indigenous languages can be revitalized and maintained in a rapidly changing world.
Amid discussions on healthcare disparities, the complex relationship between race, ethnicity, and healthcare outcomes prompts research into how systemic biases influence medical access and treatment quality.

What is the Complex Sentence Thesis Formula?

The Complex Sentence Thesis Formula is a structured approach to crafting thesis statements that incorporate intricate ideas within a single sentence. It involves constructing a thesis statement using a complex sentence structure, which includes one main clause (the claim) and one or more subordinate clauses (the reasons or supporting points). This formula allows you to present a layered argument that showcases the depth of your analysis.

What is the structure of a complex thesis statement?

A complex thesis statement typically follows a structure that comprises a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. The main clause presents the main argument or claim, while the subordinate clauses provide additional context, reasons, evidence, or supporting points that elaborate on the claim. The structure can be represented as follows:

Main Clause (Claim) + Subordinate Clause(s) (Reasons or Supporting Points)

How long is a complex thesis statement?

The length of a complex thesis statement can vary, but it is generally a single sentence that effectively conveys the main argument and supporting points. The complexity of the argument often necessitates a longer sentence to accommodate multiple clauses. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between complexity and clarity, ensuring that the statement remains concise and understandable. You should also take a look at our Tentative thesis statement .

How to Write a Complex Sentence Thesis Statement? – Step by Step Guide

Crafting a complex sentence thesis statement requires careful consideration and thoughtful structuring. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a sophisticated and effective complex thesis statement:

Choose a Specific Topic: Select a focused and manageable topic that allows for in-depth analysis and exploration.
Identify Main Argument: Determine the primary claim or main argument you want to make in your thesis statement.
Outline Supporting Points: Identify two or more reasons, evidence, or supporting points that bolster your main argument.
Structure the Sentence: Begin with the main clause, which contains your claim. Add one or more subordinate clauses that provide context or support for the main argument.
Maintain Clarity: While the sentence may be complex, ensure that it remains clear and understandable. Avoid convoluted sentence structures that may confuse the reader.
Revise and Refine: Review your complex sentence thesis statement for coherence and logical flow. Make sure each clause contributes to the overall argument.
Check for Balance: Ensure that the main clause and subordinate clauses are balanced in terms of importance and depth of analysis.

Tips for Writing a Complex Sentence Thesis Statement

Start with the Main Claim: Begin your complex sentence with the main argument or claim you intend to make.
Use Subordinate Clauses Strategically: Subordinate clauses should provide relevant context, reasons, evidence, or examples that enhance the complexity of your argument.
Be Concise: While complex, the thesis statement should be concise and focused on conveying your main argument and supporting points.
Avoid Ambiguity: Ensure that each clause in the sentence contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. Avoid vague or ambiguous language.
Maintain Parallel Structure: If you include multiple subordinate clauses, strive for parallel structure to enhance readability and coherence.
Consider Sentence Length: While longer sentences are acceptable, avoid excessive length that may hinder readability.
Revise and Proofread: After writing your complex sentence thesis statement, revise and proofread to eliminate errors and refine the wording.
Seek Feedback: Share your complex thesis statement with peers or instructors to gain insights into its effectiveness and clarity.
Practice Writing Complex Sentences: Developing the skill of constructing complex sentences takes practice. Experiment with different sentence structures to find what works best for your argument.
Capture Complexity: Use your complex thesis statement to capture the multifaceted nature of your topic, showcasing your ability to analyze intricate ideas.

Creating a complex sentence thesis statement requires precision, careful thought, and a strong grasp of the topic. By following this guide and incorporating these tips, you can craft a thesis statement that effectively conveys layered arguments and demonstrates your mastery of complex writing structures.

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10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

Think Clearly, Write Clearly

Tips and thoughts for writers, what is “nuance”.

Featuring a special appearance by the words of Laurence Holmes!

You might be told, in an English class, to give a “nuanced argument,” but it might not be perfectly clear what this means. It’s very simple: When something is not “black and white,” it’s “nuanced,” i.e., shaded.

As a student of the world, you should of course be aware of the possibility that not all of the things in the world are easily distinguished as simply good or simply bad, or simply useful or simply harmful. Your papers will be graded as mediocre–despite all success in style and form–if you do not begin to do analysis, which means going beyond the apparent simplicity of things and breaking down your subject. Doing so means to distinguish nuances.

One could give nearly infinite examples of the complicated interrelations of the things in the world with their effects and their values. To attempt another axiom, this time for the mathematically minded: There is nuance when there are multiple variables. To explain the nuances, one must isolate the variables, explain each individually, and then delicately describe the interaction of each with the others. This is why I often suggest to writers that they begin a difficult argument with something like a glossary, to define each of the important elements alone before showing each in its place in the whole.

To lean, as I always do, on etymology , one finds a beautiful metaphor for logical nuance. “Nuance” comes, via French, from the Latin nubes , or “cloud.” A cloud, especially a cloud of fog, slightly changes the color of things that it obscures. Distinguishing the partial alterations of what is more and less obnubilated is to distinguish nuances, or shades. (Note that the route through French was necessary to discover the verb nuer , “to shade.” Unfortunately, English has drawn “obnubilated” straight out of Latin, for pretty much the same meaning. The prettier, and much more French, “ennew,” was last seen in 1573, and even then it had to be defined.)

