Writing a Thesis Statement

Writing a Thesis Statement

What is a Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement usually consists of one or two sentences, and normally comes at the very end of the introduction to a paper or essay. Its purpose is to explain in a few words the topic area of your paper, but more than this, it clarifies the stand you are going to take on a particular subject. In other words, it gives your interpretation of the topic. Your thesis statement can thus be viewed as a map (and a promise) for your reader of how the essay will develop. The rest of the essay (main body) will be devoted to arguing for, supporting and proving the claim made in the thesis statement.

What is a thesis statement?
* Usually a single sentence somewhere in your introduction (often at the end.)
*Gives, briefly, the subject to be discussed, and also your interpretation of that subject.
* Makes clear at the start the argument, idea or analysis that you are going to take up: in fact, it is your answer to the question taken up by your paper.
* Is not a simple obvious statement everyone can agree on without discussion.
* Can be viewed as a map (and a promise) for your reader of how the essay will develop.

Good Thesis Statements:
• Make a knowledge claim that purports to offer a new approach or idea in a particular field, and to explain why it is new. The purpose of any academic thesis is to add to the existing pool of knowledge in a particular area, or to “fill in the gaps of knowledge.” As such, your knowledge claim should clearly state why the information/knowledge that you have to offer is new within your field, and should also convince the reader that your claim is likely to be true based on the evidence provided
• Make an argumentative assertion that summarizes the conclusions you have reached about your topic after reviewing the literature. This assertion should be focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper. It should also identify the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are providing.
• Outline the scope, purpose and direction of your paper. After finishing your thesis statement, the reader should clearly know the essence of your intended project, and also the boundaries you intend to place on it. Your thesis statement should not make the reader expect more than you are prepared to present in your final document.