how to write a university thesis statement

While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
• picture_as_pdf Thesis

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How to write a thesis statement, what is a thesis statement.

Almost all of us—even if we don’t do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement.

Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement?

• to test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two
• to better organize and develop your argument
• to provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument

In general, your thesis statement will accomplish these goals if you think of the thesis as the answer to the question your paper explores.

How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement?

Here are some helpful hints to get you started. You can either scroll down or select a link to a specific topic.

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned

Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. Your first step, then, is to distill the assignment into a specific question. For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the local school board explaining the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class,” turn the request into a question like, “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” After you’ve chosen the question your essay will answer, compose one or two complete sentences answering that question.

Q: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” A: “The potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class are . . .”

A: “Using computers in a fourth-grade class promises to improve . . .”

The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

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How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned

Even if your assignment doesn’t ask a specific question, your thesis statement still needs to answer a question about the issue you’d like to explore. In this situation, your job is to figure out what question you’d like to write about.

A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes:

• take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree
• deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment
• express one main idea
• assert your conclusions about a subject

Let’s see how to generate a thesis statement for a social policy paper.

Brainstorm the topic . Let’s say that your class focuses upon the problems posed by changes in the dietary habits of Americans. You find that you are interested in the amount of sugar Americans consume.

You start out with a thesis statement like this:

Sugar consumption.

This fragment isn’t a thesis statement. Instead, it simply indicates a general subject. Furthermore, your reader doesn’t know what you want to say about sugar consumption.

Narrow the topic . Your readings about the topic, however, have led you to the conclusion that elementary school children are consuming far more sugar than is healthy.

You change your thesis to look like this:

Reducing sugar consumption by elementary school children.

This fragment not only announces your subject, but it focuses on one segment of the population: elementary school children. Furthermore, it raises a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree, because while most people might agree that children consume more sugar than they used to, not everyone would agree on what should be done or who should do it. You should note that this fragment is not a thesis statement because your reader doesn’t know your conclusions on the topic.

Take a position on the topic. After reflecting on the topic a little while longer, you decide that what you really want to say about this topic is that something should be done to reduce the amount of sugar these children consume.

You revise your thesis statement to look like this:

More attention should be paid to the food and beverage choices available to elementary school children.

This statement asserts your position, but the terms more attention and food and beverage choices are vague.

Use specific language . You decide to explain what you mean about food and beverage choices , so you write:

Experts estimate that half of elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar.

This statement is specific, but it isn’t a thesis. It merely reports a statistic instead of making an assertion.

Make an assertion based on clearly stated support. You finally revise your thesis statement one more time to look like this:

Because half of all American elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace the beverages in soda machines with healthy alternatives.

Notice how the thesis answers the question, “What should be done to reduce sugar consumption by children, and who should do it?” When you started thinking about the paper, you may not have had a specific question in mind, but as you became more involved in the topic, your ideas became more specific. Your thesis changed to reflect your new insights.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

1. a strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand..

Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject. For example, if you are writing a paper for a class on fitness, you might be asked to choose a popular weight-loss product to evaluate. Here are two thesis statements:

There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.

This is a weak thesis statement. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase negative and positive aspects is vague.

Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers.

This is a strong thesis because it takes a stand, and because it's specific.

2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

Your thesis should indicate the point of the discussion. If your assignment is to write a paper on kinship systems, using your own family as an example, you might come up with either of these two thesis statements:

My family is an extended family.

This is a weak thesis because it merely states an observation. Your reader won’t be able to tell the point of the statement, and will probably stop reading.

While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families, like my own, believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.

This is a strong thesis because it shows how your experience contradicts a widely-accepted view. A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial. Readers will be interested in reading the rest of the essay to see how you support your point.

3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point. If your thesis statement expresses more than one idea, then you might confuse your readers about the subject of your paper. For example:

Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and Web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.

This is a weak thesis statement because the reader can’t decide whether the paper is about marketing on the Internet or Web pages. To revise the thesis, the relationship between the two ideas needs to become more clear. One way to revise the thesis would be to write:

Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using Web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.

This is a strong thesis because it shows that the two ideas are related. Hint: a great many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because , since , so , although , unless , and however .

4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about, and will help you keep your paper to a manageable topic. For example, if you're writing a seven-to-ten page paper on hunger, you might say:

World hunger has many causes and effects.

This is a weak thesis statement for two major reasons. First, world hunger can’t be discussed thoroughly in seven to ten pages. Second, many causes and effects is vague. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. A revised thesis might look like this:

Hunger persists in Glandelinia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.

This is a strong thesis statement because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic, and it also identifies the specific causes for the existence of hunger.

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How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

• Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
• Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
• Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

• What impact did reality TV have on American society?
• How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
• Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

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How to write a thesis statement + examples

What is a thesis statement?

Is a thesis statement a question, how do you write a good thesis statement, how do i know if my thesis statement is good, examples of thesis statements, helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement, frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement, related articles.

A thesis statement is the main argument of your paper or thesis.

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing . It is a brief statement of your paper’s main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about.

You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the question with new information and not just restate or reiterate it.

Your thesis statement is part of your introduction. Learn more about how to write a good thesis introduction in our introduction guide .

A thesis statement is not a question. A statement must be arguable and provable through evidence and analysis. While your thesis might stem from a research question, it should be in the form of a statement.

Tip: A thesis statement is typically 1-2 sentences. For a longer project like a thesis, the statement may be several sentences or a paragraph.

A good thesis statement needs to do the following:

• Condense the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
• Answer your project’s main research question.
• Clearly state your position in relation to the topic .
• Make an argument that requires support or evidence.

Once you have written down a thesis statement, check if it fulfills the following criteria:

• Your statement needs to be provable by evidence. As an argument, a thesis statement needs to be debatable.
• Your statement needs to be precise. Do not give away too much information in the thesis statement and do not load it with unnecessary information.
• Your statement cannot say that one solution is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. You should draw upon verified facts to persuade the reader of your solution, but you cannot just declare something as right or wrong.

As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should answer a question.

If the question is:

What do you think the City of New York should do to reduce traffic congestion?

A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:

In this paper, I will argue that the City of New York should focus on providing exclusive lanes for public transport and adaptive traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion by the year 2035.

Here is another example. If the question is:

How can we end poverty?

A good thesis statement should give more than one solution to the problem in question:

In this paper, I will argue that introducing universal basic income can help reduce poverty and positively impact the way we work.

• The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina has a list of questions to ask to see if your thesis is strong .

A thesis statement is part of the introduction of your paper. It is usually found in the first or second paragraph to let the reader know your research purpose from the beginning.

In general, a thesis statement should have one or two sentences. But the length really depends on the overall length of your project. Take a look at our guide about the length of thesis statements for more insight on this topic.

Here is a list of Thesis Statement Examples that will help you understand better how to write them.

Every good essay should include a thesis statement as part of its introduction, no matter the academic level. Of course, if you are a high school student you are not expected to have the same type of thesis as a PhD student.

Here is a great YouTube tutorial showing How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements .

25 Thesis Statement Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

Read More: What is the American Dream?

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

Read More: Learn about Urbanization

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

Read More: Do we have Free Will?

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

Read More: Soft Skills Examples

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

Read More: Moral Panic Examples

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Read More: Mass Media Examples

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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How to Write an Effective Thesis Statement

Jonathan Wlodarski is pursuing a Ph.D. in English and teaches introductory-level English courses.

What Is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is typically one sentence that appears in the first paragraph of an essay that captures the essay’s purpose. Think of the thesis statement as a one-sentence summary that tells the reader exactly what an essay says.

Rather than writing your essay like a puzzle, keeping the reader in suspense about what conclusion you’ll reach by the end, use the thesis statement like a treasure map to give the reader a sense of your essay’s direction. Tell them the conclusion up front, so they know where your piece is headed.

Once you’ve done your research and found your sources, craft a thesis statement that clearly indicates the direction your essay will take. As you write, think about how each paragraph connects to your thesis. If you’re struggling to understand how a particular idea relates directly to the thesis statement, it may be a sign that you’ve diverged from the purpose of the essay.

THESIS STATEMENT DEFINITION

A thesis statement is a one-sentence declaration of intention — a summation of the main idea your essay will explain at length. An effective thesis statement will make a unique claim or seek to answer an important question.

Tips for Writing a Good Thesis Statement

Be specific.

Essays should be based on a specific argument. Check your thesis statement to see if the central idea of your writing is too vague. If you argue for something overly general — for example, an argument that all pop music is bad — your essay will try to conquer too many ideas and be unfocused.

Refine your argument to be more specific. Perhaps you’ll say that pop music suffers from repetitive chord progressions or that pop songs have unimaginative lyrics. These narrower claims allow you to easily marshall evidence in support of your thesis.

