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.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Focus the statement Focus on one main idea of a broader subject. Limit your statement to fit the scope of the assignment.
- 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.
- TIP: Write a thesis statement that shows the essay is worth being read.
- Step 5: Be succinct Keep it short. A thesis should be only one or two sentences long.
- 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.
- FACT: A thesis was originally a Latin term for an unaccented syllable in poetry and a Greek term for a downbeat in music.
You Will Need
- Paper and pen or a computer
- Research
- Sources