As a special treat, below the jump is an example of nuance from the world of sports, and the mind of Laurence Holmes, probably Chicago’s smartest sports-radio personality. He opposes an oversimplified narrative (as heard on Fox earlier that evening) with his more nuanced narrative, and builds a case to help the reader listener see past the “black and white” to the shades of blame that fit the situation:

This is nuanced, and I get that. Everyone wants there to be a bad guy–apparently even Fox wants there to be a bad guy. I thought that the broadcast of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman was shameful–I thought it was absolutely shameful–for two guys that I think are pretty fair most of the time. … They were straight-up man-crushing on Jimmy Clausen, instead of looking at some of the actual encouraging signs of what was actually happening on the field with the Bears. … And if you think you saw an improved offense under Jimmy Clausen, I don’t know what to tell you other than to throw the numbers at you. The numbers are not good…. Everyone want there to be one guy to point to and say, “He’s the reason. Jay Culter is the reason this whole thing fails.” No! It’s everything, including Cutler . … I know people don’t like Jay, and I get it–well, I get some of it, I get some of it. Fox’s agenda today was shameful! … I’ve been to every home game, except for today, that Jay Cutler has played at Soldier Field. And you know what he does on the sidelines after they score, or after things go bad? He talks with his offensive linemen. Fox made sure they would show you Jimmy Clausen doing that. They had it in for him [Cutler], and it’s disgraceful. Absolutely disgraceful, they should be ashamed. Joe should be ashamed, Troy should be ashamed. They came in looking for something, instead of just calling the game that’s in front of them. They came in looking for something, and they tried to make you see it. You’re smarter than that. Give yourself some credit. You know what’s gone on here, and you know that it’s not just Jay. But everyone wants to distill it down as if that’s the only thing that’s wrong. … “Everything will run more smoothly with Jimmy at quarterback”–no! It’s not about Jimmy, it’s not about Jay–it’s about him [Trestman]! It’s about everything that has to do with this season. They have made Jay Cutler a convenient scapegoat, and he is not without blame . Don’t mistake what I’m saying. He’s as a big in the blame as any player could be, because he’s the quarterback, but he’s not the only reason! And don’t let anyone tell you that that isn’t the case. Laurence Holmes, 12/21/2014 , on AM 670 in Chicago

For help with related topics, check out:

What is “ flow “?

What are transitions ?

Help me with citations !

How do I use quotations ? or, What does my teacher want me to do with quotations ?

What is passive voice , and why does it matter?

When and how should I use a thesaurus ?

What is a thesis statement ?

What’s the difference between a hyphen and a dash ?

What are prepositions ?

Writing Process Basics: Thesis Statements

Constructing the thesis and argument—from the ground up, moving beyond the five-paragraph theme.

As an instructor, I’ve noted that a number of new (and sometimes not-so-new) students are skilled wordsmiths and generally clear thinkers but are nevertheless stuck in a high-school style of writing. They struggle to let go of certain assumptions about how an academic paper should be . Chapter 1 points to the essay portion of the SAT as a representative artifact of the writing skills that K-12 education imparts. Some students who have mastered that form, and enjoyed a lot of success from doing so, assume that college writing is simply more of the same. The skills that go into a very basic kind of essay—often called the five-paragraph theme —are indispensable. If you’re good at the five-paragraph theme, then you’re good at identifying a clear and consistent thesis, arranging cohesive paragraphs, organizing evidence for key points, and situating an argument within a broader context through the intro and conclusion.

In college you need to build on those essential skills. The five-paragraph theme, as such, is bland and formulaic; it doesn’t compel deep thinking. Your professors are looking for a more ambitious and arguable thesis, a nuanced and compelling argument, and real-life evidence for all key points, all in an organically 1 structured paper.

Figures 3.1 and 3.2 contrast the standard five-paragraph theme and the organic college paper. The five-paragraph theme, outlined in Figure 3.1 is probably what you’re used to: the introductory paragraph starts broad and gradually narrows to a thesis, which readers expect to find at the very end of that paragraph. In this idealized format, the thesis invokes the magic number of three: three reasons why a statement is true. Each of those reasons is explained and justified in the three body paragraphs, and then the final paragraph restates the thesis before gradually getting broader. This format is easy for readers to follow, and it helps writers organize their points and the evidence that goes with them. That’s why you learned this format.

Figure 3.2, in contrast, represents a paper on the same topic that has the more organic form expected in college. The first key difference is the thesis. Rather than simply positing a number of reasons to think that something is true, it puts forward an arguable statement: one with which a reasonable person might disagree. An arguable thesis gives the paper purpose. It surprises readers and draws them in. You hope your reader thinks, “Huh. Why would they come to that conclusion?” and then feels compelled to read on. The body paragraphs, then, build on one another to carry out this ambitious argument. In the classic five-paragraph theme (Figure 3.1) it hardly matters which of the three reasons you explain first or second. In the more organic structure (Figure 3.2) each paragraph specifically leads to the next.

Figure 3.1, The five-paragraph “theme”

The last key difference is seen in the conclusion. Because the organic essay is driven by an ambitious, non-obvious argument, the reader comes to the concluding section thinking “OK, I’m convinced by the argument. What do you, author, make of it? Why does it matter?” The conclusion of an organically structured paper has a real job to do. It doesn’t just reiterate the thesis; it explains why the thesis matters.

Figure 3.2, The organic college paper

The substantial time you spent mastering the five-paragraph form in Figure 3.1 was time well spent; it’s hard to imagine anyone succeeding with the more organic form without the organizational skills and habits of mind inherent in the simpler form. But if you assume that you must adhere rigidly to the simpler form, you’re blunting your intellectual ambition. Your professors will not be impressed by obvious theses, loosely related body paragraphs, and repetitive conclusions. They want you to undertake an ambitious independent analysis, one that will yield a thesis that is somewhat surprising and challenging to explain.

The three-story thesis: from the ground up

You have no doubt been drilled on the need for a thesis statement and its proper location at the end of the introduction. And you also know that all of the key points of the paper should clearly support the central driving thesis. Indeed, the whole model of the five-paragraph theme hinges on a clearly stated and consistent thesis. However, some students are surprised—and dismayed—when some of their early college papers are criticized for not having a good thesis. Their professor might even claim that the paper doesn’t have a thesis when, in the author’s view it clearly does. So, what makes a good thesis in college?

