The Thesis Statement
Notes
The thesis statement is a
sentence that clearly and
concisely indicates the subject
of your paper, the main points
you will cover, and the order in
which you will discuss them. It
is not the subject; it is an
interpretation of the subject.
Important Thesis Notes
A thesis statement is a declarative
statement. It is not a title, a fragment, or
a question.
Example:
Question: Why are biofeedback techniques
excellent methods of stress reduction?
Thesis: Because of its simplicity, accuracy,
and lack of toxicity, biofeedback is often a
successful technique for migraine relief.
A thesis statement is an arguable
idea, not a fact.
Fact: Cortez conquered Mexico in 1509.
Thesis: The colonial mentality which
prompted Cortez's barbaric invasion
of Mexico brought about not an
advance of native society but a
destruction of Aztec culture.
A thesis statement is not an announcement of
the author's purpose or assignment.
Announcement: In this paper I will discuss the
causes and effects of the French Revolution and
then argue as to whether or not it was
successful.
Thesis: Though the reasons for the French
Revolution were noble— liberty, fraternity,
equality—the effects were devastating, ultimately
leading to the unsuccessful reinstitution of the
monarchy and the restructuring of a classist
society into a militaristic one.
A thesis statement is not obvious.
Obvious: Litter creates pollution of the environment.
Thesis: Recycling programs, though expensive at
first, are ultimately an efficient, cost effective, and
environmentally sound means of reducing waste
in our environment.
Obvious: The computer was an important
technological advancement in the twentieth
century.
Thesis: Even though computers have their
idiosyncrasies, they have improved our lives
tremendously by simplifying word processing,
streamlining data storage, and promoting an
international exchange of information.
A thesis statement is specific and
narrowed and is not a broad
overgeneralization.
Broad: Men are chauvinists.
Narrow: Men who repress their true
feelings leave themselves open to
physical, psychological, and
relationship difficulties.
A thesis statement covers only
one topic.
Many topics: The theme, characters, setting,
irony, conflicts, viewpoint, and plot all
contribute to making Madame Bovary a
tragedy.
One topic: Flaubert's Emma Bovary is a
tragic character because, never seeing
reality, she misses some important clues that
her life has gone awry, and she falls from her
social "height" into prostitution.
A thesis statement focuses the
essay and guides its
direction.
Unfocused: Martin Luther King, Jr. is a role
model for everyone to follow.
Focused: Because of his determination, his
courage to follow his beliefs and his
unwavering sense of justice, Martin Luther
King, Jr. is a symbol of American freedom.
Your thesis needs three
components: (TAD)
Topic:
The narrowed, limited subject of your paper.
Attitude:
How you will treat and interpret the subject.
Development:
The proof/points you will cover in the paper.