Make a Clear Argument

Often, you need to write a paper within a very limited set of parameters — usually a few thousand words at most. Within a prescribed framework, you won’t have space on the page to fully address multiple arguments.

If a reader can’t ascertain the direction your essay will take from reading the thesis statement alone, then revise it to ensure your main point is stated plainly. If you’re struggling to make your argument clear, try formulating your thesis statement using this template: “In this paper, I argue that __________.”

Because some writing instructors forbid or disapprove of the first-person point of view in academic essays, you may have to change your thesis statement later; however, using this template reminds you what your argument should be, which is a helpful early drafting technique.

Take a Strong Stance

When writing your essay’s thesis statement, ask whether it is a statement that can be argued with. For example, if your thesis statement is, “Computers are a popular technology in today’s society,” your essay might not be advancing a position so much as stating an objectively true fact.

Most essays will require you to take a stance, not make an observation, so craft a thesis statement that actually puts forward a unique perspective.

Question Your Assumptions

As you formulate the thesis statement of your essay, ask yourself what assumptions your argument is based on. In other words, what must your readers assume to be true before they can even begin to accept your argument?

Be particularly aware of your intended audience. For example, does your argument rely on a religious or moral code to prove that it is inherently right? If you are writing a paper for a class in Christian ministry, a dogmatic argument might be appropriate; for a sociology paper, however, such arguments don’t hold water.

Think about the ways in which your argument may not hold up for people who don’t subscribe to your viewpoints, then revise or re-approach your thesis statement so that your argument doesn’t depend on those assumptions.

Don’t Hide Your Thesis

Keep in mind that your thesis statement should come near the beginning of your essay. Conventional wisdom dictates that it should appear by the end of the first paragraph, though the exact positioning may vary, depending on how much introduction your specific essay requires. In any case, it should generally come at the end of your introduction to the material — the final statement your reader sees at the beginning, before moving into the body of your argument.

To some extent, it’s also important not to overthink your thesis statement. Don’t dress up a thesis statement with fancy language, and don’t be too clever in how you set the stage for your argument; both of these strategies sometimes disguise a weak central thesis. Whoever your professor is, they will appreciate you getting to the point in a clear, concise manner.

Types of Thesis Statements

Argumentative essay.

Argumentative essays ask students to make the case for a particular perspective, or to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view by the time they reach the essay’s conclusion. In these essays, a thesis statement should be a clear picture of the argument you will make over the course of your essay.

In an American history class, you are asked to argue about the dominant cause of the War of 1812. Your thesis statement might look like, “The War of 1812 was a direct result of British arms sales to native tribes in the American West.”

In an ethics class, you are asked to argue about the moral obligation to help people in need. Your thesis statement might read, “By virtue of a social contract, we do have a moral obligation to help one another.”

Analytical Essay

In analytical essays, writers must communicate their interpretation of a given source or set of sources. In these essays, a thesis statement will explain the conclusion that your analysis has led you to. It may also be helpful to forecast your analysis by explaining which specific points you’ll be examining. A helpful formula to get started with this kind of thesis statement is: “In this essay, I argue __________ by examining ____, ____, and ____.”

In an English class, you’ve been asked to write an essay that analyzes how a persuasive article about climate change was constructed. Your thesis statement might say, “In this paper, I argue that Johnson relies too heavily on personal anecdotes and interviews, rather than scientific data, to establish the threat of climate change.”

In a psychology class, your assignment is an essay that analyzes the connection between depression and childhood trauma based on several studies you’ve researched. Your thesis statement might read, “Based on the data from these three studies, it’s clear that there is a direct link between childhood trauma and clinical depression emerging in adults.”

Expository Essay

Expository essays ask writers to provide an informational breakdown of a topic, educating readers using specific details. It may be hard to understand how a thesis statement is of use in an expository essay because expository writing often does not advance an argument. Even so, a controlling statement near the beginning of the essay that summarizes your point is useful. By communicating clearly what the intention of your writing is, you can ensure that each new piece of information supports the central idea you are building.

A helpful formula for guiding your expository essay is: “In this essay, I will teach my reader __________.” As you work toward this goal, you can revisit this sentence later and rework it into an effective thesis statement.

In a biochemistry class, you’ve been asked to write an essay explaining the impact of bisphenol A on the human body. Your thesis statement might say, “This essay will make clear the correlation between bisphenol A exposure and hypertension.”

In a gender studies class, you must write an essay that explains third-wave feminism. Your thesis statement might read, “Third-wave feminism built upon the work of earlier generations of feminists to advocate for an expanded view of what being a woman means.”

Personal Essay

Especially in composition and creative writing classes, you might be asked to write essays that draw upon your personal experiences. Prompts for personal essays might include writing about your experiences with race or your development as a writer, and these essays are often centered on a moment of realization or revelation. You can distill these themes into a thesis statement for your personal essay. While there may be no central argument in a thesis like this, there is always an organizing principle, such as change, destiny, growth, or irony.

In a creative writing class, you have to write an essay about how the place you grew up shaped you. Your thesis statement might look like, “Growing up on the farm taught me how to be more patient.”

In a composition class, you have to write an essay about the first time you realized how your gender was part of your identity. Your essay’s thesis statement might read, “Because I was yelled at for playing with dolls as a kid, I understood that I didn’t fit the narrow constraints of masculinity as my family defined it.”

Some Final Thoughts

Crafting an effective thesis statement is a useful exercise not just in college, but in your everyday life. It teaches you to examine ideas, organize them into a central theme or argument, and to persuasively mobilize evidence in support of this argument — a skill useful in many careers and personal endeavors.

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Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

Basics of thesis statements.

The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper. Specific means the thesis deals with a narrow and focused topic, appropriate to the paper's length. Arguable means that a scholar in your field could disagree (or perhaps already has!).

Strong thesis statements address specific intellectual questions, have clear positions, and use a structure that reflects the overall structure of the paper. Read on to learn more about constructing a strong thesis statement.

Being Specific

This thesis statement has no specific argument:

Needs Improvement: In this essay, I will examine two scholarly articles to find similarities and differences.

This statement is concise, but it is neither specific nor arguable—a reader might wonder, "Which scholarly articles? What is the topic of this paper? What field is the author writing in?" Additionally, the purpose of the paper—to "examine…to find similarities and differences" is not of a scholarly level. Identifying similarities and differences is a good first step, but strong academic argument goes further, analyzing what those similarities and differences might mean or imply.

Better: In this essay, I will argue that Bowler's (2003) autocratic management style, when coupled with Smith's (2007) theory of social cognition, can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover.

The new revision here is still concise, as well as specific and arguable.  We can see that it is specific because the writer is mentioning (a) concrete ideas and (b) exact authors.  We can also gather the field (business) and the topic (management and employee turnover). The statement is arguable because the student goes beyond merely comparing; he or she draws conclusions from that comparison ("can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover").

Making a Unique Argument

This thesis draft repeats the language of the writing prompt without making a unique argument:

Needs Improvement: The purpose of this essay is to monitor, assess, and evaluate an educational program for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, I will provide suggestions for improvement.

You can see here that the student has simply stated the paper's assignment, without articulating specifically how he or she will address it. The student can correct this error simply by phrasing the thesis statement as a specific answer to the assignment prompt.

Better: Through a series of student interviews, I found that Kennedy High School's antibullying program was ineffective. In order to address issues of conflict between students, I argue that Kennedy High School should embrace policies outlined by the California Department of Education (2010).

Words like "ineffective" and "argue" show here that the student has clearly thought through the assignment and analyzed the material; he or she is putting forth a specific and debatable position. The concrete information ("student interviews," "antibullying") further prepares the reader for the body of the paper and demonstrates how the student has addressed the assignment prompt without just restating that language.

Creating a Debate

This thesis statement includes only obvious fact or plot summary instead of argument:

Needs Improvement: Leadership is an important quality in nurse educators.

A good strategy to determine if your thesis statement is too broad (and therefore, not arguable) is to ask yourself, "Would a scholar in my field disagree with this point?" Here, we can see easily that no scholar is likely to argue that leadership is an unimportant quality in nurse educators.  The student needs to come up with a more arguable claim, and probably a narrower one; remember that a short paper needs a more focused topic than a dissertation.

Better: Roderick's (2009) theory of participatory leadership  is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning.

Here, the student has identified a particular type of leadership ("participatory leadership"), narrowing the topic, and has made an arguable claim (this type of leadership is "appropriate" to a specific type of nurse educator). Conceivably, a scholar in the nursing field might disagree with this approach. The student's paper can now proceed, providing specific pieces of evidence to support the arguable central claim.

Choosing the Right Words

This thesis statement uses large or scholarly-sounding words that have no real substance:

Needs Improvement: Scholars should work to seize metacognitive outcomes by harnessing discipline-based networks to empower collaborative infrastructures.

