A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, includes the points discussed in the paper, and is written for a specific audience. Your thesis statement belongs at the end of your first paragraph, also known as your introduction.

Example: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the best type of sandwich because they are versatile, easy to make, and taste good. In this persuasive thesis statement, you see that I state my opinion (the best type of sandwich), which means I have chosen a stance.

The thesis statement is the sentence that states the main idea of a writing assignment and helps control the ideas within the paper. It is not merely a topic. It often reflects an opinion or judgment that a writer has made about a reading or personal experience.

The four steps below will show you how to write thesis statements quickly and effectively.

1. Restate the idea in the prompt or ask yourself the question the prompt asks.
2. Adopt a position/state your opinion.
3. List three reasons you will use to argue your point.
4. Combine information from 1-3 into one sentence.

Here are some examples of bad and better thesis statements. Bad: The grey wolf is a timid creature that is being hunted and exterminated. Bad: Saving the whales should be a top priority. Bad: In this paper, I will explore popular childhood fairy tales.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay. It usually comes near the end of your introduction. Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across.

Thesis Statement Dos and Don’ts. DON’T be vague or mysterious. Vague language talks about something without directly saying what it is. Some students believe that their thesis statement should be vague so it doesn’t give the argument away.

Weak Thesis Statements A weak thesis statement is often too broad or ambiguous, making it difficult for the reader to understand your position. Attempting to argue more than one point of view also weakens a thesis. For example, “The border should be eliminated or expanded” is a weak thesis statement.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

1. A strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand. Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject.
2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.
3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.
4. A strong thesis statement is specific.

Is a thesis statement a question? A thesis statement is not a question. A statement has to be debatable and prove itself using reasoning and evidence.

The two main types of outlines are the topic outline and the sentence outline. In the topic outline, the headings are given in single words or brief phrases. In the sentence outline, all the headings are expressed in complete sentences.

The conclusion paragraph should restate your thesis, summarize the key supporting ideas you discussed throughout the work, and offer your final impression on the central idea. This final summation should also contain the moral of your story or a revelation of a deeper truth.

What are the key components of a good conclusion?

1. Restate the main idea of the paper (why you wrote this entire long piece to begin with).
2. Summarize all the key points you made throughout the body of the paper (things that proved your thesis statement).

Conclude an essay with one or more of the following:

1. Include a brief summary of the paper’s main points.
2. Ask a provocative question.
3. Use a quotation.
4. Evoke a vivid image.
5. Call for some sort of action.
6. End with a warning.
7. Universalize (compare to other situations).
8. Suggest results or consequences.