To sum up: place the thesis statement toward the end of your introduction, state your angle on the topic, and provide your reasoning with evidence. Since you only get 20–50 words to work with, make sure to use them wisely!
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45 perfect thesis statement templates (+ examples).
You can create a thesis statement template for different reasons. Most commonly though, you would need this for writing essays . There are a lot of argumentative thesis statement examples, expository thesis statement examples, analytical thesis statement examples, and more available to serve as your reference for when you need to make your own. Since thesis statements are very important, it’s important for you to learn how to write one effectively.
Table of Contents
A thesis statement template is an important part of an essay as you indicate your main point there. To help you understand this better, let’s define a thesis statement in the context of persuasive essays. When you write this type of essay, you must learn how to persuade others effectively.
Through the essay, you convince the readers that you have a logical and interesting point of view regarding the subject of your essay . Persuasion is an important skill we all practice in our daily lives. You persuade your children to dress up for school without making a fuss, you persuade your coworkers to help you out, and so on.
If you’re a college student , you may receive course assignments where you need to make a compelling and effective persuasive essay . To do this, you must convince the readers that your point of view is the most accurate and logical one. For this form of persuasion, which is also known as an academic argument, it follows a predictive pattern.
After writing a short introduction, you would state your main point in a single sentence. This is known as the thesis statement. Although an argumentative thesis statement example is the most common, you may also find a lot of expository thesis statement examples or analytical thesis statement examples depending on what they’re created for.
Before we go through the thesis statement format, keep in mind that your thesis statement template must:
If you’re assigned to develop a claim or take a side of one particular argument or subject, you should convey your main point in your thesis statement. Even if you’re not explicitly required to write a thesis statement, you must still include it. Most professors already expect this as a part of an essay.
If you’re not sure whether or not to include a thesis statement format, ask your professor about it. If your assignment requires you to interpret, to analyze, to compare, to take a stand, or to demonstrate the cause and effect of a situation, this means that you must come up with a thesis statement then support it in a persuasive way.
Before you can create your thesis statement template, you must first go through a long process of thinking. Formulating your thesis statement isn’t the first thing to do in the process of writing essays. Before you can even start to come up with an argument for any topic, there are other things you must do first.
You need to gather and organize your evidence, look for any relationships like similarities or contrasts between the known facts, and consider the relevance of these relationships. After all these steps, you would have a “working thesis” in your mind which presents your main idea.
Come up with a draft of your thesis statement format along with an argument which you can support using the information you’ve gathered. Keep in mind that while you write your essay , your initial draft of the thesis statement and argument may require modifications.
Writers make use of different kinds of methods to get the ideas flowing and to help them comprehend the relevance of their topic or clarify the relationships between the facts. Only then can you arrive at your final thesis statement.
When you’re trying to compose your thesis statement, you must think about the thesis statement format along with other qualities. Here are the qualities you must consider to create a strong thesis statement template:
Composing your thesis statement may take more time, effort, and thinking compared to the other parts of your essay. But since it’s only one sentence, you shouldn’t have a problem taking this extra time to compose this statement as it directs your essay in a unique way.
Each paper that you write must contain a main idea, a central message or the main point. Then any arguments you make in your document must be a reflection of this main point. In an essay, the sentence which captures your point of view is the thesis statement.
A thesis statement template focuses your arguments and ideas into a single sentence. Use it to present your essay’s topic and to share your point of view regarding the topic. The thesis statement must tell the reader about the essay, help guide your writing process, and help you focus on your arguments. Here are some tips for you:
Essay Writing Guide
Thesis Statement Examples
Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024
By: Nova A.
13 min read
Reviewed By: Chris H.
Published on: Mar 5, 2019
Are you tired of struggling with weak and ineffective thesis statements for your academic papers?
Frustrated by the lack of clarity and direction in your writing?
It's time for a change!
Thesis statements are a very important part of essay writing .
In this blog, we will guide you through the process of crafting impactful thesis statements.
Get ready to captivate your readers with strong thesis statements that make a lasting impression.
Let's dive in!
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A thesis statement is the backbone of your academic paper. It serves as a concise summary of the main argument or point you will be making in your writing.
Think of it as the roadmap that guides your readers through your essay, providing a clear direction and focus.
