arguable thesis statement

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Writing a Paper: Thesis Statements

Basics of thesis statements.

The thesis statement is the brief articulation of your paper's central argument and purpose. You might hear it referred to as simply a "thesis." Every scholarly paper should have a thesis statement, and strong thesis statements are concise, specific, and arguable. Concise means the thesis is short: perhaps one or two sentences for a shorter paper. Specific means the thesis deals with a narrow and focused topic, appropriate to the paper's length. Arguable means that a scholar in your field could disagree (or perhaps already has!).

Strong thesis statements address specific intellectual questions, have clear positions, and use a structure that reflects the overall structure of the paper. Read on to learn more about constructing a strong thesis statement.

Being Specific

This thesis statement has no specific argument:

Needs Improvement: In this essay, I will examine two scholarly articles to find similarities and differences.

This statement is concise, but it is neither specific nor arguable—a reader might wonder, "Which scholarly articles? What is the topic of this paper? What field is the author writing in?" Additionally, the purpose of the paper—to "examine…to find similarities and differences" is not of a scholarly level. Identifying similarities and differences is a good first step, but strong academic argument goes further, analyzing what those similarities and differences might mean or imply.

Better: In this essay, I will argue that Bowler's (2003) autocratic management style, when coupled with Smith's (2007) theory of social cognition, can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover.

The new revision here is still concise, as well as specific and arguable.  We can see that it is specific because the writer is mentioning (a) concrete ideas and (b) exact authors.  We can also gather the field (business) and the topic (management and employee turnover). The statement is arguable because the student goes beyond merely comparing; he or she draws conclusions from that comparison ("can reduce the expenses associated with employee turnover").

Making a Unique Argument

This thesis draft repeats the language of the writing prompt without making a unique argument:

Needs Improvement: The purpose of this essay is to monitor, assess, and evaluate an educational program for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, I will provide suggestions for improvement.

You can see here that the student has simply stated the paper's assignment, without articulating specifically how he or she will address it. The student can correct this error simply by phrasing the thesis statement as a specific answer to the assignment prompt.

Better: Through a series of student interviews, I found that Kennedy High School's antibullying program was ineffective. In order to address issues of conflict between students, I argue that Kennedy High School should embrace policies outlined by the California Department of Education (2010).

Words like "ineffective" and "argue" show here that the student has clearly thought through the assignment and analyzed the material; he or she is putting forth a specific and debatable position. The concrete information ("student interviews," "antibullying") further prepares the reader for the body of the paper and demonstrates how the student has addressed the assignment prompt without just restating that language.

Creating a Debate

This thesis statement includes only obvious fact or plot summary instead of argument:

Needs Improvement: Leadership is an important quality in nurse educators.

A good strategy to determine if your thesis statement is too broad (and therefore, not arguable) is to ask yourself, "Would a scholar in my field disagree with this point?" Here, we can see easily that no scholar is likely to argue that leadership is an unimportant quality in nurse educators.  The student needs to come up with a more arguable claim, and probably a narrower one; remember that a short paper needs a more focused topic than a dissertation.

Better: Roderick's (2009) theory of participatory leadership  is particularly appropriate to nurse educators working within the emergency medicine field, where students benefit most from collegial and kinesthetic learning.

Here, the student has identified a particular type of leadership ("participatory leadership"), narrowing the topic, and has made an arguable claim (this type of leadership is "appropriate" to a specific type of nurse educator). Conceivably, a scholar in the nursing field might disagree with this approach. The student's paper can now proceed, providing specific pieces of evidence to support the arguable central claim.

Choosing the Right Words

This thesis statement uses large or scholarly-sounding words that have no real substance:

Needs Improvement: Scholars should work to seize metacognitive outcomes by harnessing discipline-based networks to empower collaborative infrastructures.

There are many words in this sentence that may be buzzwords in the student's field or key terms taken from other texts, but together they do not communicate a clear, specific meaning. Sometimes students think scholarly writing means constructing complex sentences using special language, but actually it's usually a stronger choice to write clear, simple sentences. When in doubt, remember that your ideas should be complex, not your sentence structure.

Better: Ecologists should work to educate the U.S. public on conservation methods by making use of local and national green organizations to create a widespread communication plan.

Notice in the revision that the field is now clear (ecology), and the language has been made much more field-specific ("conservation methods," "green organizations"), so the reader is able to see concretely the ideas the student is communicating.

Leaving Room for Discussion

This thesis statement is not capable of development or advancement in the paper:

Needs Improvement: There are always alternatives to illegal drug use.

This sample thesis statement makes a claim, but it is not a claim that will sustain extended discussion. This claim is the type of claim that might be appropriate for the conclusion of a paper, but in the beginning of the paper, the student is left with nowhere to go. What further points can be made? If there are "always alternatives" to the problem the student is identifying, then why bother developing a paper around that claim? Ideally, a thesis statement should be complex enough to explore over the length of the entire paper.

Better: The most effective treatment plan for methamphetamine addiction may be a combination of pharmacological and cognitive therapy, as argued by Baker (2008), Smith (2009), and Xavier (2011).

In the revised thesis, you can see the student make a specific, debatable claim that has the potential to generate several pages' worth of discussion. When drafting a thesis statement, think about the questions your thesis statement will generate: What follow-up inquiries might a reader have? In the first example, there are almost no additional questions implied, but the revised example allows for a good deal more exploration.

Thesis Mad Libs

If you are having trouble getting started, try using the models below to generate a rough model of a thesis statement! These models are intended for drafting purposes only and should not appear in your final work.

• In this essay, I argue ____, using ______ to assert _____.
• While scholars have often argued ______, I argue______, because_______.
• Through an analysis of ______, I argue ______, which is important because_______.

Words to Avoid and to Embrace

When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize , and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing.

Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question , and interrogate . These more analytical words may help you begin strongly, by articulating a specific, critical, scholarly position.

Read Kayla's blog post for tips on taking a stand in a well-crafted thesis statement.

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Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

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Module 9: Academic Argument

Argumentative thesis statements, learning objective.

• Recognize an argumentative thesis

A strong, argumentative thesis statement should take a stance about an issue. It should explain the basics of your argument and help your reader to know what to expect in your essay.

This video reviews the necessary components of a thesis statement and walks through some examples.

You can view the transcript for “Purdue OWL: Thesis Statements” here (opens in new window) .