A good thesis is non-obvious . High school teachers needed to make sure that you and all your classmates mastered the basic form of the academic essay. Thus, they were mostly concerned that you had a clear and consistent thesis, even if it was something obvious like “sustainability is important.” A thesis statement like that has a wide-enough scope to incorporate several supporting points and concurring evidence, enabling the writer to demonstrate his or her mastery of the five-paragraph form. Good enough! When they can, high school teachers nudge students to develop arguments that are less obvious and more engaging. College instructors, though, fully expect you to produce something more developed.
A good thesis is arguable . In everyday life, “arguable” is often used as a synonym for “doubtful.” For a thesis, though, “arguable” means that it’s worth arguing: it’s something with which a reasonable person might disagree. This arguability criterion dovetails with the non-obvious one: it shows that the author has deeply explored a problem and arrived at an argument that legitimately needs 3, 5, 10, or 20 pages to explain and justify. In that way, a good thesis sets an ambitious agenda for a paper. A thesis like “sustainability is important” isn’t at all difficult to argue for, and the reader would have little intrinsic motivation to read the rest of the paper. However, an arguable thesis like “sustainability policies will inevitably fail if they do not incorporate social justice,” brings up some healthy skepticism. Thus, the arguable thesis makes the reader want to keep reading.
A good thesis is well specified . Some student writers fear that they’re giving away the game if they specify their thesis up front; they think that a purposefully vague thesis might be more intriguing to the reader. However, consider movie trailers: they always include the most exciting and poignant moments from the film to attract an audience. In academic papers, too, a well specified thesis indicates that the author has thought rigorously about an issue and done thorough research, which makes the reader want to keep reading. Don’t just say that a particular policy is effective or fair; say what makes it is so. If you want to argue that a particular claim is dubious or incomplete, say why in your thesis.
A good thesis includes implications . Suppose your assignment is to write a paper about some aspect of the history of linen production and trade, a topic that may seem exceedingly arcane. And suppose you have constructed a well supported and creative argument that linen was so widely traded in the ancient Mediterranean that it actually served as a kind of currency. 2 That’s a strong, insightful, arguable, well specified thesis. But which of these thesis statements do you find more engaging?

Linen served as a form of currency in the ancient Mediterranean world, connecting rival empires through circuits of trade.

Linen served as a form of currency in the ancient Mediterranean world, connecting rival empires through circuits of trade. The economic role of linen raises important questions about how shifting environmental conditions can influence economic relationships and, by extension, political conflicts.

Putting your claims in their broader context makes them more interesting to your reader and more impressive to your professors who, after all, assign topics that they think have enduring significance. Finding that significance for yourself makes the most of both your paper and your learning.

How do you produce a good, strong thesis? And how do you know when you’ve gotten there? Many instructors and writers find useful a metaphor based on this passage by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.: 3

There are one-story intellects, two-story intellects, and three-story intellects with skylights. All fact collectors who have no aim beyond their facts are one-story men. Two-story men compare, reason, generalize using the labor of fact collectors as their own. Three-story men idealize, imagine, predict—their best illumination comes from above the skylight.

One-story theses state inarguable facts. Two-story theses bring in an arguable (interpretive or analytical) point. Three-story theses nest that point within its larger, compelling implications. 4

The biggest benefit of the three-story metaphor is that it describes a process for building a thesis. To build the first story, you first have to get familiar with the complex, relevant facts surrounding the problem or question. You have to be able to describe the situation thoroughly and accurately. Then, with that first story built, you can layer on the second story by formulating the insightful, arguable point that animates the analysis. That’s often the most effortful part: brainstorming, elaborating and comparing alternative ideas, finalizing your point. With that specified, you can frame up the third story by articulating why the point you make matters beyond its particular topic or case.

Thesis: that’s the word that pops at me whenever I write an essay. Seeing this word in the prompt scared me and made me think to myself, “Oh great, what are they really looking for?” or “How am I going to make a thesis for a college paper?” When rehearing that I would be focusing on theses again in a class, I said to myself, “Here we go again!” But after learning about the three story thesis, I never had a problem with writing another thesis. In fact, I look forward to being asked on a paper to create a thesis.

Timothée Pizarro

For example, imagine you have been assigned a paper about the impact of online learning in higher education. You would first construct an account of the origins and multiple forms of online learning and assess research findings about its use and effectiveness. If you’ve done that well, you’ll probably come up with a well considered opinion that wouldn’t be obvious to readers who haven’t looked at the issue in depth. Maybe you’ll want to argue that online learning is a threat to the academic community. Or perhaps you’ll want to make the case that online learning opens up pathways to college degrees that traditional campus-based learning does not. In the course of developing your central, argumentative point, you’ll come to recognize its larger context; in this example, you may claim that online learning can serve to better integrate higher education with the rest of society, as online learners bring their educational and career experiences together. To outline this example:

First story : Online learning is becoming more prevalent and takes many different forms.
Second story : While most observers see it as a transformation of higher education, online learning is better thought of an extension of higher education in that it reaches learners who aren’t disposed to participate in traditional campus-based education.
Third story : Online learning appears to be a promising way to better integrate higher education with other institutions in society, as online learners integrate their educational experiences with the other realms of their life, promoting the freer flow of ideas between the academy and the rest of society.

Here’s another example of a three-story thesis: 5

First story : Edith Wharton did not consider herself a modernist writer, and she didn’t write like her modernist contemporaries.
Second story : However, in her work we can see her grappling with both the questions and literary forms that fascinated modernist writers of her era. While not an avowed modernist, she did engage with modernist themes and questions.
Third story : Thus, it is more revealing to think of modernism as a conversation rather than a category or practice.

