Tips for how to write a strong thesis statement

Writing a strong thesis statement is absolutely central to writing a great essay, English paper or research paper and getting a good grade on your papers in school. No matter if you're writing an essay or research paper for college, graduate school, high school, middle school or something else, a thesis follows teh same basic format. Read our easy tips and other articles for ideas on how to write a great thesis.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is usually one sentence that makes a claim and them recites around three points that back up your statement. A thesis serves a few purposes.

1. It informs the reader that what you're writing about is important

2. It gives the paper structure

3. It informs the reader what you will talk about

4. It directly addresses the topic you're writing about or the question you've been asked to answer

5. It is intended to persuade the reader to agree with your opinion

Almost any essay you write, from one page to 200 pages, requires a thesis statement. If you need help forming one or if you don't know if you have a strong thesis statement, ask your teacher or professor for assistance. Otherwise, look to these hints and tips on writing a strong thesis statement.

How to tell if a thesis statement is strong

To know if you have a good thesis, ask yourself these questions:

1. Does it make sense? Is it clear and concise?

2. Is it specific to the topic?

3. Does it clearly state exactly what I talk about in the paper?

4. Does it give the 'So what?' of the paper?

5. Does it propose an idea that others might challenge?

6. Does my essay directly address each element of the thesis statement?

Sample thesis statements

There are a few ways to write a thesis statement. The most popular is to use 3 examples to prove a point. The three points can be organized in many ways: topics, themes, points, characters, ideas, chronological (by time) or others. A thesis is the "So What?" of your paper. It tells the reader what your essay is about. This should be a very clear, plain sentence. Here are some examples of thesis statements.

Martin Luther King Jr was a great leader (this is what you're trying to prove in the essay) because he motivated others to take action (point 1), lead by example (point 2) and used non-violence as a method for change (point 3).

Or

The internet was the most important invention of the 20th century because it made information easily accessible, connected the world in a new way and increased the efficiency of information sharing.

Or it can be separated into two sentences. Such as this:

In Huckleberry Finn, Twain shows how friendship can be expressed in vastly different ways through the acions and attitudes of his characters. This essay will explain how friendship was shown by the characters Huckleberry, Jim and Tom.

Or

Changes in women's fashion trends have matched how the average woman's life has changed over the past century and half approximately. This essay will explore how fashion fit with the ways lifestyles changed for women from 1850-1900, from 1900-1950 and from 1950 to the present.

Whatever your topic is, just find three points you can use to prove that point, or 3 ideas that will help explore the point.

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