There are many words in this sentence that may be buzzwords in the student's field or key terms taken from other texts, but together they do not communicate a clear, specific meaning. Sometimes students think scholarly writing means constructing complex sentences using special language, but actually it's usually a stronger choice to write clear, simple sentences. When in doubt, remember that your ideas should be complex, not your sentence structure.

Better: Ecologists should work to educate the U.S. public on conservation methods by making use of local and national green organizations to create a widespread communication plan.

Notice in the revision that the field is now clear (ecology), and the language has been made much more field-specific ("conservation methods," "green organizations"), so the reader is able to see concretely the ideas the student is communicating.

Leaving Room for Discussion

This thesis statement is not capable of development or advancement in the paper:

Needs Improvement: There are always alternatives to illegal drug use.

This sample thesis statement makes a claim, but it is not a claim that will sustain extended discussion. This claim is the type of claim that might be appropriate for the conclusion of a paper, but in the beginning of the paper, the student is left with nowhere to go. What further points can be made? If there are "always alternatives" to the problem the student is identifying, then why bother developing a paper around that claim? Ideally, a thesis statement should be complex enough to explore over the length of the entire paper.

Better: The most effective treatment plan for methamphetamine addiction may be a combination of pharmacological and cognitive therapy, as argued by Baker (2008), Smith (2009), and Xavier (2011).

In the revised thesis, you can see the student make a specific, debatable claim that has the potential to generate several pages' worth of discussion. When drafting a thesis statement, think about the questions your thesis statement will generate: What follow-up inquiries might a reader have? In the first example, there are almost no additional questions implied, but the revised example allows for a good deal more exploration.

Thesis Mad Libs

If you are having trouble getting started, try using the models below to generate a rough model of a thesis statement! These models are intended for drafting purposes only and should not appear in your final work.

• In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert _____.
• While scholars have often argued ______, I argue______, because_______.
• Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which is important because_______.

Words to Avoid and to Embrace

When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize , and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing.

Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question , and interrogate . These more analytical words may help you begin strongly, by articulating a specific, critical, scholarly position.

Read Kayla's blog post for tips on taking a stand in a well-crafted thesis statement.

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Developing Strong Thesis Statements

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The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.

The thesis needs to be narrow

Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.

Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.

Types of claims

Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.

Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:

Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:

Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:

Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:

Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.

How to Write a College Thesis or Capstone Project

Writing a college thesis or capstone project can seem daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through each step. Whether you’re tackling how to write a college thesis or a capstone project, we offer the help you need.

Did you know that 80% of strong thesis examples have clear, specific statements? Yes! Being precise and taking a stand is crucial. Resources for graduate students often highlight the need to show controversy or challenge common views.

For example, master’s students in intelligence programs must write a 50-page thesis in just 16 weeks. That’s a lot of work! But with the right strategy, you can succeed. Remember, your abstract should be brief and engaging, no more than 250 words. It should capture attention and summarize your main points.

Are you ready to begin? Let’s explore the basics of college thesis and capstone projects. We’ll cover everything from choosing your topic to presenting your findings. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a standout academic paper!

Understanding the Basics of College Thesis and Capstone Projects

College thesis and capstone projects are key parts of higher education. A thesis is about academic research, while a capstone project uses knowledge in real-world settings. Both need a clear problem statement, a literature review, and data analysis.

The structure of these projects includes an introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion. This structure helps organize the research and findings.

Thesis writing tips stress the need for good time management. It takes about 20 hours for research and 8 hours for writing a 10-page paper. Editing takes around 7 hours, which is about 20% of the total time.

For longer projects, like 25-page capstone papers, expect to spend more time on each step. This is important for a well-organized and thorough project.

Capstone projects mix knowledge from different subjects studied during a program. They are given at high school, college, and university levels. Students get to choose their topic, making the project more interesting.

These projects involve creating thesis statements, annotated bibliographies, and literature reviews. This helps students apply what they’ve learned.

Some schools let students choose between a thesis and a non-thesis capstone project. A thesis might help you finish your degree faster. On the other hand, a capstone with field experience could require 300 or more supervised hours.

The choice depends on your career goals and what you prefer. Always follow your school’s formatting guidelines for the best results.

Selecting Your Topic: The First Step to Success

Choosing the right topic for your college thesis or capstone project is key. It’s the start of your academic journey. Your topic should excite you and match your career dreams. This first step shapes your whole research journey.

Think about how your topic relates to your field of study. Try to add new insights or solve real-world problems. Brainstorming can spark ideas. Then, do some initial research to pick the best one. This way, you find a topic that makes you eager to explore more.

Get academic writing guidance from your advisor or professors. They can share important advice and help refine your topic. Having a knowledgeable supervisor is crucial for success. They can help you overcome obstacles and ensure your project meets high standards.

As you pick your topic, set clear limits. This keeps your research focused and prevents it from getting too wide. Look into scholarly sources to back up your topic. Use library databases and respected academic journals for the best information. A well-chosen topic with solid research is the foundation of a great thesis or capstone project.

Conducting a Thorough Literature Review

The literature review is key in any academic project. It’s more than just a summary; it’s a deep dive into existing research. This helps shape your own research. In fact, 85% of literature reviews are part of bigger papers, while 15% are standalone.

Begin by organizing your sources. You can group them by when they were published, their theme, or methodology. This method helps you see trends and gaps in research. About 90% of good literature reviews explore connections between themes and highlight gaps.

When analyzing sources, don’t just report what you find. Critically engage with the material. Around 75% of strong reviews discuss the strengths and weaknesses of previous research. This critical thinking helps you build your own arguments and place your work in the academic conversation.

By following these steps, you’ll make a literature review that supports your thesis or capstone project. It will also add valuable insights to your field of study.

Developing Your Thesis Statement or Research Question

Creating a solid thesis statement is key for good college writing. It sets the paper’s direction and scope for readers. Start by breaking down your assignment prompt. Find the main topic and what specific areas to explore.

When crafting your thesis, aim to make a clear argument about your topic. For example, “Social media affects public awareness in both good and bad ways.” This statement is clear and allows for evidence in your paper. Remember, your thesis will change as you learn more during your research.

Guidance on academic writing suggests different ways to write your thesis. Try moving from questions to clear statements or outlining your argument’s reasons. For instance, “In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain shows a contrast between river life and shore life.” This thesis clearly sets the paper’s path and invites deeper exploration.

Check if your thesis is specific, clear, and impactful. Make sure it’s backed by evidence you can discuss in your paper. By following these steps, you’ll lay a strong foundation for your college writing project.

Creating a Solid Project Outline and Structure

A well-crafted outline is crucial for academic writing success. It’s the backbone of your thesis or capstone project. Start with an introduction, then background information and literature review. Next, include methods, results, discussion, and conclusion sections.

For theses, a formal proposal defense comes first. Capstone projects need an approved outline from your program director. Use headings to make it easier to read. Remember, your outline can change based on feedback and new insights.

Academic writing guidance recommends using both formal and informal outlines. Formal ones are given to professors early, while informal ones help brainstorm. Most APA or MLA formats need at least three body paragraphs. Keep your outline focused for clarity and coherence.

The outline process is ongoing. As your research grows, so should your outline. This flexibility lets you add new discoveries easily. By following these steps, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your project. Effective project structuring can greatly increase your success, just like Polygence alumni’s 89% admission rate to R1 universities in 2024.

How to Write a College Thesis: Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a college thesis is a big challenge but also very rewarding. Begin by picking a topic that really excites you. Then, craft a strong thesis statement. This step is crucial for your whole project.

Next, do a deep dive into the literature review. This helps you grasp what’s already known in your field. After that, design your study and start collecting data.

Analyze your data well, looking for any patterns or insights. Organize your thesis into clear sections: introduction, methods, results, and discussion. Make sure to follow your school’s formatting rules.

Get help from your advisor throughout the process. They can give you great tips and help you improve. Remember, it’s okay to revise your work many times. A polished thesis is essential.

Finally, get ready for your thesis defense. This is your chance to show off your hard work and knowledge. With hard work and careful planning, you’ll have a thesis that shows your growth and adds to your field.

Capstone Project Development: From Concept to Execution

Capstone projects are a big part of many degree programs. They help students apply what they’ve learned and prepare for the workforce or further studies. The journey begins with selecting a real-world problem in your field.

At this stage, academic writing guidance is crucial. You need to review existing solutions to the problem. Then, you design your project, which could involve creating new tools, launching initiatives, or evaluating existing ones.

The exciting part is when you start working on your project. You’ll collect data or implement your plan. After that, you analyze the outcomes and assess the project’s success. The structure of your research paper is vital here.

You’ll document your findings and suggest future applications. Your school might also ask you to present your work or create a visual representation. Throughout this process, you’ll work closely with your advisor.