A solid thesis statement should be:
If you want a detailed guide about crafting a thesis statement, you can read our thesis statement writing blog!
The quality of a thesis statement can make or break your essay.
Let's explore the difference between bad and good thesis statements to understand how to create strong arguments that captivate your readers.
Here's a table comparing the characteristics of a bad thesis statement versus a good thesis statement:
|
| |
| Vague and lacks specificity | Clear, concise, and focused |
| Lacks direction and purpose | Clearly states the main argument or purpose of the essay |
| General and lacks details | Provides specific points or areas of discussion to be explored in the essay |
| Presents an obvious or indisputable statement | Presents a debatable claim or position that invites discussion and analysis |
| Difficult to support with evidence or reasoning | Supported by relevant evidence and logical reasoning throughout the essay |
| Doesn't directly address the essay topic | Directly relates to the main topic or issue being discussed |
| Can be excessively long or convoluted | Concise and well-structured, typically one or two sentences that capture the main point of the essay |
Writing a strong thesis statement is crucial for academic writing. It establishes the purpose of your essay and gives your readers a clear direction to follow.
To help you become proficient in this skill, let's examine some examples.
When starting a thesis statement, it's essential to identify the main topic or issue you will be discussing.
For example, if your essay focuses on the impact of social media on society, a strong starting thesis statement could be:
"The pervasive influence of social media has significantly transformed interpersonal communication and shaped cultural dynamics in the digital age." |
In the introductory paragraph, the thesis statement should be prominently featured to provide a clear preview of the main argument.
For instance, if you are writing an essay about the benefits of exercise, your introductory paragraph could begin with a compelling thesis statement like this:
"Regular exercise not only improves physical health but also enhances mental well-being, promotes longevity, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases." |
The topic sentence sets the tone for the paragraph and connects it to the thesis statement.
Consider an essay exploring renewable energy sources. A topic sentence that aligns with the thesis statement could be:
"Solar power, as a sustainable and abundant energy source, holds immense potential to revolutionize our energy systems and combat the environmental challenges posed by fossil fuels." |
The thesis statement plays a crucial role in setting the tone and focus of your essay. Depending on the type of essay you are writing, the structure and content of your thesis statement may vary.
Let's explore some examples of thesis statements for different types of essays to understand how they differ in their approach and purpose:
In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should clearly present your position on a controversial topic. It should provide a preview of your main arguments.
"The government should implement stricter gun control laws to reduce gun-related violence and promote public safety." |
In a persuasive essay , your thesis statement aims to convince the reader of your viewpoint or opinion on a particular issue.
"Schools should incorporate comprehensive sex education programs to equip students with essential knowledge and promote responsible sexual behavior." |
In an expository essay , your thesis statement should provide an informative explanation or analysis of a topic.
"The causes and effects of climate change can be attributed to human activities, including deforestation, burning fossil fuels, and excessive greenhouse gas emissions." |
In a comparative essay, your thesis statement highlights the similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
"Despite sharing similar themes of love and tragedy, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights diverge in their portrayal of societal constraints and the consequences of forbidden love." |
In an analytical essay , your thesis statement presents an analysis or interpretation of a literary work, artwork, or phenomenon.
"Through the use of symbolism and imagery, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby critiques the illusion of the American Dream and exposes the moral decay of the Jazz Age society." |
In informative essays , the goal is to educate and inform your readers about a specific topic. It should be without expressing a personal opinion or taking a stance.
"Regular exercise offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and flexibility, enhanced mental well-being, and reduced risk of chronic diseases." |
An informative speech discussing the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, highlighting environmental consequences and proposing sustainable solutions.
"In this informative speech, I will discuss the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, highlighting the environmental consequences and proposing actionable solutions for a sustainable future." |
In this literary analysis essay , explore themes of perseverance and the struggle between man and nature.
"Through the use of symbolism, Ernest Hemingway's 'The Old Man and the Sea' explores the themes of perseverance, resilience, and the eternal struggle between man and nature." |
Examine the cause and effect of social media addiction among teenagers, in this cause-and-effect essay example.
"The industrial revolution brought about significant changes in society, such as urbanization, technological advancements, and the exploitation of labor, leading to both economic growth and social inequality." |
In this narrative essay thesis statement example, discover valuable life lessons about perseverance, self-discovery, and the beauty of nature.