Here’s one more example:

First story : Scientists disagree about the likely impact in the U.S. of the light brown apple moth (LBAM) , an agricultural pest native to Australia.
Second story : Research findings to date suggest that the decision to spray pheromones over the skies of several southern Californian counties to combat the LBAM was poorly thought out.
Third story : Together, the scientific ambiguities and the controversial response strengthen the claim that industrial-style approaches to pest management are inherently unsustainable.

A thesis statement that stops at the first story isn’t usually considered a thesis. A two-story thesis is usually considered competent, though some two-story theses are more intriguing and ambitious than others. A thoughtfully crafted and well informed three-story thesis puts the author on a smooth path toward an excellent paper.

The concept of a three-story thesis framework was the most helpful piece of information I gained from the writing component of DCC 100. The first time I utilized it in a college paper, my professor included “good thesis” and “excellent introduction” in her notes and graded it significantly higher than my previous papers. You can expect similar results if you dig deeper to form three-story theses. More importantly, doing so will make the actual writing of your paper more straightforward as well. Arguing something specific makes the structure of your paper much easier to design.

Peter Farrell

Three-story theses and the organically structured argument

I should note here that a paper with this kind of momentum often reads like it was knocked out in one inspired sitting. But in reality, just like accomplished athletes and artists, masterful writers make the difficult thing look easy. As writer Anne Lamott notes, reading a well written piece feels like its author sat down and typed it out, “bounding along like huskies across the snow.” However, she continues,

This is just the fantasy of the uninitiated. I know some very great writers, writers you love who write beautifully and have made a great deal of money, and not one of them sits down routinely feeling wildly enthusiastic and confident. Not one of them writes elegant first drafts. All right, one of them does, but we do not like her very much. 6

Experienced writers don’t figure out what they want to say and then write it. They write in order to figure out what they want to say.

Experienced writers develop theses in dialog with the body of the essay. An initial characterization of the problem leads to a tentative thesis, and then drafting the body of the paper reveals thorny contradictions or critical areas of ambiguity, prompting the writer to revisit or expand the body of evidence and then refine the thesis based on that fresh look. The revised thesis may require that body paragraphs be reordered and reshaped to fit the emerging three-story thesis. Throughout the process, the thesis serves as an anchor point while the author wades through the morass of facts and ideas. The dialogue between thesis and body continues until the author is satisfied or the due date arrives, whatever comes first. It’s an effortful and sometimes tedious process. Novice writers, in contrast, usually oversimplify the writing process. They formulate some first-impression thesis, produce a reasonably organized outline, and then flesh it out with text, never taking the time to reflect or truly revise their work. They assume that revision is a step backward when, in reality, it is a major step forward.

Everyone has a different way that they like to write. For instance, I like to pop my earbuds in, blast dubstep music and write on a white board. I like using the white board because it is a lot easier to revise and edit while you write. After I finish writing a paragraph that I am completely satisfied with on the white board, I sit in front of it with my laptop and just type it up. Kaethe Leonard

Another benefit of the three-story thesis framework is that it demystifies what a “strong” argument is in academic culture. In an era of political polarization, many students may think that a strong argument is based on a simple, bold, combative statement that is promoted it in the most forceful way possible. “Gun control is a travesty!” “Shakespeare is the best writer who ever lived!” When students are encouraged to consider contrasting perspectives in their papers, they fear that doing so will make their own thesis seem mushy and weak. However, in academics a “strong” argument is comprehensive and nuanced, not simple and polemical. The purpose of the argument is to explain to readers why the author—through the course of his or her in-depth study—has arrived at a somewhat surprising point. On that basis, it has to consider plausible counter-arguments and contradictory information. Academic argumentation exemplifies the popular adage about all writing: show, don’t tell. In crafting and carrying out the three-story thesis, you are showing your reader the work you have done.

The model of the organically structured paper and the three-story thesis framework explained here is the very foundation of the paper itself and the process that produces it. The subsequent chapters, focusing on sources, paragraphs, and sentence-level wordsmithing, all follow from the notion that you are writing to think and writing to learn as much as you are writing to communicate. Your professors assume that you have the self-motivation and organizational skills to pursue your analysis with both rigor and flexibility; that is, they envision you developing, testing, refining and sometimes discarding your own ideas based on a clear-eyed and open-minded assessment of the evidence before you.

Other resources

The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an excellent, readable run-down on the five-paragraph theme, why most college writing assignments want you to go beyond it, and those times when the simpler structure is actually a better choice.
There are many useful websites that describe good thesis statements and provide examples. Those from the writing centers at Hamilton College , Purdue University , and Clarkson University are especially helpful.
Find a scholarly article or book that is interesting to you. Focusing on the abstract and introduction, outline the first, second, and third stories of its thesis.
Here is a list of one-story theses. Come up with two-story and three-story versions of each one.A. Television programming includes content that some find objectionable.B. The percent of children and youth who are overweight or obese has risen in recent decades.C. First-year college students must learn how to independently manage their time.D. The things we surround ourselves with symbolize who we are.
Find an example of a five-paragraph theme (online essay mills, your own high school work), produce an alternative three-story thesis, and outline an organically structured paper to carry that thesis out.
Go to the SAT website about the essay exam , choose one of the highly rated sample essays. In structure, how does it compare to the five-paragraph theme? How does it compare to the organic college essay? Use the SAT essay example you found to create alternative examples for Figures 3.1 and 3.2.

1 “Organic” here doesn’t mean “pesticide-free” or containing carbon; it means the paper grows and develops, sort of like a living thing.

2 For more see Fabio Lopez-Lazaro “Linen.” In Encyclopedia of World Trade from Ancient Times to the Present . Armonk: M.E. Sharpe, 2005 .

