How to Write a Thesis Statement?

Introduction: What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement should explain to the reader what the paper or essay is going to be about. It aids the reader in comprehending the larger context and range of your subject, as well as letting them know what to anticipate from the next portions of the work.

A thesis statement also has the secondary benefit of making it simpler to find related works, particularly in the field of academic writing where research papers and thesis papers are concerned (which are sometimes known as dissertations when written for doctoral degrees). For example, if you're creating your own paper, you should research other papers to utilise as sources and evidence. To find out which papers' thesis statements relate to yours and could be valuable sources to quote, you can quickly skim a few of them.

The introductory paragraph of a paper, where the thesis statement appears, is how an essay should be introduced. Usually, you'll want to grab the reader in an interesting way in the first line before introducing your major point or argument later in the first paragraph. A thesis statement isn't always the first sentence of an essay. Because they both present the main concept of what is to come, a subject sentence, which is the first phrase of a paragraph, and a thesis statement are sometimes mistaken for one another. The thesis statement serves as the paper's overall topic sentence.

Three-Step Process For Creating A Thesis Statement

The following three simple actions can help you stay on course −

Create a list of potential essay topics

The first stage is picking a topic since you can't construct a thesis statement unless you know what your paper is going to be about. If the topic has already been chosen, excellent! This phase is complete.

If not, consider the advice provided below to select the appropriate subject for you −

• Choose a subject about which you are fervent. Even if you don't know much about it, writing about it will make it simpler for you to learn about it.

• Your report will be too wide and maybe too long if you don't narrow down your topic to something precise. Don't be too particular, or you won't have enough to write about. A happy medium should be sought.

• Verify in advance that there are enough reliable, solid sources available for your investigation. It is important to avoid running out of references in the middle.

• It is time to put your thesis sentence's main concept into words once you've decided on a topic and the approach you wish to take.

Introduce your subject as a question, then respond to it

It is not always simple to express your entire point in a single line, much less one that is written concisely and effectively. To get you started, consider this fast method. Start by posing a question about your subject.

For example, consider asking yourself, "What effects did Subhas Chandra Bose have on society?" if you wish to write on Bose’s freedom struggle and his legacy.

If you already know the response, note it down; this will serve as the foundation of your thesis statement. If you're unsure, conduct some preliminary research to learn the answer; you may utilise the information you acquire as sources and proof in your essay's body paragraphs.

Finish it off

Your initial try at a thesis statement probably won't be flawless. Try editing, amending, and adding what is lacking to make it as good as possible. Recall the fundamental characteristics of a strong thesis statement that we discussed above: clear language, a balance between particular and not-too-specific details, and a mention of subtopics. The secondary material can be moved to the next sentence if you find it difficult to include it all in the first one.

Only the most important information should be included in the thesis statement. In case you're uncertain, read your thesis statement to a buddy and ask them to guess what the topic of your paper is. Your thesis statement succeeds if they give the right response.

How to Frame the Thesis Statement for Different Types of Essays

Let’s look at how to frame the thesis statement for different types of essays −

Developing a thesis statement for an argumentative or explanatory essay

One of the most popular styles of academic writing is the expository essay. Another is the argumentative essay. Unlike research articles, they don't have a formal abstract, thus they rely on their thesis statements to give a summary of the topics covered. Argumentative and expository essay thesis statements should be direct and forceful; they shouldn't be vague or ambiguous. To help your readers comprehend what your article is trying to prove, you should take a position immediately at the beginning.

Additionally, the thesis statements for these essays need to be precise with a few hints towards the body of the work. In order to portray a complete image, you must also include some supporting details or background information in addition to your argument. If possible, attempt to incorporate any subtopics or categories that your research explores within the thesis statement. Although it is not necessary to go into depth here, it is great to describe the various sections at the beginning so that the reader is aware of what to expect.

For example,

“The more the critics and puritans dissed the idea of new-age cinema, the more popular they became”.

This can be a statement for an argumentative essay.

Developing a thesis for a persuasive essay

Similar to argumentative essays, persuasive essays use strong language, particular facts, and references of subtopics in their thesis statements. The fundamental distinction, though, is that whereas the thesis statements for argumentative and expository essays present facts, the thesis statements for persuasive essays present unmistakable viewpoints. Nevertheless, the style remains the same, and opinions are frequently presented as facts, with definitive language and supporting examples.

Additionally, in contrast to other types of essays, persuasive essays can draw emotional connections in their thesis statements. This might really be a smart move to make your essay's opening more meaningful and individualised.

For example,

“Due to increasing over-dependence on technology, many people struggle to think for themselves.”

This is a good example of a persuasive thesis statement.

Writing a thesis statement for a comparison and contrast essay

Because you must discuss at least two subjects rather than simply one, thesis statements for comparison and contrast essays might be challenging. However, you must provide equal emphasis to each of your themes; otherwise, your essay will come off as prejudiced from the start. The same general criteria still apply (decisive language, specifics, etc.).

As always, the content of your essay should be reflected in your thesis statement. Your thesis statement should emphasise similarities over differences if your essay spends more time comparing than contrasting.

Sometimes It is helpful to provide particular instances as well but keep them straightforward and succinct. Keep the finer information for the essay's body.

For example,

“US and the UK are both popular destinations for students planning to study abroad. But each of these countries have their own set of merits and demerits.”

This statement will set the tone for writing an effective compare and contrast essay.

However, it is important to remember that if you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.