Thesis Statement

Learn how to create a powerful thesis statement with our simple guide

Thesis is the essence of your writing

General Knowledge

A good thesis statement has a few major characteristics. We will look at each in detail later.

1. A good thesis is specific
2. A good thesis is debatable
3. A good thesis has attitude

Sometimes, when trying to define a thesis, it is also helpful to think of what a thesis does not do.

1. A thesis is not a question
2. A thesis is not a title
3. A thesis is not a statement of fact
4. A thesis is not neutral
5. A thesis is not merely an opinion; it is a position that will be supported with evidence

A Good Thesis is Specific

Beginning writers struggling to define their topic often use very general, vague thesis statements. For a working thesis statement, this might be okay. As the writer drafts the essay, he or she may come up with ways to clarify and narrow the thesis statement. The thesis statement in its final form, however, needs to be specific and focused.

Too general: "In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain criticizes mid-nineteenth century American society." What aspect of mid-nineteenth century society? How does Twain critique it?

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Better: "Because Huckleberry Finn is a naive narrator, his comments on conventional religion function ironically at every turn, allowing Twain to poke fun at empty piety." Although it still needs tweaking, this thesis is much improved. We know that Twain is critiquing conventional religion, and does so through his use of a naive narrator. (Hacker)

A Good Thesis is Debatable

Sometimes, beginning writers worry about being wrong, and the result is a wishy-washy thesis statement. A good thesis statement puts forth an argument. There may be counterarguments, but the confident writer makes his claim and then backs it up with evidence.

Wishy-washy: "Pollution is bad for the environment." There's nothing to debate here. This is something everyone can agree on.

Debatable: "America's anti-pollution efforts should focus on privately owned cars." There is a lot of disagreement about the best focus for environmental laws, so this is a debatable thesis. The writer is stating a debatable position. (OWL)

A Good Thesis Has Attitude

A strong thesis clearly expresses the writer's position, and it does so with confidence.

• Weakening phrases like "I think," and "In my opinion" should be avoided as these only undermine the writer's attitude.
• Further a good thesis addresses the question of "So what?" Why should the reader care about the writer's position?
• A thesis with attitude is original and fresh.

For Further Information, Try These Resources

• A list of common pitfalls in thesis statements
• Tips on developing a thesis statement
• Online exercises for writing thesis statements

This information is adapted from Diana Hacker, Writing About Literature - A Supplement to Accompany A Writer's Reference. Boston: Bedford, 2003 and the OWL - Purdue Writing Center (http://owl.english.purdue.edu).