How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a critical part of any academic paper. It is a sentence or two
that summarizes the main point or argument of your essay. A strong thesis
statement is important because it guides the reader and helps to keep your
writing focused. Here are some steps to help you write a strong thesis statement:
1. Understand the assignment:
Before you start writing your thesis statement, make sure you understand the requirements of your
assignment. What is the topic or subject of your aper? What is the purpose of your essay? What are the
specific guidelines you need to follow?
2. Identify the main idea:
Your thesis statement should be based on the main idea or argument of your essay. What is the
message or point you want to convey in your paper? Try to sum up the main idea in one or two
sentences.
3. Make it specific:
Your thesis statement should be specific and focused. Avoid vague or general statements that are too
broad to be effectively addressed in your paper. Instead, narrow down your focus to a specific aspect of
the topic.
4. Make it arguable:
A strong thesis statement presents an argument that can be debated or challenged. Avoid stating facts
or obvious truths that do not require explanation or support.
5. Provide evidence:
Your thesis statement should be supported by evidence from your research or analysis. Include specific
details, examples, or data that help to prove your argument.
6. Revise and refine:
Once you have drafted your thesis statement, revise and refine it to make it more effective. Check for
grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your statement is clear and concise.
7. Consider the audience:
Think about who your audience is and what they already know about the topic. Your thesis statement
should be written in a way that is accessible and understandable to your intended audience.
8. Use language that is strong and clear:
Your thesis statement should use strong, clear language that gets right to the point. Avoid vague or
ambiguous language that can be interpreted in multiple ways.
9. Make it original:
Your thesis statement should be original and unique. Avoid using clichés or generic statements that have
been used many times before.
10. Consider the scope of your paper:
Your thesis statement should reflect the scope of your paper. If you are writing a short essay, your thesis
statement should be brief and to the point. If you are writing a longer research paper, your thesis
statement may be more complex and nuanced.
11. Be willing to revise:
Writing a strong thesis statement is a process that often involves revision. Don't be afraid to revise and
refine your statement as you continue to research and develop your ideas.
12. Take a stance:
A strong thesis statement takes a clear stance on the topic or issue being discussed. It should be a
statement that can be argued or debated, rather than a simple fact or observation.
13. Use parallel structure:
Using parallel structure in your thesis statement can help make it more effective. This means using a
consistent grammatical structure throughout the statement, such as starting each clause with the same
word or phrase.
14. Make it relevant:
Your thesis statement should be relevant to the topic or issue being discussed. Make sure that your
statement is focused and specific enough to be relevant to the research question or prompt.
15. Avoid using first-person pronouns:
In academic writing, it's generally best to avoid using first-person pronouns like "I" or "me" in your thesis
statement. Instead, focus on the argument or issue being discussed, and use third-person language.
16. Consider the counterargument:
Your thesis statement should anticipate and address potential counterarguments or opposing
viewpoints. This can help to strengthen your argument and make your thesis statement more
persuasive.
17. Use specific language:
Your thesis statement should use specific language that conveys your argument or point clearly. Avoid
vague or general statements that lack specificity or clarity.
18. Consider the structure of your paper:
Your thesis statement should reflect the structure of your paper. If you are writing a research paper,
your thesis statement should be more complex and nuanced than if you are writing a simple essay.
19. Use evidence to support your argument:
Your thesis statement should be supported by evidence from your research or analysis. This can help to
make your argument more persuasive and convincing.
20. Use active voice:
Using active voice in your thesis statement can help to make it more clear and concise. This means using
verbs in the active voice, rather than the passive voice.
21. Avoid making sweeping generalizations:
Your thesis statement should be based on specific evidence or arguments, rather than sweeping
generalizations or assumptions.
22. Be concise:
Your thesis statement should be concise and to the point. Avoid using unnecessary words or phrases
that don't add to the clarity or effectiveness of your statement.
Remember, a strong thesis statement is the foundation of your paper. It should
be clear, concise, and focused, and it should reflect the main argument or point
you want to make in your essay. By following these tips, you can write a thesis
statement that will guide your writing and engage your reader.