3 Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., The Poet at the Breakfast Table (New York: Houghton & Mifflin, 1892),

4 The metaphor is extraordinarily useful even though the passage is annoying. Beyond the sexist language of the time, I don’t appreciate the condescension toward “fact-collectors.” which reflects a general modernist tendency to elevate the abstract and denigrate the concrete. In reality, data-collection is a creative and demanding craft, arguably more important than theorizing.

5 Drawn from Jennifer Haytock, Edith Wharton and the Conversations of Literary Modernism (New York: Palgrave-MacMillan, 2008).

6 Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (New York: Pantheon, 1994) , 21.

Writing in College: From Competence to Excellence. Authored by : Amy Guptill. Provided by : The College of Brockport, SUNY. Located at : http://textbooks.opensuny.org/writing-in-college-from-competence-to-excellence/ . Project : Open SUNY Textbooks. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

3 Constructing the Thesis and Argument—From the Ground Up

Moving beyond the five-paragraph theme.

Figure outlining the conventional five-paragraph approach to essay writing, which begins with a broad introduction and thesis, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Figure outlining a nuanced college paper, beginning with a contextual introduction and thesis, complex paragraphs exploring the subject, and a conclusion based on implications of the thesis.

The three-story thesis: from the ground up

You have no doubt been drilled on the need for a thesis statement and its proper location at the end of the introduction. And you also know that all of the key points of the paper should clearly support the central driving thesis. Indeed, the whole model of the five-paragraph theme hinges on a clearly stated and consistent thesis. However, some students are surprised—and dismayed—when some of their early college papers are criticized for not having a good thesis. Their professor might even claim that the paper doesn’t have a thesis when, in the author’s view it clearly does. So, what makes a good thesis in college?

A good thesis is non-obvious . High school teachers needed to make sure that you and all your classmates mastered the basic form of the academic essay. Thus, they were mostly concerned that you had a clear and consistent thesis, even if it was something obvious like “sustainability is important.” A thesis statement like that has a wide-enough scope to incorporate several supporting points and concurring evidence, enabling the writer to demonstrate his or her mastery of the five-paragraph form. Good enough! When they can, high school teachers nudge students to develop arguments that are less obvious and more engaging. College instructors, though, fully expect you to produce something more developed.
A good thesis is arguable . In everyday life, “arguable” is often used as a synonym for “doubtful.” For a thesis, though, “arguable” means that it’s worth arguing: it’s something with which a reasonable person might disagree. This arguability criterion dovetails with the non-obvious one: it shows that the author has deeply explored a problem and arrived at an argument that legitimately needs 3, 5, 10, or 20 pages to explain and justify. In that way, a good thesis sets an ambitious agenda for a paper. A thesis like “sustainability is important” isn’t at all difficult to argue for, and the reader would have little intrinsic motivation to read the rest of the paper. However, an arguable thesis like “sustainability policies will inevitably fail if they do not incorporate social justice,” brings up some healthy skepticism. Thus, the arguable thesis makes the reader want to keep reading.
A good thesis is well specified . Some student writers fear that they’re giving away the game if they specify their thesis up front; they think that a purposefully vague thesis might be more intriguing to the reader. However, consider movie trailers: they always include the most exciting and poignant moments from the film to attract an audience. In academic papers, too, a well specified thesis indicates that the author has thought rigorously about an issue and done thorough research, which makes the reader want to keep reading. Don’t just say that a particular policy is effective or fair; say what makes it is so. If you want to argue that a particular claim is dubious or incomplete, say why in your thesis.
A good thesis includes implications . Suppose your assignment is to write a paper about some aspect of the history of linen production and trade, a topic that may seem exceedingly arcane. And suppose you have constructed a well supported and creative argument that linen was so widely traded in the ancient Mediterranean that it actually served as a kind of currency. [2] That’s a strong, insightful, arguable, well specified thesis. But which of these thesis statements do you find more engaging?

Linen served as a form of currency in the ancient Mediterranean world, connecting rival empires through circuits of trade.

Linen served as a form of currency in the ancient Mediterranean world, connecting rival empires through circuits of trade. The economic role of linen raises important questions about how shifting environmental conditions can influence economic relationships and, by extension, political conflicts.

How do you produce a good, strong thesis? And how do you know when you’ve gotten there? Many instructors and writers find useful a metaphor based on this passage by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.: [3]

There are one-story intellects, two-story intellects, and three-story intellects with skylights. All fact collectors who have no aim beyond their facts are one-story men. Two-story men compare, reason, generalize using the labor of fact collectors as their own. Three-story men idealize, imagine, predict—their best illumination comes from above the skylight.

One-story theses state inarguable facts. Two-story theses bring in an arguable (interpretive or analytical) point. Three-story theses nest that point within its larger, compelling implications. [4]

Timothée Pizarro

First story : Online learning is becoming more prevalent and takes many different forms.
Second story : While most observers see it as a transformation of higher education, online learning is better thought of an extension of higher education in that it reaches learners who aren’t disposed to participate in traditional campus-based education.
Third story : Online learning appears to be a promising way to better integrate higher education with other institutions in society, as online learners integrate their educational experiences with the other realms of their life, promoting the freer flow of ideas between the academy and the rest of society.

Here’s another example of a three-story thesis: [5]

First story : Edith Wharton did not consider herself a modernist writer, and she didn’t write like her modernist contemporaries.
Second story : However, in her work we can see her grappling with both the questions and literary forms that fascinated modernist writers of her era. While not an avowed modernist, she did engage with modernist themes and questions.
Third story : Thus, it is more revealing to think of modernism as a conversation rather than a category or practice.