"The harrowing car accident I survived transformed my perspective on life, teaching me the fragility of existence, the importance of cherishing loved ones, and the power of resilience." |
In personal essays, the thesis statement often reflects the central message or main idea that you want to convey about your personal experiences or reflections.
"Overcoming my fear of failure and embracing vulnerability has allowed me to pursue my passions and achieve personal growth." |
A good thesis statement is the backbone of a well-structured and compelling essay. It presents a clear and concise argument or main point and sets the direction for your writing. Let's explore some examples of good thesis statements to understand what makes them effective:
"Increasing access to extracurricular activities in high schools improves students' academic performance, social skills, and overall personal development." |
"The widespread use of single-use plastic contributes to environmental pollution, endangers wildlife, and poses a significant threat to ecosystems." |
"The implementation of comprehensive sex education programs in schools promotes healthy relationships, reduces the risk of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, and empowers students to make informed decisions." |
"The study aims to examine the impact of social media usage on mental health, exploring its correlation with increased anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem among young adults." |
"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for global cooperation in public health, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, scientific research, and equitable vaccine distribution." |
Crafting a strong thesis statement is essential for a well-structured and focused essay. Here are some tips to help you write an effective thesis statement in an essay:
If you need more guidance, check out this descriptive video!
All in all, this blog has provided you with everything to get started with your thesis statement. However, if you still need any help, taking assistance from professional essay writers is a good option.
We, at 5StarEssays.com will help you with your ‘ write my essay ’ needs.
Feel free to contact us for placing your order today!
What are the 3 parts of a thesis statement.
A thesis statement is made up of the following 3 parts.
No thesis statement is complete without these three parts and this is why it is important to add all three to your statement.
No, a thesis statement could not be a question. A thesis statement should be debatable and inform the readers about the main points of the essay or paper. A question could not do it.
Yes, a thesis statement could be 2 lines or even longer. The length of the thesis statement depends on the length and depth of your work’s subject.
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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.
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Essay Writing Guide
Thesis Statement Examples
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Are you finding it tough to come up with a strong thesis statement? Well, you're not alone!
Creating a short and clear thesis statement might seem tricky, but it's a really important part of your essays and research papers. It's like the main message of your whole paper in just one sentence.
But don't worry, we're here to help. In this blog, we've gathered over 20 examples of different kinds of essays. These examples will show you exactly how to do it.
So, let's dive in and read on to learn more.
A thesis statement is like the central message of your essay. It states the main claim along with the reason or rationale that supports the claim. It's a single sentence that sums up what your essay is all about.
An important part of essay writing , your thesis statement should tell readers what your essay is trying to prove or explain.
Now, in some cases, like more complex essays or research papers, you might use a three-point thesis statement. This means your thesis statement has not just one, but three main ideas or arguments that your essay will explore.
Here are some good thesis statement examples for the common types of essays :
An argumentative essay persuades by presenting evidence on a debatable topic. Here is an argumentative thesis statement example:
Claim + Reasons/Evidence
Here are argumentative essay thesis statement examples:
An informative essay educates by presenting facts and details on a specific topic. The thesis statement typically takes this form:
Topic + Main Points
Here are informative essay thesis statement examples:
In a literary analysis essay , the writer examines a specific element of a literary work. The thesis statement for literary analysis generally follows this structure:
Analysis of Element in Literary Work + Significance
Here are literary analysis thesis statement examples:
An analytical essay delves into a topic by evaluating and presenting multiple perspectives. The thesis statement in an analytical essay often appears as:
Topic + Analysis/Examination
Here are analytical essay thesis statement examples:
Expository essays aim to explain or inform by providing details and facts on a subject. The typical expository thesis statement format is:
Subject + Key Aspects
Here are expository essay thesis statement examples:
Cause and effect essays investigate the relationships between events or phenomena. The thesis statement structure in a cause and effect essay is:
Cause + Effect
Here are cause and effect essay thesis statement examples:
Narrative essays recount personal experiences or stories. The thesis statement in a narrative essay is often shaped as:
Personal Experience/Story + Significance
Here are narrative essay thesis statement examples:
Opinion essays express the author's viewpoint on a particular subject. You can follow this structure to write a thesis statement in an opinion essay:
Topic + Opinion/Position
Here are thesis statement examples for opinion essays:
In a problem-solution essay , the writer identifies a specific problem and proposes a viable solution or solutions to address it. The thesis statement in a problem-solution essay typically follows this structure:
Problem + Solution
Here are thesis statement examples for problem solution essays:
Persuasive essays aim to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument. The thesis statement in a persuasive essay should clearly present the writer's stance on the topic.
