How to Write a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement identifies to the reader the main idea of your essay or paper and the direction in which it will go.
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You Will Need
- Paper and pen or a computer
- Research
- Sources
Steps
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Step 1
Form a working thesis
Form a working thesis during the rough draft phase. A working thesis states the conclusion you expect your research to support. The working thesis can change as your essay progresses.
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Step 2
Do research and take notes
Research your topic and take detailed notes on your sources. Use this information to refine your working thesis into a thesis statement that is supported by your research.
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Step 3
Focus the statement
Focus on one main idea of a broader subject. Limit your statement to fit the scope of the assignment.
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Step 4
Take a position
Craft your thesis statement so that it has a clearly defined relationship to the subject of your essay. Take a position on the subject; don't just state a fact.
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Write a thesis statement that shows the essay is worth being read.
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Step 5
Be succinct
Keep it short. A thesis should be only one or two sentences long.
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Step 6
Place the thesis at the end of the first paragraph
Insert your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph of your essay.
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A thesis was originally a Latin term for an unaccented syllable in poetry and a Greek term for a downbeat in music.