Capstone projects are excellent for developing essential job skills. They enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, research, project management, and communication abilities. Choosing a topic aligned with your career goals can make you stand out in the job market. They provide valuable experience and opportunities to network within your field. Over 85% of schools now incorporate capstone projects to prepare students for the workforce.

Research Methodologies and Data Collection Techniques

Choosing the right research methodology is key for your thesis or capstone project. Quantitative studies give us numbers, often used in sciences. Qualitative studies give us words, common in humanities and social sciences. Mixed methods use both.

For primary research, think about surveys, experiments, or field studies. Secondary research might be systematic literature reviews or meta-analyses. Capstone projects could be about implementing programs, developing tools, or assessing outcomes. Always get the right approvals, like IRB clearance, before you start collecting data.

When you analyze data, quantitative research uses numbers and statistics. Qualitative research looks at words and themes. Make sure to document your method well so others can trust your findings. Getting help from supervisors or peers can make your research better and keep it honest.

Ethics are very important. Stay objective, keep privacy, and get consent from your subjects. A clear methodology section lets readers see if your study is good. By following these tips and using scholarly sources, you’ll build a strong base for your academic work.

Analyzing and Presenting Your Results

After you’ve gathered your data, it’s time to analyze and present it. This step is key in your college thesis or capstone project. It needs careful attention and strong argumentation. Let’s see how to make your results stand out!

First, pick the right analysis methods for your data. If it’s numbers, use statistical tools to find patterns. For instance, a study found 65% of patients over 55 were happy with their postoperative care. For qualitative data, look for themes and trends in responses. Your aim is to clearly answer your research question.

When showing your results, use visuals. Tables, graphs, and charts can simplify complex data. In a study on forest ecosystems, stakeholders found regulating services most important, followed by provisioning and supporting services. Visuals help readers quickly understand your findings.

Academic writing advice says keep your results section factual and brief. Save your interpretations for the discussion chapter. By following these tips, you’ll present your results in a compelling way. This will prepare you for a strong conclusion to your project.

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How to write a thesis statement.

Description of the video:

Dive into the process

Confused about thesis statements? We're here to help. In this episode we'll explore thesis statements in depth, and even sit in on the process of creating them.

Put it into practice!

• What is a thesis statement and what important work does it do in a piece of writing?
• When facing a blank page, what strategy do both Kate and Drew decide to use to help them get started on their thesis statements? Why?
• Go and observe for yourself the sculpture out at Dunn’s Woods that Kate and Drew are writing about in the episode. Then try and construct a thesis statement of your own from these observations. Compare Kate and Drew’s theses with your own. How did it go?
• After looking at this, how would you describe the thesis creation process in your own words? What do you think were Kate’s and Drew’s attitudes toward it—how did they feel about it? Do you see any obstacles toward adopting that same perspective yourself?

More help with writing thesis statements

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How to Write a Compelling Thesis Statement

• November 14, 2024
• Academic Help , Assignment help

Crafting a strong thesis statement is key to writing an impactful essay or research paper. A well-written thesis acts as a guide for your readers, helping them understand the main argument and purpose of your work. Whether you’re writing for a high school assignment or a college essay, these steps will help you create a clear, compelling thesis statement.

1. Understand the Purpose of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is more than just an introduction. It’s a concise summary of the main point or claim of your essay. Your thesis should give readers a clear sense of what your paper will discuss. For instance, if you need homework help on an argumentative essay , the thesis will clearly state your stance on the issue and set the tone for the rest of your writing.

2. Narrow Down Your Topic

Before you start writing, make sure you have a clear focus. A broad topic often leads to a vague thesis. If you’re struggling, consider asking an assignment writer for guidance or using assignment help resources to narrow your subject. For example, if you’re writing about technology, narrow it down to a specific impact, such as “the effects of social media on mental health.”

3. Make It Debatable

A good thesis statement presents an argument that others could challenge. Instead of stating a simple fact, aim to make a claim that others can agree or disagree with. For example, instead of “Exercise is beneficial for health,” try “Regular exercise should be mandatory for all college students to improve physical and mental well-being.” This approach makes your thesis more engaging and allows you to explore different viewpoints.

4. Be Specific and Concise

Your thesis statement should be clear and to the point. Avoid vague language that could confuse readers. A specific thesis tells readers exactly what to expect. For instance, instead of saying “Pollution is bad for the environment,” a more specific thesis would be, “Industrial pollution contributes to climate change, which poses a serious threat to biodiversity and human health.”

5. Place It in the Right Spot

In most essays, the thesis statement appears at the end of the introduction. This helps guide readers from the general context of your topic into the specific claim you’ll be making. Remember, if you’re using a “ make my assignment ” service or seeking homework help, ask them to double-check that your thesis flows naturally from the introduction.

6. Revise and Refine

Writing a strong thesis statement often requires several drafts. Start with a rough idea, then refine it as you develop your essay. Ask yourself if your thesis answers the “why” and “how” questions related to your topic. Also, ensure it aligns with your main arguments and evidence. An assignment writer can help you fine-tune your thesis and ensure it’s compelling.

7. Check for Clarity and Strength

A powerful thesis is both clear and strong. Avoid overly complex language; instead, use simple terms that convey your message directly. If you’re still unsure, consider getting assignment help to review and polish your thesis. Remember, a well-crafted thesis statement can make a big difference in the clarity and impact of your essay.

Writing a compelling thesis statement might seem challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes easier. Keep these tips in mind, and don’t hesitate to reach out for homework help or assignment assistance if needed. A clear, well-structured thesis will set your essay up for success and make your argument more persuasive to readers.

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How to Write an MFA Thesis

If you aspire to write novels or work as a professional writer, you might consider pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing to help you get there. An MFA in Creative Writing can prepare you for a variety of writing careers, whether you want to teach, offer services as a freelancer or work as an editor for a publishing company.

While studying creative writing, you'll learn about storytelling, genre and more. One way master's degree programs prompt students to demonstrate what they've learned is through a thesis. 

Do You Write a Thesis for an MFA?

You typically have to complete a thesis as your capstone project in an MFA program.

Your thesis project can reveal to your instructor — and to you — what skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your MFA studies.

Writing a thesis allows you to demonstrate that you can implement the various elements you’ve learned throughout the program, according to Paul Witcover , an associate dean of the online MFA program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with more than 30 years as a professional writer and editor. These elements include:

• Point of view

Depending on your school or program, you might be asked to approach your thesis in a certain way. Some schools will have classes specifically dedicated to working on your thesis.

For instance, at SNHU, there are three classes in the MFA program centered around thesis work.

Jason Morgan , a creative writing instructor at SNHU and author of 12 books, said you write approximately half of your book in the initial thesis course, and the goal of the second course is to finish your first draft. Morgan said your instructor will give you detailed feedback you can implement in your final thesis course, which is focused on revision.

Instructors in SNHU’s MFA program look at five main components, Morgan said, including:

• Writing elements – This includes clarity and comprehension.
• Storytelling elements – These are the tools such as conflict and point of view that help your story to come alive.
• Genre tropes – Every genre has different characteristics readers know and love, such as dystopian futures in speculative fiction and love triangles in romance.
• Lack of cliche – Although you'll use genre tropes, it’s important that you’re also bringing something new to the story.
• Articulation of response – This includes grammar, spelling and formatting.

It’s important to look at the syllabus and speak with your instructors if you’re not sure which components need to be evident in your thesis project.

What Does a Good MFA Thesis Look Like?

In the online MFA at SNHU, students are expected to produce a novel of at least 50,000 words, according to Witcover, who helped develop the program. Your chosen genre will also influence the word count. For example, a romance novel might end up at around 70,000 to 80,000 words, while a fantasy novel may be a bit longer, according to Witcover.

“You should have a novel that you can submit or self-publish with confidence, with a sense that you have created something that meets professional standards,” said Witcover.

This doesn’t mean your manuscript must be perfect, with no room for further editing.

When his first book was accepted for publication, Morgan said the publisher asked for additional revisions. Producing a novel that catches a publisher's attention is the first step, he said, and professional editors can help you polish your final product.

Is It Hard to Do an MFA Thesis?

In any academic program, you may have to navigate challenges. Time management is a particularly common one.

“Budgeting your time and preparing for the difficulties that you're likely to face is probably the single biggest challenge that I see in the thesis,” said Witcover, who has taught creative writing for 15 years.

Mark your important deadlines on your calendar, and try to work out a schedule for writing, if possible. Developing a consistent writing practice can help you to stay on track.

Students might also struggle with imposter syndrome. “A lot of people have a lot of self-doubt, and it's really common," Morgan said.

He said surrounding yourself with people who support you can go a long way.