Key Features of Argumentative Thesis Statements

Below are some of the key features of an argumentative thesis statement. An argumentative thesis is debatable, assertive, reasonable, evidence-based, and focused.

An argumentative thesis must make a claim about which reasonable people can disagree. Statements of fact or areas of general agreement cannot be argumentative theses because few people disagree about them. Let’s take a look at an example:

• Junk food is bad for your health.

This is not a debatable thesis. Most people would agree that junk food is bad for your health. Also what kind of junk food? Is there a way to make this thesis a bit more specific? A debatable thesis might be:

• Because junk food is bad for your health, the size of sodas offered at fast-food restaurants should be regulated by the federal government.

Reasonable people could agree or disagree with the statement. With this thesis statement, there is a more specific type of junk food (sodas), and there is call-to-action (federal regulation).

An argumentative thesis takes a position, asserting the writer’s stance. Questions, vague statements, or quotations from others are not argumentative theses because they do not assert the writer’s viewpoint. Let’s take a look at an example:

• Federal immigration law is a tough issue for American citizens.

This is not an arguable thesis because it does not assert a position. Start by asking questions about how to make this statement more specific. Which laws? What is the “tough issue” and why is it difficult? Take a look at this revision.

•   Federal immigration enforcement law needs to be overhauled because it puts undue financial constraints on state and local government agencies.

This is an argumentative thesis because it asserts a position that immigration enforcement law needs to be changed. The “undue financial restraints” gives the writer a position to explore more.

An argumentative thesis must make a claim that is logical and possible. Claims that are outrageous or impossible are not argumentative theses. Let’s take a look at an example:

• City council members are dishonest and should be thrown in jail.

This is not an argumentative thesis. City council members’ ineffectiveness is not a reason to send them to jail unless they have broken the law. A more useful question is to ask why are they dishonest? What can they do to improve?

• City council members should not be allowed to receive cash incentives from local business leaders.

This is an arguable thesis because it is possible and reasonable to set ethical practices for business leaders.

Evidence-Based

An argumentative thesis must be able to be supported by evidence. Claims that presuppose value systems, morals, or religious beliefs cannot be supported with evidence and therefore are not argumentative theses. Let’s take a look at an example:

• Individuals convicted of murder have committed a sin and they do not deserve additional correctional facility funding.

This is not an argumentative thesis because its support rests on religious beliefs or values rather than evidence. Let’s dig a bit deeper to think about what specifically you can address as a writer and why it is important to your argument. Let’s take a look at this revision:

• Rehabilitation programs for individuals serving life sentences should be funded because these programs reduce violence within prisons.

This is an argumentative thesis because evidence such as case studies and statistics can be used to support it. The subject is a bit more specific (individuals serving life sentences) and the claim can be supported with research (programs that reduce violence within prisons).

An argumentative thesis must be focused and narrow. A focused, narrow claim is clearer, more able to be supported with evidence, and more persuasive than a broad, general claim. Let’s take a look at an example:

• The federal government should overhaul the U.S. tax code.

This is not an effective argumentative thesis because it is too general (Which part of the government? Which tax codes? What sections of those tax codes?). This is more of a book-length project and it would require an overwhelming amount of evidence to be fully supported. Let’s take a look at a revision:

• The U.S. House of Representatives should vote to repeal the federal estate tax because the revenue generated by that tax is negligible.

This is an effective argumentative thesis because it identifies a specific actor and action and can be fully supported with evidence about the amount of revenue the estate tax generates. By starting with a too broad focus, you can ask questions to create a more specific thesis statement.

In the practice exercises below, see if you can recognize and evaluate argumentative thesis statements. Keep in mind that a sound argumentative thesis should be debatable, assertive, reasonable, evidence-based, and focused. If you choose the incorrect response, read why it is not an argumentative thesis.

• Argumentative Thesis Statements. Provided by : University of Mississippi. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Argumentative Thesis Activity. Provided by : Excelsior College. Located at : http://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/argumentative-thesis/argumentative-thesis-activity/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Purdue OWL: Thesis Statements. Provided by : OWLPurdue. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKXkemYldmw . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement

Crafting a compelling argumentative essay requires a strong thesis statement that encapsulates the essence of your stance on a contentious issue. An argumentative essay thesis statement serves as the core of your paper, guiding your readers through your persuasive arguments. This guide delves into a collection of impactful argumentative essay thesis statement examples, providing you with insights on how to craft one effectively and offering valuable tips to enhance the persuasiveness and coherence of your essay.

What is an Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement? – Definition

An argumentative essay thesis statement is a concise declaration that presents the main point of your essay and outlines the position you intend to defend. It serves as a roadmap for your readers, indicating the central argument you’ll be addressing and the stance you’ll be advocating throughout the essay. The Good thesis statement in an argumentative essay is typically debatable and invites discussion.

What is an Example of a Thesis Statement for Argumentative Essay?

Example: “The government should implement stricter regulations on the use of plastic materials to mitigate the environmental crisis, reduce pollution, and safeguard the future of our planet.”

In this thesis statement for an argumentative essay, the claim asserts the necessity for stricter plastic regulations, and the preview of main points indicates the environmental benefits. This thesis sets the stage for an essay that presents evidence and persuasive arguments supporting the need for increased plastic regulation.

100 Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement Examples

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Explore a diverse array of argumentative essay thesis statement examples, each encapsulating a unique perspective on critical issues. From climate change policies to gun control measures, these statements illustrate the art of persuasive writing. Delve into the complexities of societal impact, ethical considerations, and policy implications while refining your skills in crafting compelling arguments that drive meaningful discussions and encourage critical thinking.  In addition, you should review our  final thesis statement .

1. Social Media and Mental Health The pervasive influence of social media on mental health demands urgent attention to its negative impact on self-esteem, anxiety, and emotional well-being.

2. Universal Healthcare Coverage Universal healthcare coverage is essential for promoting equitable access to medical services, improving health outcomes, and ensuring the well-being of all citizens.

3. Climate Change and Human Responsibility The urgency of addressing climate change requires acknowledging human responsibility, embracing sustainable practices, and implementing policies that combat global environmental threats.

4. Online Privacy and Data Security Stricter online privacy regulations are necessary to safeguard personal data, protect user confidentiality, and counter the increasing threats of cyberattacks and identity theft.