Here’s what a persuasive thesis statement can look like:
College-level thesis statements are often more complex and require deeper analysis or exploration of a topic.
Here’s how you can structure thesis statement for college essays:
Here are some complex thesis statement examples across different disciplines:
English essays encompass a wide range of topics, from literary analysis to language studies. The thesis statement for English essays can take various forms depending on the specific focus of the essay.
Here are thesis statement examples for different types of English essays:
A research paper often critically analyzes a specific topic or issue, conducting in-depth exploration and analysis.
While all academic papers require a thesis statement to convey the central message, they differ in scope and depth.
Research paper thesis statements are broad and involve in-depth research, often including empirical research, Whereas, essay thesis statements are shorter and focus on a specific argument.
Here are some examples of research papers of different natures:
These examples illustrate the diversity of research paper thesis statements, each tailored to the specific focus and methodology of the research.
A strong and clear thesis statement exhibits several crucial elements:
"Increasing access to quality education in underserved communities is essential for addressing socio-economic disparities, and this can be achieved through improved school funding, qualified educators, and community involvement."
Here is an analysis of the elements of the above thesis statement example:
This thesis statement exemplifies these elements well. It explicitly addresses the topic of "increasing access to quality education in underserved communities."
It takes a debatable stance as the strategies for achieving this goal can vary. It narrows the focus by discussing specific solutions: "improved school funding, qualified educators, and community involvement."
The central idea is that these actions are necessary to address socio-economic disparities through education. While the evidence isn't in the thesis itself, it's implied that the essay will support these claims . The position is clear: these actions are essential.
Here’s an example of a good thesis statement versus a bad one:
You now have a wide range of thesis statement examples to learn from.
Need help to turn your ideas into powerful essays? Visit our website and request " do my essay " today!
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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.
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At the heart of every great piece of writing lies the thesis statement - a compact yet powerful sentence that sets the course for your entire work. Though brief, it's a powerhouse, encapsulating the core message of your essay.
In this article, we'll explain how to create a strong thesis statement, offering expert insights and practical tips to help you master this essential skill. Along the way, we'll illustrate key concepts with clear examples, ensuring you're equipped to tackle your writing challenges head-on. And should you ever find yourself in need of assistance, don't hesitate to reach out - ' Write my thesis ' - we're here to help you succeed.
Let's break down what is a thesis statement in an essay. It's essentially the heart of your academic paper, condensed into a single, powerful sentence. Usually tucked at the end of your introduction, it serves as a guidepost for your readers, giving them a peek into what lies ahead.
Crafting a solid thesis statement isn't just about summarizing your main idea. It's about taking a stand on your chosen topic and setting the tone for your entire piece. Picture it as the hub around which all your arguments and evidence orbit, providing clarity and direction for both you and your readers.
But here's the kicker: a strong thesis statement isn't wishy-washy. It's a bold, specific, and debatable claim that grabs attention and lays the groundwork for what's to come in your paper or essay.
Characteristics of a robust thesis statement:
If you're struggling with crafting your thesis, you're not alone. Many students find it challenging. But fear not – if you're ever stuck and thinking, 'Where to pay someone to write my paper ?', – consider reaching out to our expert help for guidance.
Secure your academic success with our custom-crafted thesis statements and elevate your research to the next level!
Often confused with a topic sentence, which starts a paragraph, the thesis statement shares the role of introducing the main idea that unfolds in the subsequent discussion. Here are the tips that will help your statement capture the essence of your entire paper.
Now that we've covered the fundamental tips for how to write a thesis statement let's delve into a step-by-step guide for creating one. If you're interested in hiring a professional to write my personal statement , our help is just one click away.