“When you're in an MFA program, you're part of a community,” said Witcover. If you’re struggling, you can always reach out to your advisor, instructor or peers for support.

How Can I Overcome Writer’s Block?

It can be frustrating to feel like you can’t write when you have deadlines approaching, but there are a few ways to deal with writer's block. It's important to find which method works best for you.

If you’re struggling with writer’s block, you might consider switching to a different task for a while. Sometimes, taking a break can help you return to your project with fresh eyes, according to Morgan.

For example, you might try grabbing a snack or going for a walk. Even writing in a different location, such as another room or a coffee shop, could help to change your perspective.

If that’s not possible, Witcover suggests sitting down and trying to write something. It’s not always easy, but putting words on the page is the first step to getting to where you want to be.

The deadlines in the capstone courses prepare students for real-life deadlines as a professional writer, according to Witcover, who has published a number of novels, short stories and critical essays.

“If you have a deadline and you don't make it, you don't get paid,” he said. “So we're kind of teaching our students and preparing our students for successful careers as professional writers.”

Find Your Program

What does revision look like.

When it comes to revision, everyone has a different process.

Some writers prefer to finish their first draft before revising, said Witcover, while others edit as they go.

Morgan said he strongly encourages his thesis students to get their first draft down, because knowing the whole story can help with revision. Even if you have an idea of what you want your story to be about, your characters and plots might change and expand as you write your first draft.

“Revision is such an important part of the writing process,” said Morgan.

He said revision allows you to take a step back and look at your story and characters, while also considering the feedback you received from your instructor and peers. Revision is a great opportunity to clean up your first draft.

Becoming the Writer You’re Meant to Be

Although writing for a class can be intimidating, your instructors are there to help you, not tell you what or how they think you should write.

“We're not in the business of trying to turn writers into who we think they should be,” said Witcover. “We're trying to help writers become who they already are, whether they know it or not.”

He said it’s okay to want to become the next George R.R. Martin, but what if the world doesn’t need another George R.R. Martin? Maybe it needs you instead.

Realizing that can be a huge moment in a writer’s career, according to Witcover.

Morgan said his main goal isn’t to teach his students how to be creative, but rather how to improve their writing.

“The overall goal is not for me to tell a creative person how to be them, how to write,” he said. “It's to help them be a better them.”

Discover more about SNHU's MFA in Creative Writing ; find out what courses you'll take, skills you'll learn and how to request information about the program.

From the time she was a child, Ashleigh Worley '22 found inspiration between the pages of books. Before long, she fell in love with telling stories herself. That love followed her into adulthood, leading her to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Today, Worley is a writer at SNHU, where she's pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. When she's not writing, she's usually enjoying time with her dad and her abundance of cats. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

Write Personal Insight Question responses that reflect you

Tips from admissions on how to craft authentic answers.

• by Devon Bohart
• November 12, 2024

College applications demand time and effort. To some, they feel tedious at best and miserable at worst. You work to recount everything about your life to multiple strangers who decide your admission fate. It’s tough and many agree that the written portion poses the greatest challenge.

About Devon

Devon Bohart is the Associate Director of First-year Evaluation at UC Davis. She brings six years of experience with Undergraduate Admissions and enjoys demystifying the UC application process for prospective students. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama and is a UC Davis alum . Devon spends her spare time with her two cats and loves to read, run and bake.

Every application season, I hear the same question, “How do I write a strong Personal Insight Question, or PIQ, response?”

A common misconception suggests that strong applicants need to stand out on the writing portion. This goal shouldn’t guide your focus — it’s too difficult and unnecessary. Instead, focus on authenticity.

Let’s break this process into four steps to help you craft genuine and impactful responses.

Step one: What makes you, you?

Brainstorm aspects of yourself that define who you are before you even look at the provided questions. Perhaps it’s a mix of activities, a personal achievement or an obstacle you overcame. Ignore the questions at this stage and reflect on your story. Anything works and if you feel stuck think about what occupies your time and thoughts.

Step two: Match your answers to the questions

Review your answers from step one and match them to the PIQs they most align with. We provide eight questions but only require four responses (if you’re a transfer, you’ll get one mandatory question). This gives you the chance to tailor what you share. Many topics fit multiple questions so choose the ones that work best for you. These questions guide you — they do not test you. This is not an essay.

Step three: Write your first draft

Forget the rules from English class about thesis statements, catchy hooks and detailed examples as you write. Let your experiences and emotions carry the main idea. Write how you talk. This is your chance to tell us your story in your voice. I empower you to write about anything you feel is important to understand who you are. It may feel personal, even difficult, but the readers’ role is to learn, not judge.

Step four: Review your work 

Once you finish your draft, begin to polish it. At a minimum read your response aloud to yourself to check for flow and clarity. Use this step to ensure your responses are casual, personal and reflective. For example, explain why soccer matters to you. Describe what being an Eagle Scout means to you. Share why you started a Women in STEM club and how it shaped you or your community. These types of reflections create a rich response that strengthens your overall application.

Write with purpose

PIQ responses may challenge you, but remember they offer an opportunity to show who you are beyond grades and scores. I hope these steps make the PIQ process a little less daunting and help you to stay authentic to who you are. Good luck and happy writing!

Primary Category

Writing a Diversity Statement

What is a diversity statement  .

Diversity Statements have become more and more common over recent years, and are often a required part of applications for both universities and employment. Much like the other elements of personal narrative statements that make up an application (Personal Statements, Resumés/CVs, Cover Letters, etc.), Diversity Statements are intended to illustrate past experiences and values that emphasize what diversity means for your audience: the application or hiring committee that will read your documents.

What do these applications mean by “diversity”?

In general, university departments and sites of employment are interested in “diversity” in a number of ways, including, importantly, building a diverse student body/workforce. This notion of diversity can also be apparent in the focus of your work or in your approach, particularly if you are applying for a research degree (e.g., how will your research include diverse or underserved populations?). You can also use “diversity” as a personal and professional value (e.g., why is a diverse workplace/professional focus important to you?).

When applications mention the word “diversity,” they refer to a number of identity categories that may include the following:

• Disability Status
• Citizenship Status
• Sexual Orientation
• Religious Affiliation
• Socio-Economic Status

While this is not a complete list, it is intended to give you common categories of how you, as the writer of a Diversity Statement, might choose to approach the broader term “diversity.”

Approaching your Diversity Statement

When you start composing your statement, you probably want to start by defining “diversity” for yourself. Here are some guiding questions that might help:

• What does “diversity” mean to you?
• What does diversity mean within your field?
• How do you see increased diversity positively impacting your field in the future?
• How does diversity positively impact how you approach your work?
• How has diversity assisted with your personal or professional growth?
• How does your research contribute to positive values around diversity in your field?

These questions are not exhaustive, and, where possible, you should respond to the organization’s specific prompt or statement on diversity (if one is accessible).

Composing your Diversity Statement

Once you decide how you want to approach your Diversity Statement, the composition of the statement itself should mirror effective personal statements more generally.

As a rule, your Diversity Statement should make it clear both your own strengths in this area (what diversity means to you, personally and professionally), and, ideally, how your conception of diversity fits in with the institution or organization you’re applying to. Put another way, you want to tell your audience about your own strengths while connecting these strengths explicitly to their workplace/university, since all application documents are arguing that you’re a good fit for a given professional environment.

You also want your Diversity statement to be specific and thus memorable : While broad articulations of values can be helpful in making abstract points, make sure you back up these points with characteristic examples that illustrate what you’re talking about. These specific examples act as evidence for your audience: while the audience does not know you personally, specific examples can help them to get a sense of how you put your values into practice in real life.

Even though the genre of diversity statements is relatively recent, compared to research statement and teaching philosophy, its organization often reproduces the following structure:

• Your understanding of diversity

This first section addresses your current view of diversity, which should generally align with the view of the institution you are applying to.

• Your experience relative to diversity

This second section points out past experiences that illustrate the values and your understanding of diversity.

• Your potential contributions to diversity

This third section refers to future initiatives that you might implement or be involved with in the institution you are applying to.

What to share and what not to share

Diversity statements can be tricky in that they can leave writers feeling like they need to use aspects of their identity set apart from their whole selves in application documents — and this discomfort can be worsened if writers feel that the topic asks them to relate harmful or traumatic experiences as part of an application.

What you choose to disclose and discuss is completely up to you, and you should not feel obligated to disclose or rely on things that you would prefer not to discuss in applications. When the process feels uncomfortable, it might be helpful to focus outside the self, instead exploring how your professional approach or focus is informed by values of diversity.

