How do I write a Thesis Statement?
Here are some guidelines from the Online Writing Lab (OWL) from Purdue University:
First, determine the type of paper you are being asked to write.
- Is it an analytical (critique/evaluative), expository (explanatory) or argumentative (persuasive)?
- Make sure that your thesis is specific, not too broad. It should only cover what you plan to discuss in your paper and will be able to support with evidence.
- Thesis statements are usually one sentence in length and appear at the end of the introductory paragraph. Please note that this may vary according to the type of paper you are writing and/or the preference of the teacher.
- A thesis statement is NOT set in stone. As one conducts research and writes the paper, it is not unusual for the thesis statement to evolve and be revised.
- Analytical
- An analysis of the college admission process reveals one challenge facing counselors: accepting students with high test scores or students with strong extracurricular backgrounds.
- The paper that follows should:
- Explain the analysis of the college admission process Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors.
- The paper that follows should:
- An analysis of the college admission process reveals one challenge facing counselors: accepting students with high test scores or students with strong extracurricular backgrounds.
- Expository
- The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.
- The paper that follows should:
- Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.
- The paper that follows should:
- The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.
- Argumentative
- High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.
- The paper that follows should:
- Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college
- The paper that follows should:
- High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.