When selecting a topic for your thesis statement, it's crucial to choose something that genuinely interests you. This will keep you motivated throughout the research and writing process. Consider the scope of your topic; it should be neither too broad nor too narrow. Ask yourself:
As you gather information, critically analyze and evaluate each source's credibility, reliability, and relevance to your thesis. Look for patterns, connections, and gaps in the existing literature that you can address in your thesis. Consider these points:
After selecting a topic and conducting thorough research, the next step is to identify a clear position or argument that you will defend in your thesis statement. For example, for a topic on healthcare policy, you could identify a position regarding the effectiveness of a particular healthcare reform initiative supported by evidence from your research. Or, in a literary analysis thesis, you might take a position on the interpretation of a novel's themes or characters, drawing on textual evidence to support your argument. In each case, you might want to consider the following:
Once you've identified your position, the next step is to craft a thesis statement that presents this position in a debatable and compelling manner. You might want to avoid vague or broad statements that lack clarity or focus. Also, anticipate potential objections or alternative perspectives to your position.
After formulating a debatable thesis statement, it's essential to provide clarity on the scope and direction of your thesis. This step helps readers understand what to expect and guides your research and writing process.
Writing a thesis statement can take different forms depending on the essay's purpose. Here are common types according to our custom essay service :
Now that you've mastered creating a thesis statement, are you ready to tackle the full academic paper—the thesis? If not, let our thesis writing service take the wheel and steer you clear of any trouble.
In this section, let’s take a look at ten examples of effective thesis statements across various subjects:
Now, let’s focus on the role of a thesis statement in guiding your paper's direction. Check out the highlighted statements in the analytical essay example that shape the overall argument.
In the realm of environmental science, the discourse surrounding climate change has become increasingly urgent. As we grapple with the consequences of human activity on the planet, understanding the mechanisms driving climate change and identifying actionable solutions has never been more critical. In the face of mounting evidence pointing to human-induced climate change as a pressing global issue, it is imperative that societies worldwide prioritize the adoption of renewable energy sources and implement stringent environmental policies to curb greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard the future of our planet.
In recent years, the proliferation of online learning platforms has revolutionized the landscape of education, offering students unprecedented access to resources and opportunities for self-directed learning. Within the domain of mathematics education, these platforms have garnered particular attention for their potential to enhance learning outcomes and facilitate personalized instruction. As traditional classroom settings grapple with challenges such as limited resources and varying student needs, online learning platforms offer a promising alternative for delivering tailored instruction and supporting individualized learning trajectories. By leveraging interactive tutorials, adaptive assessments, and real-time feedback mechanisms, these platforms aim to engage students more effectively and address gaps in understanding.
Your thesis isn't just a statement—it's the engine that drives your essay forward. It keeps your writing focused and engaging, drawing your reader in and keeping them interested. Knowing how to write a good thesis statement gives you the power to express yourself effectively, making your ideas resonate with your audience.
So, let's remember the crucial role a solid thesis plays in making our writing stand out. It's the secret weapon that can take your assignments from good to great.
Set up your research paper for greatness by entrusting your thesis statement to our expert writers
How do i begin a thesis statement.
is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.
Published March 20, 2021. Updated May 1, 2022.
A thesis statement is the main claim that you are making in your paper.
The thesis statement is usually one sentence and is located near the beginning of your paper, usually at the end of your introduction paragraph. It tells your readers what stance you take on an issue. Most of the time, when you are writing a paper, you will be responding to a prompt. Analyzing the prompt is essential in making sure your thesis statement actually addresses the question you are trying to answer. The thesis statement needs to directly answer this prompt in a focused and specific way. Some thesis statements also acts as a guide for your paper by telling readers the order in which premises will appear in the paper. This can help the reader be prepared for what you are going to say and to anticipate some of the ideas that you may write about.
Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.
Writing a thesis statement can feel overwhelming at first, but by following these steps, you can make the process less daunting.
While it seems simple, analyzing the prompt is essential in making sure your thesis statement actually supports the question you are trying to answer. If you are given a prompt by your instructor, read it carefully several times. You may want to underline or circle key action words like “claim” or “analyze” and key terms from your class. Then, try to rewrite it in your own words. Even if it doesn’t sound perfect, putting it your own words will ensure that you really understand what it is asking.
Example assignment prompt: In a well-developed essay, explain how writers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as Enlightenment ideas, sparked the French Revolution.