Academic and Professional Writing

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Analysis Papers

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Before you begin: useful tips for writing your essay
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Resume Writing Tips

CV Writing Tips

Cover Letters

Business Letters

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Planning and Writing a Grant Proposal: The Basics

Additional Resources for Grants and Proposal Writing

Job Materials and Application Essays

Writing Personal Statements for Academic Programs within an Undergraduate College

Writing Personal Statements for Ph.D. Programs

Diversity Statements

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Advice for Students Writing a Professional Email

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Thesis statement là gì? | Hướng dẫn viết trong Writing Task 2

1900.com.vn tổng hợp và giới thiệu bài viết Thesis statement là gì? | Hướng dẫn viết trong Writing Task 2. Từ đó giúp bạn học tốt tiếng Anh hơn.

• Thesis statement là gì?

Thesis statement là gì? Cụm từ này được tạm dịch là tuyên bố luận điểm hoặc được gọi là luận đề. Đây là một câu văn ngắn giúp tóm tắt ý chính của bài luận. Thông thường, câu luận điểm thường nằm ở đoạn mở đầu để giới thiệu chủ đề chính. Đây cũng là câu đóng vai trò làm trọng tâm cho việc phát triển ý tưởng và lập luận của bạn sau đó.

Nhìn chung, một Thesis statement hiệu quả cần đảm bảo 3 tiêu chí sau:

• Súc tích (Concise): Một câu luận điểm hay cần ngắn gọn và đi thẳng vào vấn đề. Bạn không cần dài dòng quá mức cần thiết. Khi viết essay, bạn cần thể hiện quan điểm của mình rõ ràng và trực tiếp trong 1 – 2 câu.
• Có nội dung tranh luận (Contentious): Luận điểm của bạn không nên là tuyên bố đơn giản về sự thật hiển nhiên mà ai cũng đều biết. Một Thesis statement tốt cần phải có bằng chứng hoặc lập luận phân tích.
• Mạch lạc (Coherent): Nội dung được đề cập trong tuyên bố luận điểm cần được trình bày và giải thích trong phần còn lại của bài viết.
• Vì sao bạn cần viết Thesis statement?

Trong IELTS Writing Task 2, Thesis statement đóng vai trò là ý chính, ý chủ đạo của bài viết. Bằng cách đầu tư vào nghiên cứu và phát triển luận đề, bạn có thể:

• Xác định trọng tâm và hướng triển khai của nội dung cho bài viết.
• Giúp người đọc nhanh chóng hiểu được ý chính mà bạn sẽ trình bày bên dưới.
• Nếu không có tuyên bố luận điểm rõ ràng, bài luận của bạn có thể trở nên lan man. Điều đó khiến người đọc dễ bị “lạc trôi” và khó nắm bắt nội dung.

Ví dụ về Thesis statement trong Writing Task 2

Đề Writing Task 2 như sau:

“In some countries, children have very strict rules of behavior, while in other countries they are allowed to do almost anything they want. To what extent should children have to follow rules?”

Vậy Thesis statement mẫu có thể viết như sau: “In my opinion, children should have some rules to follow in order to ensure their safety and proper development, but overly strict rules can hinder their creativity and independence. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between discipline and freedom for children.”

Trong Thesis statement này, bạn đã trình bày quan điểm về đề bài và tóm tắt ý chính trong bài viết. Bài viết nói về trẻ em cần có một số quy tắc để đảm bảo sự an toàn và phát triển cá nhân. Tuy nhiên, có quá nhiều quy định có thể tác động đến sự sáng tạo và tư duy của trẻ nhỏ. Do đó, chúng ta cần phải duy trì sự cân bằng giữa kỷ luật và tự do cho trẻ em.

• Sự khác biệt giữa Thesis statement và Topic sentence

Nhiều bạn thường hay nhầm lẫn giữa hai khái niệm “Thesis statement” và “Topic sentence“. Về cơ bản, hai thuật ngữ này khá tương đồng, song lại không hề giống nhau. Cụ thể, Thesis statement thể hiện luận điểm chính của cả bài luận. Còn topic sentence chỉ là câu ý chính của một đoạn văn nhất định trong bài.

• Thesis statement nên nằm ở đâu?

Thesis statement thường xuất hiện ở cuối phần giới thiệu trong bài luận. Ví dụ:

The internet has had an immense impact on education, revolutionizing the way students learn and teachers teach. Through online access to educational materials and resources, students are now exposed to a variety of perspectives and can explore a range of topics at their own pace. Despite some valid worries about potential harms associated with internet use, it is clear that its various benefits far outweigh any negatives.

• Cách viết Thesis statement trong IELTS Writing Task 2

Thesis Statement có thể được xem là một định nghĩa khá mới với đại đa số người học vỡ lòng hoặc chưa có kinh nghiệm viết văn nghị luận bằng tiếng Anh. Điều đó dẫn đến một số trở ngại cho người học tiếng Anh nói riêng và thí sinh IELTS nói chung khi muốn hình thành một Thesis Statement cho bài luận của mình.

3 bước hình thành Thesis Statement trong IELTS Writing Task 2 dưới đây sẽ phần nào giúp thí sinh cải thiện được khả năng viết Thesis Statement cũng như hoàn thiện cấu trúc một bài văn nghị luận hoàn chỉnh:

Bước 1: Phân tích đề bài

Trong IELTS Writing Task 2, trước khi hình thành Thesis Statement cho bài viết của mình, thí sinh cần xác định những vấn đề sau trong đề bài.

• Phạm vi đề bài (Scope): Phạm vi câu hỏi là những chủ đề, vấn đề được bàn luận trong đề bài. Thí sinh không thể đưa ra bất kỳ những thông tin, chi tiết, hay luận điểm nào ngoài phạm vi đề bài đã được xác định này. Việc xác định phạm vi đề bài không chỉ giúp thí sinh hình thành Thesis Statement mà còn giúp bài văn của thí sinh tránh bị lạc đề.
• Từ khóa (Keyword): Thuật ngữ từ khoá ở đây chỉ những từ/cụm từ trong đề bài giúp thí sinh nhận biết được đâu là mối quan hệ của những vấn đề được đề cập.
• Từ chỉ dẫn (Instruction words): Xác định từ chỉ dẫn là bước quan trọng nhất trong việc hình thành Thesis Statement. Nói một cách đơn giản, từ chỉ dẫn là yêu cầu của đề bài dành cho thí sinh. Trong IELTS Writing Task 2, có 5 loại yêu cầu tương ứng với 5 loại bài văn nghị luận khác nhau như được thể hiện trong bảng dưới đây:

Loại bài luận

• Yêu cầu đề bài

Ví dụ về câu hỏi chứa “từ chỉ dẫn”

• Opinion Essay (Bài luận ý kiến cá nhân)

Yêu cầu đề bài: Còn được biết với tên gọi bài luận “Agree or Disagree” (đồng ý hay không đồng ý), hoặc “Argumentative” (tranh luận). Thí sinh được yêu cầu đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân về một phát ngôn, ý kiến bất kỳ thuộc một phạm trù xã hội nhất định.

• To what extent do you agree? (Bạn đồng ý ở mức độ nào?)
• Discussion Essay (Bài luận thảo luận)
• Yêu cầu đề bài: Trong một bài luận thảo luận, thí sinh phải thảo luận về hai mặt của một vấn đề và đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân của bản thân về vấn đề đó.

Ví dụ về câu hỏi chứa “từ chỉ dẫn”: Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Bàn luận về cả hai góc nhìn và đưa ra ý kiến của bạn.)

• Problem Essay (Bài luận giải quyết vấn đề)
• Yêu cầu đề bài: Có tên gọi khác là bài luận “Cause and Solutions” (Nguyên nhân và cách giải quyết) hay “Problems and Solutions” Vấn đề và Cách giải quyết). Loại bài luận này yêu cầu thí sinh thảo luận về nguyên nhân và hướng giải quyết của một vấn đề xã hội.

Ví dụ về câu hỏi chứa “từ chỉ dẫn”:

• What are the causes of this? How can this problem be solved? (Nguyên nhân của vấn đề này là gì? Làm thế nào để giải quyết vấn đề này?)
• What are the negative impacts of playing computer games? What can be done to minimize the bad effects? (Những tác động tiêu cực của việc chơi trò chơi máy tính là gì? Có thể làm gì để giảm thiểu những tác động xấu?)
• Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem? (Tại sao điều này lại trở thành một vấn nạn? Có thể làm gì về vấn đề này?)

Advantages and Disadvantages Essays (Bài luận ưu điểm và nhược điểm) 

Yêu cầu đề bài: Thí sinh được yêu cầu bàn luận về ưu điểm và khuyết điểm của một vấn đề.

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of….? (Ưu điểm và nhược điểm của … là gì?)
• Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? (Bạn có nghĩ rằng trong trường hợp này điểm mạnh chiếm nhiều hơn điểm yếu?)
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion. (Thảo luận về những thuận lợi và khó khăn sau đó đưa ra ý kiến của bạn.)