5. Education Reform and Student Success Education reform must prioritize student success by revamping curriculum, promoting individualized learning, and investing in educators to enhance overall educational quality.

6. Gun Control and Public Safety Implementing comprehensive gun control measures is vital to curbing gun violence, preventing mass shootings, and ensuring the safety of communities nationwide.

7. Gender Pay Gap and Workplace Equality Eliminating the gender pay gap requires enforcing equal pay policies, addressing occupational biases, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate wage disparities.

8. Capital Punishment and Human Rights Abolishing capital punishment is crucial for upholding human rights, fostering justice systems that prioritize rehabilitation, and acknowledging the inherent fallibility of legal systems.

9. Legalization of Marijuana for Medicinal Use The legalization of marijuana for medicinal use is a necessary step in providing effective pain management options, promoting research, and improving the quality of life for patients.

10. Technology and Interpersonal Relationships The integration of technology in interpersonal relationships necessitates a balance between virtual communication and face-to-face interaction to preserve genuine human connections.

11. Artificial Intelligence and Job Displacement The rise of artificial intelligence demands proactive measures to address job displacement, prioritize retraining programs, and ensure a balanced coexistence of human and AI roles in the workforce.

12. Obesity Epidemic and Public Health Combatting the obesity epidemic requires comprehensive public health interventions, including promoting healthy lifestyles, regulating marketing of unhealthy foods, and ensuring access to nutritious options.

13. Animal Rights and Ethical Treatment Recognizing the moral significance of animals necessitates ethical treatment, advocating for animal rights, and adopting regulations that prevent cruelty and exploitation.

14. Renewable Energy Transition and Sustainable Future Embracing a transition to renewable energy sources is pivotal for achieving a sustainable future, reducing carbon emissions, and mitigating the impact of climate change.

15. Vaccination and Community Immunity Mandatory vaccination policies are essential for maintaining community immunity, preventing disease outbreaks, and protecting vulnerable populations from preventable illnesses.

16. Digital Divide and Access to Education Closing the digital divide requires equitable access to technology, bridging educational disparities, and ensuring all students can benefit from online learning opportunities.

17. Cultural Appropriation and Respectful Engagement Addressing cultural appropriation demands respectful engagement, understanding the significance of cultural symbols, and acknowledging the importance of mutual respect.

18. Parental Leave and Work-Life Balance Enforcing paid parental leave policies is vital for promoting work-life balance, gender equality, and supporting parents in their caregiving responsibilities.

19. Social Inequality and Wealth Redistribution Tackling social inequality necessitates wealth redistribution, progressive taxation policies, and investing in social programs to narrow the wealth gap.

20. Mental Health Support in Schools Providing comprehensive mental health support in schools is crucial for early intervention, destigmatizing mental health issues, and fostering students’ emotional well-being.

21. Online Learning and Traditional Education Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of online learning versus traditional education reveals the need for adaptable approaches that combine the strengths of both modalities.

22. Body Positivity and Media Representation Promoting body positivity requires challenging unrealistic media representations, advocating for diverse beauty standards, and encouraging self-acceptance regardless of body type.

23. Human Cloning and Ethical Concerns The ethical considerations surrounding human cloning necessitate thorough examination of scientific advancements, potential medical benefits, and potential societal implications.

24. Cyberbullying and Digital Responsibility Mitigating cyberbullying requires fostering digital responsibility, educating youth about online ethics, and establishing clear consequences for harmful online behaviors.

25. Nuclear Energy and Environmental Impact Assessing the viability of nuclear energy demands understanding its environmental impact, evaluating safety measures, and considering it as a potential solution to energy demands.

26. Freedom of Speech and Hate Speech Regulation Balancing freedom of speech with the regulation of hate speech involves crafting policies that protect individuals’ rights while preventing the spread of harmful rhetoric.

27. Privacy Rights and Surveillance Technology Striking a balance between privacy rights and the use of surveillance technology requires robust legal frameworks that protect individual freedoms while ensuring public safety.

28. Animal Testing and Scientific Advancement Examining the ethics of animal testing compels us to explore alternative research methods, prioritize animal welfare, and weigh scientific progress against ethical considerations.

29. Cultural Diversity and Education Recognizing the value of cultural diversity in education necessitates inclusive curricula, multicultural awareness, and fostering understanding among diverse student populations.

30. Space Exploration and Budget Allocation Analyzing the allocation of funds for space exploration prompts discussion about the importance of scientific discovery, balanced budget priorities, and societal benefits.

31. Artificial Sweeteners and Health Risks Investigating the health risks associated with artificial sweeteners requires evaluating potential benefits, understanding metabolic effects, and providing accurate consumer information.

32. Renewable Energy Incentives and Economic Growth Analyzing the impact of renewable energy incentives on economic growth entails assessing job creation, sustainable development, and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

33. Social Media and Political Activism Exploring the role of social media in political activism demands examining its influence on mobilization, awareness campaigns, and the democratization of information.

34. Euthanasia and End-of-Life Choices Delving into the ethical complexities of euthanasia necessitates considering individual autonomy, medical ethics, and the impact on patients and their families.

35. Food Waste and Environmental Sustainability Addressing the issue of food waste requires understanding its environmental consequences, promoting sustainable consumption, and implementing waste reduction strategies.

36. Genetic Engineering and Ethical Boundaries The exploration of genetic engineering’s ethical boundaries involves weighing the potential benefits against concerns about bioethics, consent, and unintended consequences.

37. Online Censorship and Freedom of Expression Navigating online censorship involves preserving freedom of expression while curbing hate speech, misinformation, and ensuring a safe digital environment.

38. Youth Engagement in Politics Encouraging youth engagement in politics requires dismantling barriers to participation, promoting civic education, and empowering young voices in policy decisions.

39. Artificial Intelligence and Human Workforce Examining AI’s impact on the human workforce prompts discussions about retraining programs, job displacement, and ethical considerations in automation.

40. Body Cameras and Police Accountability The debate around police accountability involves analyzing the effectiveness of body cameras in improving transparency, reducing misconduct, and rebuilding community trust.

41. Privacy Rights in the Digital Age Navigating privacy rights in the digital age requires addressing data collection, surveillance, and striking a balance between personal freedom and national security.

42. School Uniforms and Student Expression The debate over school uniforms centers on balancing students’ self-expression with creating a sense of community, reducing peer pressure, and minimizing distractions.