Here’s one more example:

First story : Scientists disagree about the likely impact in the U.S. of the light brown apple moth (LBAM) , an agricultural pest native to Australia.
Second story : Research findings to date suggest that the decision to spray pheromones over the skies of several southern Californian counties to combat the LBAM was poorly thought out.
Third story : Together, the scientific ambiguities and the controversial response strengthen the claim that industrial-style approaches to pest management are inherently unsustainable.

A thesis statement that stops at the first story isn’t usually considered a thesis. A two-story thesis is usually considered competent, though some two-story theses are more intriguing and ambitious than others. A thoughtfully crafted and well informed three-story thesis puts the author on a smooth path toward an excellent paper.

Peter Farrell

Three-story theses and the organically structured argument

This is just the fantasy of the uninitiated. I know some very great writers, writers you love who write beautifully and have made a great deal of money, and not one of them sits down routinely feeling wildly enthusiastic and confident. Not one of them writes elegant first drafts. All right, one of them does, but we do not like her very much. [6]

Experienced writers don’t figure out what they want to say and then write it. They write in order to figure out what they want to say.

Everyone has a different way that they like to write. For instance, I like to pop my earbuds in, blast dubstep music and write on a white board. I like using the white board because it is a lot easier to revise and edit while you write. After I finish writing a paragraph that I am completely satisfied with on the white board, I sit in front of it with my laptop and just type it up.

Kaethe Leonard

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The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an excellent, readable run-down on the five-paragraph theme, why most college writing assignments want you to go beyond it, and those times when the simpler structure is actually a better choice.
There are many useful websites that describe good thesis statements and provide examples. Those from the writing centers at Hamilton College , Purdue University , and Clarkson University are especially helpful.
Find a scholarly article or book that is interesting to you. Focusing on the abstract and introduction, outline the first, second, and third stories of its thesis.
Television programming includes content that some find objectionable.
The percent of children and youth who are overweight or obese has risen in recent decades.
First-year college students must learn how to independently manage their time.
The things we surround ourselves with symbolize who we are.
Find an example of a five-paragraph theme (online essay mills, your own high school work), produce an alternative three-story thesis, and outline an organically structured paper to carry that thesis out.
“Organic” here doesn’t mean “pesticide-free” or containing carbon; it means the paper grows and develops, sort of like a living thing. ↵
For more see Fabio Lopez-Lazaro “Linen.” In Encyclopedia of World Trade from Ancient Times to the Present . Armonk: M.E. Sharpe, 2005. ↵
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., The Poet at the Breakfast Table (New York: Houghton & Mifflin, 1892). ↵
The metaphor is extraordinarily useful even though the passage is annoying. Beyond the sexist language of the time, I don’t appreciate the condescension toward “fact-collectors.” which reflects a general modernist tendency to elevate the abstract and denigrate the concrete. In reality, data-collection is a creative and demanding craft, arguably more important than theorizing. ↵
Drawn from Jennifer Haytock, Edith Wharton and the Conversations of Literary Modernism (New York: Palgrave-MacMillan, 2008). ↵
Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (New York: Pantheon, 1994), 21. ↵

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writingxhumanities

A "how to" guide for UC Berkeley writers

Making an Argument

Sometimes your instructor will give you a paper prompt. Here’s some advice on how to write in response to a prompt . And here are tips for responding to specific terms in prompts such as “analyze,” “compare,” “define.”

When your instructor doesn’t provide a detailed prompt, you will have to come up with a topic on your own. Are some topics better than others, and why? And what kinds of arguments do writers in the humanities make about those topics?

Arguments in the humanities are usually made in order to draw connections, whether these are connections between elements within a text, between texts, or between a text and one or more of its contexts.

Within a text: how does some textual element (form, character, image, theme) contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole?
Between texts: the classic format is “compare and contrast” (though you still need to make an argument based one or more elements of your comparison rather than simply identifying similarities and differences), but you might think also about how one text might influence, translate, or adapt another.
Between a text and context: contexts might include one or more facets of the historical, social, political, economic, or even the biographical. Literary theories and critical methodologies might also provide interpretive contexts for your argument.

In most humanities essays, emphasis is placed on how these connections work, and why they are important for understanding a text. The most interesting questions, in other words, are not ones that can simply be answered “yes” or “no,” or “good” or “bad,” but ones that invite you to analyze how and why . Even when you are asked to evaluate a text as a work of art or an ethical performance, your evaluation must be based upon a considered discussion of the terms of your judgement and how the text you are discussing fulfills or falls short of these expectations.

You’ve probably heard of “writing as a process,” but this phrase can be used to mean different things. The writing process is often imagined as moving only in one direction: you read a text, come up with a thesis statement, gather evidence that proves that thesis, outline your essay, and then write that essay in a fixed five-paragraph structure, consisting of an introduction with a single-sentence thesis statement, three body paragraphs that contains your analysis of evidence you’ve found in your text, and a conclusion that restates your thesis statement.

This is sometimes the way that “writing as a process” is taught in high school. But at the college level, writing is best practiced as a recursive mode of inquiry. The process of writing shapes the way we think about and investigate our objects of study. Ideally, your thesis will deepen and develop over the course of writing a paper, becoming more nuanced as you return to the text again and again to consider additional evidence and further implications of—or perhaps objections to—your argument. Unlike in mathematics or logic, your goal when writing in the humanities is not to “prove” your argument, but to explore or examine an idea.

