HOW TO WRITE A CENTRAL IDEA AND THESIS STATEMENT
What is a central idea?
A central idea takes a stand or expresses a specific feeling or feature of your subject. In
other words, you central idea answers a question and clearly identifies your opinion of a
particular subject.
How do you formulate a central idea?
Identify your topic or specific subject, and then state your feeling or stand on that
particular subject.
A good central idea does the following:
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identifies a limited, specific subject / topic
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focuses on a particular opinion about the subject / topic.
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clearly states your opinion in one direct sentence
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is able to be supported with convincing facts and details
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meets the requirements of the assignment
Note: Your central idea is the common thread that runs throughout the entire paper—It is
the point that you are trying to prove. One of the ways in which you go about proving
that point is by EXPLAINING how the details and ideas you include in your paper relate
to or support your central idea.
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is one sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to
follow.
Why should your essay contain a thesis statement?
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to better organize and develop your argument for yourself and for your reader
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to provide your reader with a “guide” or “outline” to your paper
In general, your thesis statement will accomplish these goals I you think of the thesis as
the reasons that support your central idea (opinion).
How can your write a good thesis statement?
The first step to writing a good thesis statement is to have a clear, strong central idea.
Your central idea answers a question and presents your opinion on a specific topic in a
direct and concise manner.
The second step involves brainstorming and identifying the reasons or details that you are
going to discuss in your paper to support your argument. Your thesis statement provides
the reasons, details, or elements of support that you are going to discuss in your paper.
Essentially, the reasons / details in your thesis statement support and ultimately PROVE
your central idea.
Examples:
Central Idea: Despite Rainsford’s first impressions, the character General Zaroff from
the short story by Richard Connell “The Most Dangerous Game” is not a civilized man.
Thesis: Once the reader becomes more familiar with General Zaroff’s beliefs and ideas
and looks beyond his beautiful mansion, perfect manners, and expensive clothes, he/she
realizes that General Zaroff is uncivilized because he is unfair, he treats his animals better
than he does his fellow man, and he hunts for sport, not out of need.
Notice that the above statement does not use any form of first person. The author of
the piece is obvious to the reader because your name is at the top of each page. You do
not need to reiterate this fact by stating “I believe. . .” or “I think. . .” State your opinion
as if it is a fact.