43. Access to Birth Control and Reproductive Rights The conversation about access to birth control delves into reproductive autonomy, healthcare equity, and ensuring comprehensive family planning options for all.

44. Space Exploration and Environmental Preservation Evaluating space exploration’s impact on environmental preservation necessitates considering resource allocation, scientific advancements, and the Earth’s fragile ecosystem.

45. Online Learning and Academic Integrity Examining academic integrity in online learning environments involves implementing strategies to prevent cheating, uphold educational standards, and verify student authenticity.

46. Cybersecurity and National Defense The intersection of cybersecurity and national defense requires prioritizing cyber threats, enhancing digital defenses, and safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.

47. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Food Security Assessing the role of GMOs in food security involves weighing potential benefits against environmental concerns, health implications, and ethical considerations.

48. Police Reform and Community Policing Promoting police reform through community policing necessitates enhancing community engagement, fostering mutual trust, and addressing systemic issues in law enforcement.

49. Internet Access as a Basic Right Advocating for internet access as a basic right involves bridging the digital divide, ensuring equal opportunities for education and information, and empowering marginalized communities.

50. Medical Ethics and Human Cloning Exploring medical ethics in human cloning debates involves considering the potential for medical breakthroughs, individual rights, and the potential for unethical exploitation.

51. Renewable Energy Transition and Job Creation Evaluating the renewable energy transition’s impact on job creation necessitates understanding its potential to boost employment while addressing environmental concerns.

52. Social Media and Political Polarization Analyzing the role of social media in political polarization involves exploring echo chambers, filter bubbles, and their influence on public discourse and civic engagement.

53. Mental Health Support in Schools Advocating for mental health support in schools requires addressing stigma, promoting early intervention, and creating safe spaces that foster emotional well-being.

54. Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Dilemmas Navigating the ethical dilemmas posed by AI involves grappling with issues of bias, accountability, and the implications of delegating decision-making to machines.

55. Internet Privacy and Data Ownership The conversation about internet privacy delves into users’ rights over their personal data, requiring transparent data practices, consent, and protection against misuse.

56. Social Justice Movements and Intersectionality Understanding social justice movements demands acknowledging intersectionality, recognizing the interconnectedness of social issues, and advocating for inclusive solutions.

57. Cultural Preservation and Tourism Balancing cultural preservation with tourism development involves respecting indigenous knowledge, engaging local communities, and fostering sustainable cultural exchange.

58. Gun Control and Second Amendment Rights The debate over gun control must respect Second Amendment rights while addressing public safety concerns, background checks, and reducing gun-related violence.

59. Genetic Editing and Human Enhancement Exploring genetic editing’s potential for human enhancement requires ethical considerations, weighing medical benefits against concerns of inequality and unintended consequences.

60. Universal Basic Income and Economic Equality Discussing universal basic income involves evaluating its potential to address poverty, stimulate economic growth, and create a safety net in an evolving job landscape.

61. Climate Change and Global Cooperation Addressing climate change demands global cooperation, involving policy alignment, international agreements, and joint efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

62. Immigration Reform and Human Rights The discussion on immigration reform necessitates respecting human rights, creating pathways to citizenship, and striking a balance between national security and compassion.

63. Internet Addiction and Mental Health Understanding internet addiction’s impact on mental health requires recognizing its prevalence, providing digital well-being education, and developing strategies for healthy online habits.

64. Education Funding and Equal Opportunity Investing in education funding is crucial for ensuring equal opportunity, bridging educational gaps, and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

65. Genetic Privacy and DNA Data Sharing Examining genetic privacy involves safeguarding DNA data from misuse, securing consent for sharing, and balancing scientific advancements with individual rights.

66. Cultural Appropriation and Creative Expression The discourse on cultural appropriation requires distinguishing between appreciation and appropriation, encouraging cross-cultural understanding, and respecting cultural ownership.

67. Cybersecurity and Personal Privacy Balancing cybersecurity with personal privacy necessitates robust digital defenses, encryption standards, and ensuring individuals’ autonomy over their online information.

68. Youth Activism and Social Change Exploring the impact of youth activism involves recognizing young voices in shaping societal norms, challenging systemic inequalities, and advocating for positive change.

69. Internet Censorship and Free Speech Navigating internet censorship involves preserving free speech while curbing harmful content, disinformation, and fostering responsible digital citizenship.

70. Education Technology and Pedagogical Innovation The integration of ed-tech in education requires thoughtful pedagogical design, addressing digital literacy gaps, and leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes.

71. Animal Rights and Scientific Research Balancing animal rights with scientific research involves ensuring ethical treatment, seeking alternative methods, and adhering to standards that prioritize animal welfare.

72. Income Inequality and Wealth Redistribution Addressing income inequality demands progressive taxation, redistributive policies, and promoting economic mobility to create a more just and equitable society.

73. Health Care Reform and Affordable Access Discussing health care reform involves ensuring affordable access, lowering prescription drug costs, and creating comprehensive health care coverage for all citizens.

74. Gender Equality in Sports Promoting gender equality in sports entails equal pay, opportunities, and dismantling gender stereotypes that perpetuate inequalities in athletic participation and representation.

75. Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security Advocating for nuclear disarmament requires diplomatic efforts, arms control agreements, and collaboration among nations to ensure global peace and security.

76. Cyberbullying Prevention and Digital Literacy Preventing cyberbullying involves educating students about digital ethics, empathy, and fostering a safe online environment that promotes positive interactions.

77. Mental Health Care Accessibility Improving mental health care accessibility necessitates dismantling stigma, increasing funding, and expanding resources to ensure individuals can access quality care.

78. Human Rights and Refugee Protection Addressing human rights in refugee protection involves creating safe havens, advocating for fair treatment, and finding sustainable solutions to the global refugee crisis.

79. GMO Labeling and Consumer Awareness Discussing GMO labeling requires transparent information for consumers, empowering them to make informed choices, and promoting transparency in the food industry.

80. Cultural Diversity and Workplace Inclusion Promoting cultural diversity in the workplace involves embracing inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a welcoming environment that supports all employees.

81. Technology Addiction and Digital Detox The conversation about technology addiction necessitates recognizing its effects, advocating for balanced tech use, and promoting mindfulness in the digital age.

82. Criminal Justice Reform and Rehabilitation Advancing criminal justice reform involves shifting focus from punishment to rehabilitation, addressing systemic biases, and fostering reintegration into society.

