Developing a
Thesis Statement
What is a thesis statement?
The function of a thesis statement is to establish focus/purpose and provide structure. It
serves as a guide and informs the reader about what will be addressed in an essay. As
such, the thesis statement is the most important sentence(s) in an essay, especially in
argumentative and critical essays. Everything within an essay (introduction to the body
paragraphs to the conclusion) must connect to it and/or support it.
In its most basic form, a thesis statement has the following formula:
Thesis = Subject/Topic + Opinion
Example:
[Subject/Topic]
[Opinion]
The continuing threat of tuberculosis in the inner cities makes it necessary to administer
more frequent diagnostic tests among high-risk populations.
Because a thesis statement is so important, it can be a challenge to develop one without
some criteria:
A THESIS STATEMENT SHOULD . . .
1. Provide a claim (point) or perspective on a topic that (1) piques reader’s interest and
(2) is arguable.
NOTE: a claim or perspective isn’t simply an observation: People use Facebook
significantly while at work (This is just an observation, and it isn’t arguable).
Ex. People who Facebook while at work are more productive.
NOTE: Notice how the statement is arguable and provides an interesting perspective.
2. Provide a claim or perspective supported by evidence.
NOTE: Because the thesis statement provides the structure of an essay, the
supporting evidence/reason(s) should be made clear within the thesis statement.
Ex. People who Facebook while at work are more productive because Facebooking
provides mental breaks, thus leading to longer, more focused periods of concentration
during the work day.
NOTE: Notice how this statement has been revised to include a supporting reason.
A THESIS STATEMENT SHOULD NOT . . .
1. Be an announcement (Ex. This paper is about why mixed martial arts is too violent.)
2. Be vague (Ex. Monsters Inc. is a good movie and was successful)
3. Be a factual statement (Ex. Hurricane Katrina destroyed affected people’s lives in New
Orleans.)
Updated: 6-11-12-JM
Developing a
Thesis Statement
Is a thesis needed in all essays?
The main function of a thesis statement is to establish focus/purpose and provide
structure in an essay, in addition to making an arguable claim. However, not every
assignment will require a claim or perspective. For example in a personal essay or a
reflection, the purpose may not be revealed until the end.
It is always best to keep in mind that, regardless of the assignment, there must be a
focus/purpose. A thesis statement is just the perfect way to achieve focus for essays that
require arguments, points, or perspectives.
Developing a thesis statement:
A common misconception regarding thesis statements is that developing one is the first
thing to do when writing. However, most writers develop a thesis as they begin drafting
their essay. This occurs because during the initial drafting phase, thoughts, ideas, claims
are being developed and becoming clearer. Ultimately, it is wise to remember that a final
thesis statement may not be present until a draft is almost complete.
Example of how to Develop a Thesis
Example Topic: Online course offerings at colleges and universities
1. On a separate sheet of paper or a word document create a list of all claims/reasons
made in your draft.
For example:
A. Universities should offer more online courses because I can work from home.
B. Online courses are economically beneficial.
C. I can manage my job and class time easier.
2.) On another sheet of paper or word document write a list of all evidence used to
support the claims. Typically, these will be facts, observations, or anecdotes.
For example:
A. I drive at least 28 miles a day going and coming back from school. This leads to
me spending more money on gas; I wouldn’t have to if I take online courses.
B. I have a young son. By being able to stay at home while taking classes, I can save
up to $150 a week on child care.
3.) Take the two lists (the one with the claims, the other with the evidence) and develop a
thesis statement that establishes a claim and provides the basis for those claims.
[Claim]
[Basis for claim]
Thesis Statement: More online courses should be offered at universities because they
provide several economic benefits, such as cutting costs on gas usage and child care.
Updated: 6-11-12-JM
Developing a
Thesis Statement
Practice
Directions: Read each of the thesis statements below. Determine if each is (1) an
appropriate thesis statement, (2) an inappropriate thesis statement, or (3) needs
improvement. Explain how you came to your decision and how, if any, of these thesis
statements can be improved.
1. As a fall project, the sociology club should install and monitor recycling bins on
campus.
2. Water pollution is responsible for high rates of breast cancer in our community.
3. Because of recent increases in food poisoning, the city should force restaurants to
stop serving shellfish; “self-regulation” by the restaurants themselves has failed.
4. The school districts need to enforce a more stringent curriculum because, upon
graduation, students are not prepared for college or to work in the real world.
Updated: 6-11-12-JM