Writing a Thesis Statement — Definition, Types, and Examples
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a single sentence that identifies the topic and purpose of a scholarly research paper or academic writing. A thesis statement directly or indirectly presents the main points of the paper. Information presented in the essay should tie directly back to the thesis.
Overall, a good thesis statement accomplishes the following:
Identifies the purpose of the essay
Expresses the writer's position/opinion
Lists the main supports (optional)
Briefly summarizes the writer's conclusion(s)
Establish if the essay is explanatory, argumentative, or analytical
People often confuse thesis statements with topic sentences, which start each body paragraph. Typically, the thesis statement is the final sentence in the introductory paragraph and acts as a “road map” for the rest of the paper.
Types of thesis statements
The three main types of thesis statements are explanatory, argumentative, and analytical.
Explanatory thesis statements are used in expository essays that focus solely on informing the reader. Papers with this type of thesis do not contain the writer's opinion, nor do they try to persuade the reader.
The three main branches of science taught in public schools include biology, chemistry, and physics.
Argumentative thesis statements identify the writer's position or point of view on a given topic. Argumentative essays persuade the reader to agree with the writer's stance. If the reader cannot agree or disagree with the claim in the thesis, then it is not argumentative.
Public schools should place more emphasis on the arts because they encourage creativity, help improve academic development, and provide a beneficial emotional outlet.
Analytical thesis statements are used in papers that analyze how or why something does what it does. These thesis statements identify what the writer is analyzing, the parts of the analysis, and the order of those parts.
An analysis of course requirements in public schools suggests access to more electives can increase graduation rates.
How to write a thesis statement
When writing a thesis, the following guidelines apply:
Step 1: Determine the type of paper (explanatory, argumentative, or analytical).
Step 2: Identify the topic, position/claim, and supports of the essay.
Step 3: Determine if the supports should be included within the thesis. Although they are considered optional, they might be required depending on the audience and purpose of the essay.
Step 4: Compose a sentence that includes the topic, position, and supports (optional). While a thesis statement can be more than one sentence, it should not exceed two.
Step 5: Place the thesis statement at the end of the introductory paragraph(s). Placing it at the end of the introduction and before the supports allows the reader to focus on the paper’s main purpose.
Thesis statement examples
The following examples highlight each type of thesis statement.
Topic: Alternative Energy Sources
Explanatory Thesis: Alternative energy sources that can supplement the use of fossil fuels include solar, wind, and geothermal.
Argumentative Thesis: To combat reliance on foreign sources of fossil fuels, the United States would benefit from focusing on alternative energy options.
Analytical Thesis: Analysis suggests that replacing fossil fuels with alternative energy sources could negatively impact the economy.
Topic: Social Media
Explanatory Thesis: Three of the first platforms that influenced the world of social media include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Argumentative Thesis: Social media negatively influences society as it increases opportunities for cyberbullying, limits face-to-face interactions, and creates unrealistic expectations.
Analytical Thesis: An analysis of the use of social media suggests itis irrevocably harming the development of teenagers.
Topic: Standardized Testing
Explanatory Thesis: Standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT play a limited role in influencing college acceptance.
Argumentative Thesis: Standardized testing should not be required because it increases anxiety, does not measure progress, and cannot predict future success.
Analytical Thesis: Analysis suggests that standardized testing in elementary and high school negatively impacts students' academic success.