83. Indigenous Rights and Land Conservation Supporting indigenous rights requires respecting land ownership, preserving cultural heritage, and partnering with indigenous communities for sustainable land conservation.

84. Voting Rights and Democracy Protecting voting rights involves combating voter suppression, ensuring equal access, and upholding the democratic principle of every citizen’s right to vote.

85. Mental Health Education in Schools Promoting mental health education in schools involves training educators, reducing stigma, and equipping students with tools to navigate their emotional well-being.

86. Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Independence Transitioning to alternative energy sources promotes energy independence, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigates the impact of climate change.

87. Privacy Rights in the Workplace Balancing privacy rights in the workplace involves protecting employee data, regulating surveillance, and ensuring a respectful work environment that values personal privacy.

88. Affirmative Action and Diversity in Education Discussing affirmative action entails promoting diversity in education, addressing historical inequalities, and creating inclusive learning environments that reflect society’s richness.

89. Social Media and Democracy Analyzing social media’s impact on democracy requires recognizing its potential for disinformation, promoting digital literacy, and safeguarding informed political participation.

90. Parental Rights and Children’s Autonomy Navigating parental rights and children’s autonomy involves striking a balance between guiding children’s decisions and respecting their individual agency.

91. Climate Change and Economic Growth Addressing climate change without hindering economic growth involves transitioning to sustainable practices, investing in green technologies, and creating new economic opportunities.

92. Immigration Policies and Family Reunification Promoting humane immigration policies involves prioritizing family reunification, treating migrants with dignity, and fostering cultural diversity and understanding.

93. Mental Health Parity in Insurance Advocating for mental health parity in insurance requires ensuring equal coverage for mental health treatments, reducing disparities, and acknowledging mental health’s importance.

94. Online Hate Speech and Social Media Responsibility Combating online hate speech involves holding social media platforms accountable for moderation, promoting respectful discourse, and preventing the spread of harmful content.

95. Human Trafficking and Criminal Justice Addressing human trafficking involves strengthening laws, supporting survivors, and collaborating across borders to dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable individuals.

96. Green Technology Innovation and Sustainability Encouraging green technology innovation requires investment in research, incentivizing eco-friendly practices, and transitioning to sustainable solutions for a greener future.

97. Internet Accessibility in Rural Areas Promoting internet accessibility in rural areas involves bridging the digital divide, providing equitable opportunities for education and economic growth, and overcoming infrastructure challenges.

98. Arts Education in Schools Advocating for arts education in schools involves recognizing its role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and well-rounded development for students.

99. Food Security and Agricultural Practices Addressing food security requires promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.

100. Democracy and Civic Engagement Sustaining a healthy democracy relies on fostering civic engagement, promoting informed citizen participation, and strengthening the foundation of transparent and accountable governance.

What are the 3 Parts of an Argument Thesis Statement?

An argument thesis statement comprises three essential parts that collectively establish the foundation for your persuasive essay:

• Claim or Assertion: This is the central argument you’re making in your essay. It should be clear, specific, and debatable to engage your readers and encourage them to consider your viewpoint.
• Reasons or Supporting Points: These are the key points that bolster your claim. Each reason should be backed by evidence, logic, or examples to provide substantial support for your argument.
• Counterargument or Rebuttal: Anticipate potential objections to your claim and address them briefly. Acknowledging counterarguments adds credibility to your essay and demonstrates your thoughtful consideration of opposing viewpoints.

How do you Write a Thesis Statement for an Argumentative Essay? – Step by Step Guide

• Choose a Controversial Topic: Select a topic that sparks debate and has multiple viewpoints to provide a solid foundation for your argument.
• Identify Your Position: Determine where you stand on the topic and craft a clear claim that encapsulates your stance.
• Brainstorm Supporting Points: List three to four main reasons that support your claim. These reasons will become the core of your argument.
• Address Counterarguments: Consider potential counterarguments and identify how you’ll address them in your thesis statement or later in your essay.
• Craft a Draft: Combine your claim, reasons, and potential counterargument into a concise sentence that serves as your thesis statement.
• Ensure Clarity and Precision: Make sure your thesis statement is straightforward, avoiding vague or convoluted language.
• Maintain a Strong Tone: Frame your thesis statement assertively to convey confidence in your argument.
• Avoid Broad Statements: Keep your thesis statement focused on your specific argument, avoiding generalizations.
• Review and Refine: Revisit your draft, ensuring it accurately represents your viewpoint and effectively encapsulates your argument.

Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement for Argumentative Essay

• Be Clear and Concise: Your thesis statement should convey your argument succinctly, avoiding unnecessary details.
• Take a Definite Position: Make a clear and unequivocal assertion in your thesis statement to guide your essay’s direction.
• Use Strong Language: Choose impactful words that emphasize the strength and significance of your argument.
• Provide Evidence: While not required in the thesis statement itself, ensure that you have evidence to back up your supporting points.
• Consider Your Audience: Tailor your thesis statement to resonate with your intended readers, considering their background and beliefs.
• Avoid First Person: Keep your thesis statement in the third person to maintain an objective and professional tone.
• Review and Revise: As you draft your essay, revisit your thesis statement to ensure it aligns with the arguments presented in your essay.
• Stay Focused: Your thesis statement should encompass the main theme of your argument, avoiding tangential points.
• Seek Feedback: Share your thesis statement with peers or mentors to gain insights and refine its effectiveness.

By carefully crafting your argument thesis statement, you set the tone for your entire essay, outlining your position, key arguments, and addressing potential counterarguments. Through concise and persuasive language, your thesis statement becomes the cornerstone of your argumentative essay. You may also be interested in our  strong thesis statement .

Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement Generator

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What Makes a Thesis Statement Spectacular? — 5 things to know

Table of Contents

What Is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a declarative sentence that states the primary idea of an essay or a research paper . In this statement, the authors declare their beliefs or what they intend to argue in their research study. The statement is clear and concise, with only one or two sentences.

Thesis Statement — An Essential in Thesis Writing

A thesis statement distills the research paper idea into one or two sentences. This summary organizes your paper and develops the research argument or opinion. The statement is important because it lets the reader know what the research paper will talk about and how the author is approaching the issue. Moreover, the statement also serves as a map for the paper and helps the authors to track and organize their thoughts more efficiently.