You might think of an essay in terms of the critical moves of its argument:

Your essay should advance a single argument, which is also often called a thesis . Your thesis should be focused –if you’re analyzing a novel in a five-page paper, for example, you’ll need to focus on perhaps just a single scene, character, or repeated detail. Your thesis should be supportable —it has to rely on textual evidence rather than your subjective opinion or speculation. And your thesis should not be obvious -—it needs to be an argument about a text that you could imagine an intelligent reader disagreeing with.
Your thesis is important not only as a statement that appears in your introduction, but also as the main claim that you make over the course of the entire essay. The supporting claims that you make in your body paragraphs may be able to stand on their own, but they should all be in service of the main claim. Hence, your main claim should not be limited to the initial form that it takes as the thesis statement in your introductory paragraph, but rather should evolve over the course of the paper as you establish your supporting claims.
Then, there are the actions you take to make those supporting claims, which include summary , description , observation , contextualization , analysis , and interpretation . You’ll also want to think about the logic of the organization of these moves: how your sub-claims relate to your main claim. For more on working with textual evidence, see How can I use textual evidence to make an argument?
To make your argument stronger and more complex, you may want to include counterclaims (claims that someone else might make against your argument), rebuttals (answering the questions raised in those counterclaims), and qualifications (acknowledging the limitations of your argument).
One of the most challenging and crucial components of an argument is articulating what’s at stake. Sometimes the stakes of an argument are referred to as an answer to the question “so what?” Such significance will provoke your reader to think: “I see why this matters. I never thought of it that way”; or “You make a good, relevant point that enriches my reading of the text”; or even “I’m not entirely convinced, but you made me see this text in a new light.”

The most effective pieces of textual evidence are interpretively rich: they allow you to make compelling, unexpected, and nuanced claims that push your argument in new directions. (For more on using close reading to find those pieces of evidence, see Reading Between the Lines .) Depending on the particular focus of your paper, a good piece of evidence might exhibit some significant formal quality you want to draw attention to (things like alliteration, rhyme schemes, repetition, unexpected syntax, etc.) or reveal the psychology of a character. Avoid quoting textual evidence simply to summarize the plot, showcase general or widely known information about the text, or (of course) just to take up space in your 5-page paper requirement.

Some tips for using textual evidence to support an argument:

Make sure to foreground your interpretation of the quoted material— sandwiching quotations in your own thought is a great way to do this.
Quote only those textual details that exemplify the aspect of the text you are discussing.
If you’re citing a written text, only give the most relevant bits of a quotations, using ellipses to “hide” irrelevant material within or between quoted sentences or lines. (Obviously, take care not to “hide” a part of the text that contradicts the quote you’ve chosen or the interpretation you are making about it!) Ellipses are just one way to handle that problem; click here for more on using quotations with clarity and style .
It’s worth saying again: avoid using textual evidence to summarize the plot, to demonstrate general or widely known information about the text, or as filler to meet your minimum required word count!

For additional materials, go to Teaching Making an Argument in the For Instructors section of this website.

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What is a thesis?

The central argument or idea presented in a written work., the heart of your writing: understanding the thesis.

Your thesis is the beating heart of your writing, driving and directing your words, thoughts, and ideas towards a clear purpose. It is the central claim or argument that you make in response to a question or prompt, and it should be expressed throughout your work in order to help guide your reader to your ultimate conclusion. Whether you are writing a literary analysis or a persuasive argument, your thesis is the foundation upon which you build your piece, and it should be carefully crafted and nuanced in order to reflect the complexity of your topic. Remember to avoid vague generalizations, and instead strive to create a specific and strong statement that your writing can support and expand upon as you delve deeper into your subject matter.

A thesis statement can be seen in a wide range of literary works, from poetry to prose. Here are two examples of how writers have incorporated a strong thesis into their creative works:

In The Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway uses the story of an old fisherman's struggle to catch a fish as a metaphor for the larger theme of human perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds, as expressed through his thesis statement: "A man can be destroyed but not defeated" (Hemingway, p. 103).

T.S. Eliot's seminal poem, The Waste Land, is a complex and layered exploration of post-World War I disillusionment, with a thesis statement that captures this complex mood: "April is the cruelest month, breeding / Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing / Memory and desire, stirring / Dull roots with spring rain" (Eliot, lines 1-4).

IMAGES

How to Write a Nuanced Thesis Statement?
Thesis Statement: Definition and Useful Examples of Thesis Statement
How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Research Paper: Steps and
Thesis Statement Help Kids
30 Strong Thesis Statement Examples For Your Research Paper
How to Write Methodologies for a Dissertation

