The thesis statement previews the topic and your message about the topic. The most effective thesis statement is a single sentence near the beginning of your piece -- a complete thought that the reader uses to identify and evaluate the subject matter and to decide whether to read on.
Thesis Statement = Limited Topic + Controlling Idea
A concise thesis statement is a sign of growing competence in writing. After a brief introduction that engages the reader’s attention,the thesis statement establishes the topic and what you plan to say about it. Follow these easy steps to craft a successful thesis statement.
First, Limit the Topic
A poorly-defined or “global” topic is impossible to write about effectively. Once you have settled on your general topic, narrow it down to a manageable level. In your pre-writing, try to express the topic succinctly, in just a phrase or even a single word. This entails some concentration; expect to make false starts.
- Too broad: cats
- Manageable: cats as pets
Next, Brainstorm the Controlling Idea
The controlling idea is the point that you want to make about the topic. It “controls” the kinds of details and other support you will include in the body. It may convey an attitude, an opinion, a value statement, or a fact. To be effective, your thesis should be something you really believe.
Maybe you're not sure at the outset what you actually do think about a topic. To generate material, brainstorm. Brainstorm a list quickly, without stopping. The longer the list, the more choices you have for a clear controlling idea that you can genuinely support.You can adapt the following exercise:
- Ask yourself: what do I feel/know/believe/suspect about this topic?
- Now answer the question.
- Example: Cats. Hmmm . . . what about cats? They’re cute (or nasty). Cats make good (or terrible) pets. Why?
For more topic ideas and practice, use the Worksheet included below.
Writing the Thesis Statement
Develop a well-thought-out yet concise thesis statement from your best response above. When framing the thesis statement, add a conjunction such as “because” or “when” to establish the connection between your topic and the controlling idea.
Now draft your thesis statement:
- Limited topic: cats as pets + controlling idea: superior (or inferior) to other types of pets
- One-sentence thesis statement: Cats make superior pets because . . .
Develop body paragraphs to explain why you think cats make superior or inferior pets, culminating with your conclusion.
The Thesis Statement As Blueprint
The thesis statement makes a promise to the reader, who looks to you for appropriate content. This means that the rest of the piece should follow suit with appropriate examples, details, and related subtopics. The points that follow a term like “because” will furnish the topics for the body paragraphs. A strong thesis statement not only makes the writing process go more smoothly, but it also acts as a check on your own tendency to wander off-topic.
Hidden Thesis Statements
It sometimes happens that the thesis statement pops out of the text unexpectedly. While working on your first draft, you may realize that your thoughts are moving in an entirely new direction. In this case, develop a thesis statement that reflects the actual content.
Another place to check for a thesis statement is your conclusion. Writing in the draft stage is a process of discovery, in which you finally get to the point in the conclusion. In fact, the conclusion actually may contain the thesis statement in a nearly perfect form. Move it to the beginning of the piece and develop a new conclusion.
Julia Purdy - My background includes an M.A. in English and a B.A. in Art History. I have a strong background in writing and teaching, and have ...