A thesis statement can keep the writer from getting lost in a convoluted and directionless argument. Finally, it will also ensure that the research paper remains relevant and focused on the objective.

Where to Include the Thesis Statement?

The thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction section of your essay or research paper. It usually consists of a single sentence of the writer’s opinion on the topic and provides a specific guide to the readers throughout the paper.

6 Steps to Write an Impactful Thesis Statement

Step 1 – analyze the literature.

Identify the knowledge gaps in the relevant research paper. Analyze the deeper implications of the author’s research argument. Was the research objective mentioned in the thesis statement reversed later in the discussion or conclusion? Does the author contradict themselves? Is there a major knowledge gap in creating a relevant research objective? Has the author understood and validated the fundamental theories correctly? Does the author support an argument without having supporting literature to cite? Answering these or related questions will help authors develop a working thesis and give their thesis an easy direction and structure.

Step 2 – Start with a Question

While developing a working thesis, early in the writing process, you might already have a research question to address. Strong research questions guide the design of studies and define and identify specific objectives. These objectives will assist the author in framing the thesis statement.

Step 3 – Develop the Answer

After initial research, the author could formulate a tentative answer to the research question. At this stage, the answer could be simple enough to guide the research and the writing process. After writing the initial answer, the author could elaborate further on why this is the chosen answer. After reading more about the research topic, the author could write and refine the answers to address the research question.

Step 4 – Write the First Draft of the Thesis Statement

After ideating the working thesis statement, make sure to write it down. It is disheartening to create a great idea for a thesis and then forget it when you lose concentration. The first draft will help you think clearly and logically. It will provide you with an option to align your thesis statement with the defined research objectives.

Step 5 – Anticipate Counter Arguments Against the Statement

After developing a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This list of arguments will help you refute the thesis later. Remember that every argument has a counterargument, and if yours does not have one, what you state is not an argument — it may be a fact or opinion, but not an argument.

Step 6 – Refine the Statement

Anticipating counterarguments will help you refine your statement further. A strong thesis statement should address —

• Why does your research hold this stand?
• What will readers learn from the essay?
• Are the key points of your argumentative or narrative?
• Does the final thesis statement summarize your overall argument or the entire topic you aim to explain in the research paper?

5 Tips to Create a Compelling Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a crucial part of any academic paper. Clearly stating the main idea of your research helps you focus on the objectives of your paper. Refer to the following tips while drafting your statement:

1. Keep it Concise

The statement should be short and precise. It should contain no more than a couple of sentences.

2. Make it Specific

The statement should be focused on a specific topic or argument. Covering too many topics will only make your paper weaker.

3. Express an Opinion

The statement should have an opinion on an issue or controversy. This will make your paper arguable and interesting to read.

4. Be Assertive

The statement should be stated assertively and not hesitantly or apologetically. Remember, you are making an argument — you need to sound convincing!

5. Support with Evidence

The thesis should be supported with evidence from your paper. Make sure you include specific examples from your research to reinforce your objectives.

Thesis Statement Examples *

Example 1 – alcohol consumption.

High levels of alcohol consumption have harmful effects on your health, such as weight gain, heart disease, and liver complications.

This thesis statement states specific reasons why alcohol consumption is detrimental. It is not required to mention every single detriment in your thesis.

Example 2 – Benefits of the Internet

The internet serves as a means of expediently connecting people across the globe, fostering new friendships and an exchange of ideas that would not have occurred before its inception.

While the internet offers a host of benefits, this thesis statement is about choosing the ability that fosters new friendships and exchange ideas. Also, the research needs to prove how connecting people across the globe could not have happened before the internet’s inception — which is a focused research statement.

*The following thesis statements are not fully researched and are merely examples shown to understand how to write a thesis statement. Also, you should avoid using these statements for your own research paper purposes.

A gripping thesis statement is developed by understanding it from the reader’s point of view. Be aware of not developing topics that only interest you and have less reader attraction. A harsh yet necessary question to ask oneself is — Why should readers read my paper? Is this paper worth reading? Would I read this paper if I weren’t its author?

A thesis statement hypes your research paper. It makes the readers excited about what specific information is coming their way. This helps them learn new facts and possibly embrace new opinions.

Writing a thesis statement (although two sentences) could be a daunting task. Hope this blog helps you write a compelling one! Do consider using the steps to create your thesis statement and tell us about it in the comment section below.

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6.3: Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

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• Athena Kashyap & Erika Dyquisto
• City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

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Have you ever known a person who was not very good at telling stories? You probably had trouble following his train of thought as he jumped around from point to point, either being too brief in places that needed further explanation or providing too many details on a meaningless element. Maybe he told the end of the story first, then moved to the beginning and later added details to the middle. His ideas were probably scattered, and the story did not flow very well. When the story was over, you probably had many questions.

Just as a personal anecdote can be a disorganized mess, an essay can fall into the same trap of being out of order and confusing. That is why writers need a thesis statement to provide a specific focus for their essay and to organize what they are about to discuss in the body.

Just like a topic sentence summarizes a single paragraph, the thesis statement summarizes an entire essay. It tells the reader the point you want to make in your essay, while the essay itself supports that point. It is like a signpost that signals the essay’s destination. You should form your thesis before you begin to organize an essay, but you may find that it needs revision as the essay develops.

Elements of a Thesis Statement

For every essay you write, you must focus on a central idea. This idea stems from a topic you have chosen or been assigned or from a question your teacher has asked. It is not enough merely to discuss a general topic or simply answer a question with a yes or no. You have to form a specific opinion, and then articulate that into a controlling idea—the main idea upon which you build your thesis.

Remember that a thesis is not the topic itself, but rather your interpretation of the question or subject. For whatever topic your professor gives you, you must ask yourself, “What do I want to say about it?” Asking and then answering this question is vital to forming a thesis that is precise, forceful and confident.

A thesis is one sentence long and appears toward the end of your introduction. It is specific and focuses on one to three points of a single idea—points that are able to be demonstrated in the body. It forecasts the content of the essay and suggests how you will organize your information. Remember that a thesis statement does not summarize an issue but rather dissects it.

A Strong Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement contains the following qualities.