Double Questions Essays (Bài luận hai câu hỏi)

Yêu cầu đề bài: Có tên gọi khác là bài luận “Direct Questions” (câu hỏi trực tiếp) và “Two Questions” (hai câu hỏi). Thí sinh được yêu cầu phải trả lời và đưa ra mối tương quan giữa hai câu hỏi đề bài đưa ra.

• Do you think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a successful person? (Bạn có nghĩ rằng tiền tài là thước đo tốt nhất của thành công?
• Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good thing to work hard? (Tại sao một số người làm việc chăm chỉ hơn những người còn lại? Có phải làm việc chăm chỉ luôn luôn là một việc tốt?)

Bước 2: Phác thảo dàn ý của bài viết

Dựa vào những thông tin thí sinh phân tích ở bước 1 từ đề bài. Thí sinh phải xác định được quan điểm, khía cạnh mà mình sẽ phân tích trong bài luận. Nếu thí sinh rơi vào tình trạng bí ý tưởng, không biết mình nên viết gì cho bài luận, thí sinh có thể tự đặt ra cho mình những câu hỏi như sau:

• What is the meaning of this statement? (Ý nghĩa của phát biểu này là gì?)
• Is this likely true to me? (Phát biểu này có đúng với tôi hay không?)
• Why is this true/not true to me? (Tại sao đúng/tại sao lại không đúng với tôi?)
• Is it easier to agree with this statement or disagree? (Đồng ý với phát biểu này dễ hơn hay không đồng ý?)

Bước 3: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi chứa từ chỉ dẫn dựa trên bước 1 và bước 2

Sau khi đã hoàn thành xong bước 1 và bước 2, thí sinh sẽ trả lời câu hỏi có từ chỉ dẫn dựa trên những thông tin được đúc kết từ bước 1 và bước 2. Câu trả lời này chính là Thesis Statement của thí sinh.

Lưu ý: Ngoài việc trả lời trực tiếp quan điểm của mình, người viết phải nêu ra được luận điểm mình muốn bàn tới trong Thesis Statement, nêu rõ những khía cạnh của vấn đề sẽ tiếp tục được phân tích một cách vừa cụ thể, vừa súc tích và dễ theo dõi.

• Ví dụ ứng dụng

Phân tích đề bài:

Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today. Given time, technology will completely replace the teacher in the classroom. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? (Công nghệ ngày càng trở nên thịnh hành trên thế giới ngày nay. Trong tương lai, công nghệ sẽ thay thế hoàn toàn giáo viên trong lớp học. Bạn có đồng ý hay không đồng ý với ý kiến này?)

Nhận xét đề bài trên, thí sinh rút ra được:

• Phạm vi đề bài: đề bài bàn luận về hai vấn đề chính là “technology” (công nghệ) và cụm từ “the teacher in the classroom” (giáo viên trong lớp học) ám chỉ chủ đề “education” (giáo dục). Như vậy thí sinh không được viết về bất kì lĩnh vực nào khác ngoài hai lĩnh vực đã được khoanh vùng ở trên.
• Từ khoá: hai cụm từ “increasingly prevalent” (ngày càng phổ biến) “completely replace” (hoàn toàn thay thế) chỉ ra mối liên hệ giữa hai phạm vi được nói đến trong đề bài.
• Từ chỉ dẫn: nhờ vào từ chỉ dẫn “agree” (đồng ý) hay “disagree” (không đồng ý), thí sinh xác định được rằng đây là loại Opinion Essay. Thí sinh phải đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân (đồng ý) hay không đồng ý.

Bước 2: Phác thảo dàn ý bài viết

Thí sinh đặt câu hỏi dựa trên ý kiến bài viết đưa tra và lập dàn ý phác thảo như sau:

Vấn đề của đề bài này là: “Technology will completely replace the teacher in the classroom.”

• What is the meaning of this statement? ➱ It means students will learn entirely from computers. (Nó có nghĩa là học sinh sẽ học hoàn toàn trên máy tính.)
• Is this likely true to me? ➱ Definitely no. (Chắc chắn là không.)
• Why is this not true to me? ➱ Since a robotic instructor will not be able to discipline misbehaving students as well asl understand the personal needs of each student. (Vì một giáo viên robot sẽ không thể kỷ luật những học sinh có hành vi sai trái cũng như thấu hiểu được nhu cầu của từng học sinh.)
• Is it easier to agree with this statement or disagree? ➱ (Không đồng ý)

Câu hỏi chỉ dẫn: “Do you agree or disagree with this statement?” có thể được trả lời như sau: I disagree that technology will completely replace the teacher in the classroom. (Không đồng ý rằng công nghệ sẽ thay thế hoàn toàn giáo viên trong lớp học.) Kết hợp với phần phân tích ở bước 2, thí sinh A có Thesis Statement hoàn chỉnh là:

I personally disagree that teachers would be replaced completely by modern technology. This is because a robotic instructor would fail to discipline misbehaving students and lack of understanding of their personal needs. (Tôi không đồng ý rằng giáo viên trong lớp học sẽ bị thay thế bởi công nghệ hiện đại. Điều này bởi vì một giáo viên robot sẽ gặp thất bại trong việc kỷ luật học sinh cũng như thiếu hiểu biết về nhu cầu cá nhân của chúng.)

Phần Thesis statement trên gồm 2 câu : 1 câu đưa ra trực tiếp quan điểm/góc nhìn của mình và 1 câu trình bày ngắn gọn các luận điểm sẽ được nhắc đến trong thân bài.

(Một số chuyên gia tin rằng tốt hơn là cho trẻ em bắt đầu học ngoại ngữ ở trường tiểu học hơn là ở trường trung học. Những lợi ích của ý kiến này này có nhiều hơn những bất lợi mà nó mang lại?)

Nhận xét đề bài trên, các khía cạnh được kết luận như sau:

• Phạm vi đề bài: Dựa vào cụm từ “learning a foreign language”, thí sinh xác định được rằng phạm vi của đề bài sẽ liên quan đến chủ đề “Education” (giáo dục), mà cụ thể là giáo dục ngoại ngữ cho trẻ em.
• Từ khóa: “primary school rather than at secondary school” cho thấy vấn đề sẽ được bàn luận sẽ là độ tuổi nào sẽ là độ tuổi phù hợp để trẻ em học ngoại ngữ.
• Từ chỉ dẫn: “advantages” (những lợi ích) “outweigh” (nhiều hơn) “disadvantages” (những bất lợi) hay không. Từ những từ chỉ dẫn này, thí sinh rút ra được rằng đây là bài luận Advantages and Disadvantages Essay.

Thí sinh có thể phác thảo bài dựa trên câu trả lời cho các câu hỏi sau:

• What is the meaning of this statement? ➱ Children learns a foreign language at a young age is a better method. (Trẻ em học ngoại ngữ khi còn nhỏ là một phương pháp tốt hơn.)
• Are the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? ➱ Yes, they are. (Đúng là như vậy)
• Why? ➱ The younger they are, the faster they are in acquiring a new language. In addition, learning a second language at a young age will enhance their flexibility. (Trẻ càng nhỏ học ngoại ngữ càng nhanh. Ngoài ra, học ngôn ngữ thứ hai khi còn nhỏ sẽ nâng cao tính linh hoạt của chúng.)

Câu hỏi chỉ dẫn là “Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?” (Những lợi ích của ý kiến này này có nhiều hơn những bất lợi mà nó mang lại?) và có thể được trả lời như sau:, I believe that it is preferable to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than at middle school. (Cá nhân tôi tin rằng nên bắt đầu học ngoại ngữ ở bậc tiểu học hơn là bậc trung học cơ sở.)

Kết hợp với phần phân tích ở bước 2, thí sinh có Thesis Statement hoàn chỉnh là: I believe that it is preferable to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than at middle school, mainly because the younger they are, the faster they learn and it will also enhance their flexibility with language. (Cá nhân tôi tin rằng nên bắt đầu học ngoại ngữ ở bậc tiểu học hơn là bậc trung học cơ sở, chủ yếu là vì trẻ càng nhỏ học ngoại ngữ càng nhanh và nó cũng làm tăng cường sự linh hoạt của trẻ đối với ngôn ngữ)

(Một số người nghĩ rằng chúng ta nên tập trung quá trình thực hiện một việc để trở nên thành công trong cuộc sống. Tuy nhiên, những người khác tin rằng kết quả của việc đó quan trọng hơn. Thảo luận cả hai quan điểm và đưa ra ý kiến của bạn.) 