COMMENTS

What defines a "nuanced" thesis or conclusion?
The argument's thesis reflects nuance and precision in thought and purpose. Merriam-Webster defines "nuance" as. (1) a subtle distinction or variation; (2) a subtle quality; (3) sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value) If you think about sense 3 above, there's no requirement for ...
Writing Conclusions
Address the limitations of your argument. The strategy you employ in writing a conclusion for your paper may depend upon a number of factors: The conventions of the discipline in which you are writing. The tone of your paper (whether your paper is analytical, argumentative, explanatory, etc.) Whether your paper is meant to be formal or informal.
How to Write a Thesis Statement
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
12 Constructing the Thesis and Argument from the Ground Up
College instructors, though, fully expect you to produce something more developed. A good thesis is arguable. In everyday life, "arguable" is often used as a synonym for "doubtful.". For a thesis, though, "arguable" means that it's worth arguing: it's something with which a reasonable person might disagree.
PDF Creating a Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is the center around which the rest of your paper revolves; it is a clear, concise ... • Introduces nuance • Confines idea to specific time or place • Introduces an exception to your idea • Specifies order in which things occur .
PDF Thesis Statements
Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following: Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question.
Effective Thesis Statements
An Effective Thesis Statement: identifies—or PREVIEWS—what you plan to argue, and it "telegraphs" how you plan to argue; that is, it communicates what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay. is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. the subject, or topic, of an essay might be World ...
Thesis Statements and Counter-Claims
A thesis statement is a claim that sets up your argument. Your thesis should situate your argument within a broader discussion, which will likely involve addressing possible objections, or counter-claims.Counter-claims will help you develop a well-rounded argument by showing you've considered many possible positions on your topic.
How to Make a Strong Thesis Statement
The thesis statement will really take shape, however, when you are in the thick of the writing process. As you revise, trim, rearrange, and add your paragraphs, your thesis statement will have more clarity. Remember, your thesis statement should be a succinct summary of what your body of evidence is saying.
Writing Resource: Strong Thesis Statements
Strong Claims (thesis statements) tend to…. Make an argument about how a particular thing (text, video, movie, speech, etc.) works. Try to avoid simple observations or statements that everyone would agree with. Sometimes it's helpful for your first draft of a thesis to simply start with: "In this essay, I argue….". Name important ...
What Is a Thesis?
Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.
PDF Turning an Obvious Thesis into an Arguable Problem
uncover something more nuanced and original: That our anxiety may be more deeply rooted in an enduring cultural tradition. • Often asserts or implies the argument's structure. A good thesis will often do more than announce an argument; it will also give the reader a sense of how the argument will be laid out in the ensuing essay. Thesis 1
Effective Thesis Statements
A thesis keeps the writer centered on the matter at hand and reduces the risk of intellectual wandering. Likewise, a thesis provides the reader with a "road map," clearly laying out the intellectual route ahead. A thesis statement avoids the first person ("I believe," "In my opinion").
Complex Sentence Thesis
Check for Balance: Ensure that the main clause and subordinate clauses are balanced in terms of importance and depth of analysis. Tips for Writing a Complex Sentence Thesis Statement. Start with the Main Claim: Begin your complex sentence with the main argument or claim you intend to make. Use Subordinate Clauses Strategically: Subordinate ...
What is "nuance"?
What is "nuance"? Featuring a special appearance by the words of Laurence Holmes! You might be told, in an English class, to give a "nuanced argument," but it might not be perfectly clear what this means. It's very simple: When something is not "black and white," it's "nuanced," i.e., shaded. As a student of the world, you ...
What's the Meaning of the Word "Nuance"?
The word nuance refers to "a subtle or slight difference in sound, feeling, meaning, or appearance.". Pronounced NOO-ahns, it's often used as a noun to describe the finer, more delicate aspects of something, especially in language, writing, or interpretation. To say something has nuance or is nuanced suggests it has several layers or ...
Constructing the Thesis and Argument—From the Ground Up
Your professors are looking for a more ambitious and arguable thesis, a nuanced and compelling argument, and real-life evidence for all key points, all in an organically 1 structured paper. Figures 3.1 and 3.2 contrast the standard five-paragraph theme and the organic college paper. The five-paragraph theme, outlined in Figure 3.1 is probably ...
3 Constructing the Thesis and Argument—From the Ground Up
Your professors are looking for a more ambitious and arguable thesis, a nuanced and compelling argument, and real-life evidence for all key points, all in an organically [1] structured paper. Figures 3.1 and 3.2 contrast the standard five-paragraph theme and the organic college paper. The five-paragraph theme, outlined in Figure 3.1 is probably ...
Supporting Students to Craft Specific, Complex, and Nuanced Thesis
Supporting Students to Cra' SpeciThc, Complex, and Nuanced fiesis Statements. Journal of Response to Writing. 1. (1), 78-83. Supporting Students to Craft Specific, Conplex, and Nuanced Thesis Statements • 79. arguments, focusing on thesis statements can offer students a starting point for developing complex and nuanced arguments in the ...
Making an Argument
You might think of an essay in terms of the critical moves of its argument: Your essay should advance a single argument, which is also often called a thesis. Your thesis should be focused-if you're analyzing a novel in a five-page paper, for example, you'll need to focus on perhaps just a single scene, character, or repeated detail. Your thesis should be supportable—it has to rely on ...
What defines a "nuanced" thesis or conclusion?
"Nuance" describes subtle differences, generally referring to color, tone, or meaning. But what does this difference exactly refer to in the context of a thesis? For example, if my thesis is "nuanced," what does my thesis have subtle differences from? Is this referring to "theses in general," and therefore meaning that my thesis is original
Nuanced Essay Flashcards
you will assert your point of view and you will also anticipate, acknowledge, and address the opposite side of your claim (s) in your essay as well. both sides of an argument (for/against; benefits/problems; positive/negative) lean more towards one particular position. neutral or balanced. use transitions, conjunctive adverbs in particular, to ...
What is a thesis?
Your thesis is the beating heart of your writing, driving and directing your words, thoughts, and ideas towards a clear purpose. It is the central claim or argument that you make in response to a question or prompt, and it should be expressed throughout your work in order to help guide your reader to your ultimate conclusion.
Nuance in Literature
Nuance is a subtle distinction, variation, or quality of something. The nuance definition related to literature is the slight differences in a word's meaning or usage that contributes to subtle ...
What to Know About the LSAT Writing Sample
What's New With the Argumentative Writing Section Previously, the LSAT writing prompt was based on a decision, like weighing competing considerations to argue for whether a town should improve ...

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12 Constructing the Thesis and Argument from the Ground Up

Amy Guptill Adapted by Liz Delf, Rob Drummond, and Kristy Kelly

The Three-Story Thesis

Three-Story Theses and the Organically Structured Argument

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How to Make a Strong Thesis Statement

The thesis should go at the beginning of the paper

Make your thesis give direction to the rest of your paper

Make sure your argument is debatable

Smaller is better when it comes to thesis statements

Ensure that your thesis statement actually answers the research question

Your thesis will emerge from the writing process (particularly from revisions)

Nuance is okay

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Complex Sentence Thesis

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Writing Process Basics: Thesis Statements

The three-story thesis: from the ground up

Three-story theses and the organically structured argument

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3 Constructing the Thesis and Argument—From the Ground Up

The three-story thesis: from the ground up

Three-story theses and the organically structured argument

Other resources

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Making an Argument

What is a thesis?

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