Rewritten in your own words: Write a clear, well supported essay. This essay will not only be about HOW the French Revolution started, but it will be on ideas and writings (not events), specifically those of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Be sure to include other ideas from the Enlightenment.
At this point you will hopefully have a basic answer to the question presented in the prompt. It is okay if you don’t know exactly how to answer it, but you should jot down a simple answer to help you begin your writing.
A strong thesis statement will be clear and specific, and it will be later supported by evidence from your research. You won’t be able to write a statement like this until you do your research.
The research will look different depending on your task. If you are writing a literary analysis essay, you may need to search the text and identify important plot events, character changes, and quotations. This research may feel a lot like brainstorming. If you are writing an argumentative essay, you may need to find articles and books in the library or in databases.
While researching your topic, keep the assignment prompt and your general answer in mind. Try to see if your research supports your initial idea or if you will need to revise your idea based on the information you find.
Chances are, after you complete your research, you will have more information than you need. Now is the time to look at all of the evidence, data, and sources you collected, and determine what relates specifically to your assignment prompt and your general answer and what does not. If you have irrelevant information, put it to the side and save it in case it becomes relevant later.
Next, try to categorize the research you have into a few distinct groups. If your prompt asks you to compare and contrast, you may sort based on similarities or differences. If your prompt asks you to analyze the character development of a character in a novel, you might create your categories based on changes in that character.
Now that you understand the prompt and have completed thorough research, draft a version of your thesis. This statement is often called a “working thesis” because you will likely revise it several times throughout the writing process. Try to be clear and specific, answer the prompt directly, and state a claim you will prove in the rest of your writing.
After you have written the first draft of your essay, it is time to go back and make sure your thesis statement still matches what you actually wrote about. Reread your thesis statement and the topic sentence of each paragraph. Make sure that all of the topic sentences directly support the thesis and that the thesis statement encompasses the ideas you presented in your body paragraphs. If you find that they don’t perfectly align, you may need to revise your thesis statement to match what you wrote.
Now is also a good time to make sure your thesis statement uses effective language. Make sure you have used active verbs instead of passive and that your tone is professional and academic. If you have words like “very” or “extremely,” you could replace them with stronger and more specific options like “significant” or “acutely.”
Let’s take a look at a few examples of working thesis statements and thesis statements. For this first example, your assignment prompt asked you to discuss the impact of reading on children. After a bit of research, you may land on the following idea:
It is important for children to read often when they are in early elementary school.
This statement is a good working thesis, but it is not strong enough to be your final draft. It does make a claim, but it is vague and does not provide a roadmap for the reader. It also does not discuss the impact of reading. Why is it important for children to read? What are the benefits of children reading? A stronger thesis statement might say:
Children who read often in early elementary school develop strong vocabularies and improve their reading comprehension skills, increasing their confidence in reading increasingly complex texts.
This revised thesis is more focused, is likely based on research, and helps readers see the key ideas you will discuss in the paper.
Now imagine that your professor has asked you to write an essay on the role of language in George Orwell’s 1984. After you have read through your notes, read the novel, and brainstormed ideas, you may decide on the following working thesis:
Control of language is used as a source of power in 1984.
This working thesis is a good start for your brainstorming and your outline. From here, you would want to consider how language is used as a source of power and why it is used that way. A revised thesis might read:
In George Orwell’s 1984 , the Party manipulates citizens into total submission to the Party’s ideals through Newspeak, propaganda, and altered history.
This thesis statement provides a clear guide to writing. It uses active verbs (e.g., “the Party manipulates”) and clear details of language (e.g., Newspeak, propaganda, altered history) from the novel.
Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on April 16, 2024.
A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.
Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .
You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.
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Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.
You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.
Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:
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The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:
Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.
In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section , results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .
We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.
The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:
Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.
Read more about title pages
The acknowledgements section is usually optional. Its main point is to allow you to thank everyone who helped you in your thesis journey, such as supervisors, friends, or family. You can also choose to write a preface , but it’s typically one or the other, not both.
Read more about acknowledgements Read more about prefaces
An abstract is a short summary of your thesis. Usually a maximum of 300 words long, it’s should include brief descriptions of your research objectives , methods, results, and conclusions. Though it may seem short, it introduces your work to your audience, serving as a first impression of your thesis.
