The main point, the central argument of your essay, is called a thesis.
Thesis statements articulate the core of an argument—the unifying principle—that holds
an entire essay together. It is also the point of reference to which you can refer as you
write.
The characteristics of a good thesis statement:
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An effective thesis states your position on an issue in clear and definite
language. The reader should never be in doubt as to the stance that you are
advocating.
It should be limited in scale, a main point or two that you will develop and
reference throughout your essay in a close and specific manner.
Your thesis should take a side on an issue in an original way. Try to stake out the
fresh ground in your argument, if that is possible.
Incorporate clear, meaningful language in your thesis. Words such as “nice,”
“interesting,” and “intriguing” are vacuous fillers that disguise what the writer is
thinking (don’t use these words). Also avoid the words “all” or “none,” “always”
or “never” because in the academic level, arguments will not fit into all or nothing
categories.
If you are having trouble getting started, simply write: “In this essay, I plan to. . .” and
then finish the sentence. This blunt statement should help you to focus on what argument
you plan to make. Once you’ve figured it out, though, edit out the blunt statement to
reveal the thesis.
Traps to avoid:
Lists, which often lead to vague and disjointed analysis or argumentation.
Television networks are guilty of marketing violent programming to young audiences
despite copycat incidents and general desensitization to violence, failing to provide a
ratings system that consistently and accurately informs that public about the nature and
possible effects of this programming, and seeking to create even more violent
programming in order to increase profits.
A simple statement of fact.
A clean and self-sustaining environment is good for the earth and all of its inhabitants.
Who would disagree with this?
An unexplained stance or poorly defined position.
College athletics have gotten out of hand.
How so? In what way? For what reasons? How does this affect you?
A thesis that assumes the form of a question, often interpreted to be a rhetorical one
that does not require a response.
Why does film entertainment so often display gratuitous sex and violence?
An off-topic thesis.
Reality television degrades American culture by celebrating superficiality, materialism,
and a cheapened notion of love.
This prompt asked why reality television has become such a staple of networks.
Superfluous phrases.
In this paper I will advance my opinion, which is that the Greek system on college
campuses has become redundant and antiquated, a state of affairs that I will demonstrate.
Examples of weak and strong thesis statements:
Clarity, specificity, originality.
Weak: You cannot escape your family.
Better: Family dynamics and relationships set the “blueprint” for our lives,
but as individuals we make the major decisions that really influence our future.
The presence of a clearly defined position on a topic:
Weak: The merits of liberal education have been debated for centuries, and
even today there are both costs and benefits associated with such a broad-based
education.
Better: The merits of a liberal education have been debated for centuries, but
even in today’s highly technological society the benefits of such broad-based
education outweigh the costs.
An assertion of one specific, unified idea:
Weak: In the long run, liberal education will return the money students
invest in it, and it helps produce more moral individuals.
Better: The investment of time and money that liberal education requires
rewards a student with a broader range of practical skills than cheaper, specialized
schools offer.
An emphasis on something that will interest, challenge, persuade, or enlighten your
audience:
Weak: Although I know that I might get into med school faster if I went
through a premed program, I’m glad that I chose to spend my years at USC
majoring in political science.
Better: Even students who know exactly what profession they want to enter
benefit more from four years of liberal arts education than from a three-year preprofessional program.
A limited scope that is tailored to the specific assignment:
Weak: Since its inception during the Enlightenment, liberal education has
never actually fulfilled its promise to create better human beings.
Better: Whether or not liberal education ever did fulfill its promise to create
more moral human beings, in today’s self-centered society it has clearly failed in
this goal.
The presence of clear language and specific terms:
Weak: The education of a student through liberal means will in turn result in
people who have a greater ability to return some aspect of their received training
to others.
Better: Liberal education produces students who are prepared to use their
knowledge and skills to help those who have had fewer economic advantages than
themselves.