Writing Thesis Statement

Says something meaningful by answering the questions: So what?, How?, and Why?

A good thesis statement shows why the reader should care about your work. The significance of your paper is clear to the reader. This is usually answerable by addressing "how" and "why".

thesis statement

A statement of the central idea of an essay; it reveals and summarizes the argument you intend to develop and defend

Previews the rest of the essay by being placed in the introduction

A thesis statement is usually placed in the introduction so that the reader knows what to expect in reading your essay.

States a stand on the topic

A thesis statement must reveal your attitude toward the topic.

Expresses the main idea in one to two sentences

A thesis statement should be comprehensive yet concise because you will be spending the rest of the paper proving your point.

Guidelines on Writing Thesis statements

Avoid making overly-opinionated stands; Avoid making announcements; Avoid stating only facts

Responds to the assignment by following instructions

Going back to the instructions can assure you that your thesis statement is relevant and addresses what your teacher has prescribed .

Characteristics of an Effective Thesis Statement

Responds to the assignment by following instructions; Expresses the main idea in one or two sentences; Focuses on a specific issue; States a stand on the topic; Sys something meaningful by answeing the questions, "So what?" "How?" "Why?"; Previews the rest of the essay by being placed in the introduction; Reflects a tone and point of view appropriate to the identified purpose and audience;

Focuses on a specific issue

Your thesis statement should be sufficiently narrowed based on the boundaries of the assignment.

Reflects a tone and point of view appropriate to the identified purpose and audience.

your thesiss statement should consider the writing situation you fin yourself in.