Bước 1: Phân tích đề bài 

Nhận xét đề bài trên, các khía cạnh được kết luận như sau: 

• Phạm vi đề bài: Dựa vào cụm từ “focus on processes to be successful in life”, thí sinh nhận định được rằng bài viết này sẽ xoay quanh chủ đề “Work and life” (công việc và cuộc sống) mà cụ thể là “successful in life” (thành công trong cuộc sống). 
• Từ khoá: “believe that results are more important” cho thấy vấn đề được đặt ra ở đây là tranh luận về “processes” (quá trình) và “results” (kết quả) thì khía cạnh nào quan trọng hơn khi đánh giá thành công của một con người. 
• Từ chỉ dẫn: “discuss” (thảo luận) cả hai ý kiến và “give opinion” (đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân) về tranh cãi trên. Từ những chỉ dẫn này, thí sinh rút ra được bài luận này thuộc dạng Opinion Essay. 

Bước 2: Phác thảo dàn ý của bài viết 

• What is the meaning of these statements? ➱ There are two contrasting arguments, one believes that success should be judged by the process and the other thinks that the results are more important. (Có hai lập luận tương phản nhau, một bên tin rằng thành công nên được đánh giá bằng quá trình và bên kia cho rằng kết quả quan trọng hơn.) 
• Which argument is more likely true to you? ➱ The first one. (Quan điểm đầu tiên). 
• Why? ➱ I believe that successful ones concentrate on what they can potentially achieve on their way to success. (Tôi tin rằng những người thành công tập trung vào những gì họ có thể đạt được trên con đường đi đến thành công.)

Với câu hỏi chỉ dẫn: “Discuss both views and give your opinion.”, thí sinh có thể trả lời kết hợp với phần phân tích từ bước 1 và bước 2 như sau: In my opinion, I believe that successful ones concentrate on what they can potentially achieve on their way to success like self-acknowledgment, not the final results, and the two contrasting perspectives will be discussed in the essay below. (Theo quan điểm của tôi, tôi tin rằng những người thành công tập trung vào những gì họ có thể đạt được trên con đường thành công như sự thừa nhận bản thân, chứ không phải kết quả cuối cùng, và hai quan điểm tương phản sẽ được thảo luận trong bài luận dưới đây.)

• 5 lưu ý về cách viết Thesis statement trong Writing IELTS Task 2

Sau đây là 5 lưu ý chính về cách viết câu luận điểm để có hiệu quả cao nhất:

1. Mạch lạc và súc tích

Thesis statement cần phải được viết rõ ràng và ngắn gọn. Từ đó để người đọc có thể nhanh chóng nắm được quan điểm và lập luận của bạn. Bạn nên tránh sử dụng ngôn ngữ mơ hồ, biệt ngữ hoặc các cấu trúc phức tạp, dễ gây nhầm lẫn.

Ví dụ, bạn nên tránh sử dụng các thuật ngữ mơ hồ và chung chung như “some,” “many,” hay “a lot”. Thay vào đó, bạn hãy sử dụng cách diễn đạt cụ thể để minh họa sâu sắc cho lập luận của mình.

Ví dụ: Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on mental health. -> The excessive use of social media can lead to depression and anxiety among adolescents.

2. Nêu ra quan điểm chính

Thesis statement cần thể hiện quan điểm xuyên suốt và đóng vai trò là “lộ trình” cho xuyên suốt toàn bộ bài. Từ đó giúp người đọc có thể hình dung về những ý tưởng mà họ có thể chờ đợi trong các phần tiếp theo. Hãy đảm bảo rằng bạn tuyên bố luận điểm của mình một cách cụ thể, có tính tranh luận và được hỗ trợ bằng dẫn chứng hoặc ví dụ.

Ví dụ minh họa:

Topic: Should schools teach financial management to students?

Thesis Statement: Schools should teach financial management to students as it will help them make informed financial decisions, cultivate responsible spending habits, and reduce the risk of debt in adulthood.

Như bạn thấy, câu luận điểm trên đây đã nêu rõ quan điểm chính của người viết về trường học nên dạy kỹ năng quản lý tài chính cho sinh viên. Có 3 điểm hỗ trợ như sau:

• Giúp sinh viên đưa ra quyết định tài chính sáng suốt
• Nuôi dưỡng thói quen chi tiêu có trách nhiệm và
• Giảm rủi ro mắc nợ khi trưởng thành.

Nó có tính tranh luận. Vì có thể có nhiều ý kiến khác nhau về việc trường nên ưu tiên dạy quản lý tài chính hay tập trung các môn khác cho sinh viên. Cuối cùng, luận điểm của bạn có thể được hỗ trợ bằng bằng chứng hoặc ví dụ. Vì đã có những nghiên cứu thực tế về lợi ích của giáo dục tài chính đối với sinh viên.

3. Sử dụng từ ngữ mạnh mẽ

Thesis statement nên được sử dụng ngôn ngữ mạnh mẽ, rõ ràng để truyền đạt quan điểm của bạn một cách hiệu quả nhất. Tránh sử dụng những cụm từ như “I think”, “In my opinion” vì nó sẽ làm suy yếu lập luận của bạn. Ngoài ra, sử dụng động từ chủ động sẽ thể hiện ý tưởng của bạn một cách chắc chắn hơn.

Topic: Should college education be free for everyone? Weak: In my opinion, I think that college education should be free for everyone. Strong: College education should be free for everyone as it is a basic human right and promotes equal opportunities for all individuals to access higher education.

Trong ví dụ ban đầu, việc bạn sử dụng cụm từ “I think” và “In my opnion” khiến luận điểm của bạn trở nên kém thu hút và mang tính chủ quan. Ngược lại, ví dụ thứ hai sử dụng các động từ tích cực và rõ ràng để truyền đạt quan điểm thu hút hơn. Bên cạnh đó, người viết cũng bao gồm lập luận hỗ trợ, rằng giáo dục đại học là quyền cơ bản của con người, góp phần thúc đẩy các cơ hội bình đẳng.

4. Tránh sử dụng đại từ nhân xưng

Trong bài viết IELTS Academic, bạn nên tránh sử dụng các đại từ nhân xưng như “I” hoặc “my”. Thay vào đó, bạn hãy sử dụng ngôn ngữ trung lập để trình bày lập luận. Điều này sẽ đảm bảo tính khách quan và xác thực cho luận điểm thể hiện trong bài.

5. Đảm bảo bám sát yêu cầu đề bài

Thesis statement cần liên quan trực tiếp đến câu hỏi trong đề thi IELTS Writing Task 2. Hãy đảm bảo rằng câu luận điểm của bạn đã đề cập đến câu hỏi cụ thể được đặt ra. Để làm điều này, bạn hãy đọc lại câu hỏi nhiều lần để đảm bảo nội dung của bạn đang đi đúng chủ đề.

Some people think that social media has more disadvantages than advantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Lạc đề: Social media is a powerful tool that has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with each other.

Trong ví dụ này, câu luận điểm không đề cập đến câu hỏi. Người viết nêu được chủ đề mạng xã hội (social media). Nhưng họ không đề cập đến những lợi thế và bất lợi của việc sử dụng mạng xã hội. Cũng như họ không đưa ra quan điểm rõ ràng về chủ đề này.

Đúng đề: While there are some disadvantages to using social media. The advantages outweigh them as it allows for easy communication and connection with others, provides access to information and resources. And it can be used for educational and professional purposes.

Với ví dụ này, câu luận điểm đề cập trực tiếp đến câu hỏi qua việc người viết thừa nhận rằng có những bất lợi khi sử dụng mạng xã hội. Nhưng đồng thời có những lợi ích to lớn hơn bù lại. Ngoài ra, người viết cũng đề cập 3 luận cứ chính sẽ được giải quyết trong bài luận này.

Bài viết trên đã giải thích cho bạn biết Thesis statement là gì. Bạn hãy nhớ rằng, câu luận điểm chính là xương sống của toàn bộ bài luận. Vì vậy, bạn hãy cố gắng luyện tập thật nhiều để tăng cường kỹ năng viết. Qua đó, sinh viên có thể tự tin sử dụng ngôn ngữ trong việc học và công việc trong tương lai hơn!

Xem thêm các tài liệu Tiếng Anh hay, chi tiết khác:

• Cách viết Support Sentences trong IELTS Writing Task 2
• Cách viết câu General Statement trong IELTS writing Task 2
• Hướng dẫn chi tiết cách viết & cách đọc số thập phân trong tiếng Anh
• Cause and Solution | Cách viết dạng bài Cause and Solution trong đề thi IELTS Writing Task 2
• Cách viết dạng Advantages and Disadvantages trong Writing Task 2

TOP Việc làm "HOT" dành cho sinh viên:

• Việc làm trợ giảng IELTS
• Việc làm gia sư các môn cập nhật theo ngày mới nhất
• Việc làm thêm nhân viên phục vụ nhà hàng/ quán cafe dành cho sinh viên
• Việc làm gia sư tiếng anh
• Mức lương của thực tập sinh tiếng anh là bao nhiêu?

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