Read more about abstracts
A table of contents lists all of your sections, plus their corresponding page numbers and subheadings if you have them. This helps your reader seamlessly navigate your document.
Your table of contents should include all the major parts of your thesis. In particular, don’t forget the the appendices. If you used heading styles, it’s easy to generate an automatic table Microsoft Word.
Read more about tables of contents
While not mandatory, if you used a lot of tables and/or figures, it’s nice to include a list of them to help guide your reader. It’s also easy to generate one of these in Word: just use the “Insert Caption” feature.
Read more about lists of figures and tables
If you have used a lot of industry- or field-specific abbreviations in your thesis, you should include them in an alphabetized list of abbreviations . This way, your readers can easily look up any meanings they aren’t familiar with.
Read more about lists of abbreviations
Relatedly, if you find yourself using a lot of very specialized or field-specific terms that may not be familiar to your reader, consider including a glossary . Alphabetize the terms you want to include with a brief definition.
Read more about glossaries
An introduction sets up the topic, purpose, and relevance of your thesis, as well as expectations for your reader. This should:
In other words, your introduction should clearly and concisely show your reader the “what, why, and how” of your research.
Read more about introductions
A literature review helps you gain a robust understanding of any extant academic work on your topic, encompassing:
A literature review is not merely a summary of existing work. Rather, your literature review should ultimately lead to a clear justification for your own research, perhaps via:
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Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.
Read more about theoretical frameworks
Your methodology chapter shows your reader how you conducted your research. It should be written clearly and methodically, easily allowing your reader to critically assess the credibility of your argument. Furthermore, your methods section should convince your reader that your method was the best way to answer your research question.
A methodology section should generally include:
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Your results section should highlight what your methodology discovered. These two sections work in tandem, but shouldn’t repeat each other. While your results section can include hypotheses or themes, don’t include any speculation or new arguments here.
Your results section should:
Additional data (like raw numbers or interview transcripts ) can be included as an appendix . You can include tables and figures, but only if they help the reader better understand your results.
Read more about results sections
Your discussion section is where you can interpret your results in detail. Did they meet your expectations? How well do they fit within the framework that you built? You can refer back to any relevant source material to situate your results within your field, but leave most of that analysis in your literature review.
For any unexpected results, offer explanations or alternative interpretations of your data.
Read more about discussion sections
Your thesis conclusion should concisely answer your main research question. It should leave your reader with an ultra-clear understanding of your central argument, and emphasize what your research specifically has contributed to your field.
Why does your research matter? What recommendations for future research do you have? Lastly, wrap up your work with any concluding remarks.
Read more about conclusions
In order to avoid plagiarism , don’t forget to include a full reference list at the end of your thesis, citing the sources that you used. Choose one citation style and follow it consistently throughout your thesis, taking note of the formatting requirements of each style.
Which style you choose is often set by your department or your field, but common styles include MLA , Chicago , and APA.
Create APA citations Create MLA citations
In order to stay clear and concise, your thesis should include the most essential information needed to answer your research question. However, chances are you have many contributing documents, like interview transcripts or survey questions . These can be added as appendices , to save space in the main body.
Read more about appendices
Once you’re done writing, the next part of your editing process begins. Leave plenty of time for proofreading and editing prior to submission. Nothing looks worse than grammar mistakes or sloppy spelling errors!
Consider using a professional thesis editing service or grammar checker to make sure your final project is perfect.
Once you’ve submitted your final product, it’s common practice to have a thesis defense, an oral component of your finished work. This is scheduled by your advisor or committee, and usually entails a presentation and Q&A session.
After your defense , your committee will meet to determine if you deserve any departmental honors or accolades. However, keep in mind that defenses are usually just a formality. If there are any serious issues with your work, these should be resolved with your advisor way before a defense.
If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
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The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.
If you only used a few abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation , you don’t necessarily need to include a list of abbreviations .
If your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they won’t be known to your audience, it’s never a bad idea to add one. They can also improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader.
When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .
A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.
Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:
A thesis is typically written by students finishing up a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Some educational institutions, particularly in the liberal arts, have mandatory theses, but they are often not mandatory to graduate from bachelor’s degrees. It is more common for a thesis to be a graduation requirement from a Master’s degree.
Even if not mandatory, you may want to consider writing a thesis if you:
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