• Specificity. A thesis statement must concentrate on a specific area of a general topic. As you may recall, the creation of a thesis statement begins when you choose a broad subject and then narrow down its parts until you pinpoint a specific aspect of that topic. For example, health care is a broad topic, but a proper thesis statement would focus on a specific area of that topic, such as options for individuals without health care coverage.
• Precision. A strong thesis statement must be precise enough to allow for a coherent argument and to remain focused on the topic. If the specific topic is options for individuals without health care coverage, then your precise thesis statement must make an exact claim about it, such as that limited options exist for those who are uninsured by their employers. You must further pinpoint what you are going to discuss regarding these limited effects, such as whom they affect and what the cause is.
• Ability to be argued. A thesis statement must present a relevant and specific argument. A factual statement often is not considered arguable. Be sure your thesis statement contains a point of view that can be supported with evidence.
• Ability to be demonstrated. For any claim you make in your thesis, you must be able to provide reasons and examples for your opinion. You can rely on personal observations in order to do this, or you can consult outside sources to demonstrate that what you assert is valid. A worthy argument is backed by examples and details.
• Forcefulness. A thesis statement that is forceful shows readers that you are, in fact, making an argument. The tone is assertive and takes a stance that others might oppose.
• Confidence. In addition to using force in your thesis statement, you must also use confidence in your claim. Phrases such as I feel or I believe actually weaken the readers’ sense of your confidence because these phrases imply that you are the only person who feels the way you do. In other words, your stance has insufficient backing. Taking an authoritative stance on the matter persuades your readers to have faith in your argument and open their minds to what you have to say.

Even in a personal essay that allows the use of first person, your thesis should not contain phrases such as in my opinion or I believe . These statements reduce your credibility and weaken your argument. Your opinion is more convincing when you use a firm attitude.

On a separate sheet of paper, write a thesis statement for each of the following topics. Remember to make each statement specific, precise, demonstrable, forceful and confident.

• Texting while driving
• The legal drinking age in the United States
• Steroid use among professional athletes

Examples of Appropriate Thesis Statements

Each of the following thesis statements meets several of the following requirements:

• Specificity
• Ability to be argued
• Ability to be demonstrated
• Forcefulness
• The societal and personal struggles of Troy Maxon in the play Fences symbolize the challenge of black males who lived through segregation and integration in the United States.
• Closing all American borders for a period of five years is one solution that will tackle illegal immigration.
• Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony in Romeo and Juliet spoils the outcome for the audience and weakens the plot.
• J. D. Salinger’s character in Catcher in the Rye , Holden Caulfield, is a confused rebel who voices his disgust with phonies, yet in an effort to protect himself, he acts like a phony on many occasions.
• Compared to an absolute divorce, no-fault divorce is less expensive, promotes fairer settlements, and reflects a more realistic view of the causes for marital breakdown.
• Exposing children from an early age to the dangers of drug abuse is a sure method of preventing future drug addicts.
• In today’s crumbling job market, a high school diploma is not significant enough education to land a stable, lucrative job.

Five Ways of Looking at a Thesis

1. a thesis creates an argument that builds from one point to the next, giving the paper a direction that the audience can follow as the paper develops..

This point often separates the best theses from the pack. A good thesis can prevent the two weakest ways of organizing a critical paper: the pile of information and the plot summary with comments. A paper that presents a pile of information will frequently introduce new paragraphs with transitions that simply indicate the addition of more stuff. (“Another character who exhibits these traits is X,” for instance.) Consider these examples:

A: The Rules and Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey both tell women how to act.

B: By looking at The Rules , a modern conduct book for women, we can see how Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey is itself like a conduct book, questioning the rules for social success in her society and offering a new model.

Example A would almost inevitably lead to a paper organized as a pile of information. A plot summary with comments follows the chronological development of a text while picking out the same element of every segment; a transition in such a paper might read, “In the next scene, the color blue also figures prominently.” Both of these approaches constitute too much of a good thing. Papers must compile evidence, of course, and following the chronology of a text can sometimes help a reader keep track of a paper’s argument.

The best papers, however, will develop according to a more complex logic articulated in a strong thesis. Example B above would lead a paper to organize its evidence according to the paper’s own logic.

2. A thesis fits comfortably into the Magic Thesis Sentence (MTS).

The MTS: By looking at _____, we can see _____, which most readers don’t see; it is important to look at this aspect of the text because _____.

Try it out with the examples from the first point:

A: By telling the story of Wesley and Buttercup’s triumph over evil, The Princess Bride affirms the power of true love.

B: Although the main plot of The Princess Bride rests on the natural power of true love, an examination of the way that fighting sticks–baseball bats, tree branches, and swords–link the frame story to the romance plot suggests that the narrator’s grandson is being trained in true love, that love is not natural but socialized.

Notice that the MTS adds a new dimension to point number one above. The first part of the MTS asks you to find something strange (“which most readers don’t see”), and the second part asks you to think about the importance of the strangeness. Thesis A would not work at all in the MTS; one could not reasonably state that “most readers [or viewers] don’t see” that film’s affirmation of true love, and the statement does not even attempt to explain the importance of its claim. Thesis B, on the other hand, gives us a way to complete the MTS, as in “By looking at the way fighting sticks link the plot and frame of The Princess Bride , we can see the way the narrator’s grandson is trained in true love, which most people don’t see; it is important to look at this aspect of the text because unlike the rest of the film, the fighting sticks suggest that love is not natural but socialized.” One does not need to write out the MTS in such a neat one-sentence form, of course, but thinking through the structure of the MTS can help refine thesis ideas.

3. A thesis says something about the text(s) exclusively .

If a thesis could describe many works equally well, it needs to be more specific. Let’s return to our examples from above:

Try substituting other works:

A: By telling the story of Darcy and Elizabeth’s triumph over evil, Pride and Prejudice affirms the power of true love.

Sure, that makes sense. Bad sign.

B: Although the main plot of Pride and Prejudice rests on the natural power of true love, an examination of the way that fighting sticks–baseball bats, tree branches, and swords–link the frame story to the romance plot suggests that the grandson is being trained in true love, that it is not natural but socialized.

Um, nope. Even if you have never read Pride and Prejudice , you can probably guess that such a precise thesis could hardly apply to other works. Good sign. The point here is that the thesis needs to be specific enough that its meaning relates to the specific work(s) you are writing about -- be it fiction or nonfiction.

4. A thesis makes a lot of information irrelevant.

If the thesis is specific enough, it will make a point that focuses on only a small part of the text be analyzed or a particular aspect of a larger topic. A writer should ultimately apply that point to the work as a whole, but a thesis will call attention to specific parts of it. Let’s look at those examples again. (This is the last time, I promise.)

One way of spotting the problem with Example A is to note that a simple plot summary would support its point. That is not of true example B, which tells the reader exactly what moments the paper will be discussed and why. The thesis is focused and concentrated.

5. Remember to Address the Work as a Whole: The “So What?”

As you complete your analysis, remember to think about what the effect this will have on the world of academia.

• Does your thesis introduce your topic in a clear way?
• Does the introduction mention what you will be addressing? Social constructs, gender issues, etc.

Writing a Thesis Statement

One legitimate question readers always ask about a piece of writing is “What is the big idea?” (You may even ask this question when you are the reader, critically reading an assignment or another document.) Every nonfiction writing task—from the short essay to the ten-page term paper to the lengthy senior thesis—needs a big idea, or a controlling idea, as the spine for the work. The controlling idea is the main idea that you want to present and develop.

For a longer piece of writing, the main idea should be broader than the main idea for a shorter piece of writing. Be sure to frame a main idea that is appropriate for the length of the assignment. Ask yourself, “How many pages will it take for me to explain and explore this main idea in detail?” Be reasonable with your estimate. Then expand or trim it to fit the required length.

Developing Thesis Statements from Topics

The big idea, or controlling idea, you want to present in an essay is expressed in a thesis statement. A thesis statement is often one sentence long, and it states your point of view. The thesis statement is not the topic of the piece of writing but rather what you have to say about that topic and what is important to tell readers.

Table 5.1 “Topics and Thesis Statements” compares topics and thesis statements.

Table 5.1 Topics and Thesis Statements

The first thesis statement you write will be a preliminary thesis statement, or a working thesis statement. You will need it when you begin to outline your assignment as a way to organize it. As you continue to develop the arrangement, you can limit your working thesis statement if it is too broad or expand it if it proves too narrow for what you want to say.

Using the topic you selected in Section 4.6 “ Prewriting Strategies ”, develop a working thesis statement that states your controlling idea for the piece of writing you are doing. On a sheet of paper, write your working thesis statement.

You will make several attempts before you devise a working thesis statement that you think is effective. Each draft of the thesis statement will bring you closer to the wording that expresses your meaning exactly. Sometimes, this refinement of the thesis statement happens after your write your first draft of the paper.

Guidelines for Drafting a Thesis Statement

It helps to understand why readers value the arguable thesis. What larger purpose does it serve? Readers will bring a set of expectations to an essay. If writers can anticipate the expectations of their readers, the better they will be able to persuade the audience to find the arguments convincing, interesting, and relevant.

Academic readers (and readers more generally) read to learn something new. They want to see the writer challenge commonplaces—either everyday assumptions about the object of study or truisms in the scholarly literature. In other words, academic readers want to be surprised so that their thinking shifts or at least becomes more complex by the time they finish reading an essay. Good essays problematize what we think we know and offer an alternative explanation in its place. They leave their reader with a fresh perspective on a problem.

We all bring important past experiences and beliefs to our interpretations of texts, objects, and problems. Writers can harness these observational powers to engage critically with what they are studying. The key is to be alert to what strikes you as strange, problematic, paradoxical, or puzzling about your topic. If writers can articulate this and a claim in response, they are well on their way to formulating an arguable thesis in the introduction.

How do I set up a “problem” and an arguable thesis in response?

All good writing has a purpose or motive for existing. The thesis is the writer’s surprising response to this problem or motive. This is why it seldom makes sense to start a writing project by articulating the thesis. The first step is to articulate the question or problem your paper addresses.

Here are some possible ways to introduce a conceptual problem in your paper’s introduction.

1. Challenge a commonplace interpretation (or your own first impressions).

How are readers likely to interpret this source or issue? What might intelligent readers think at first glance? (Or, if you’ve been given secondary sources or have been asked to conduct research to locate secondary sources, what do other writers or scholars assume is true or important about your primary source or issue?)

What does this commonplace interpretation leave out, overlook, or under-emphasize?

2. Help the reader see the complexity of your topic.

Identify and describe for the reader a paradox, puzzle, or contradiction in a primary source(s).

What larger questions does this paradox or contradiction raise for readers?

3. If research is part of the assignment, piggyback off another scholar’s research.

4. If research is part of the assignment, identify a gap in another scholar’s or a group of scholars’ research.

Summarize another scholar’s argument about your topic, primary source, or case study and explain to the reader why this claim is interesting. Or, summarize how scholars in the field tend to approach the topic.

Next, explain what important aspect this scholarly representation misses or distorts. Introduce the particular approach to the topic and its value.

5. If research is part of the assignment, bring in a new lens for investigating the case study or problem.

Summarize how a scholar or group of scholars has approached the topic.

Introduce a theoretical source (possibly from another discipline) and explain how it helps to address this issue from a new and productive angle.

Tip : your introductory paragraph will probably look like this:

Testing Your Thesis

Test a thesis statement’s arguability by asking the following questions:

1) Does the thesis only or mostly summarize a source?

If so, try some of the exercises above to articulate the paper’s conceptual problem or question.

2) Is the thesis arguable – can it be supported by evidence, and is it surprising and contentious?

If not, return to the sources and practice the exercises above.

3) Is the thesis about the primary source, or is it about the world?

If it’s about the world, revise it so that it focuses on primary source(s). Remember to include solid evidence to support the thesis.

"THREE-STORY THESIS STATEMENTS" BY AMY GUPTIL

How do you produce a good, strong thesis? And how do you know when you’ve gotten there? Many instructors and writers find useful a metaphor based on this passage by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.: 3

There are one-story intellects, two-story intellects, and three-story intellects with skylights. All fact collectors who have no aim beyond their facts are one-story men. Two-story men compare, reason, generalize using the labor of fact collectors as their own. Three-story men idealize, imagine, predict—their best illumination comes from above the skylight.

One-story theses state inarguable facts. Two-story theses bring in an arguable (interpretive or analytical) point. Three-story theses nest that point within its larger, compelling implications. 4

The biggest benefit of the three-story metaphor is that it describes a process for building a thesis. To build the first story, you first have to get familiar with the complex, relevant facts surrounding the problem or question. You have to be able to describe the situation thoroughly and accurately. Then, with that first story built, you can layer on the second story by formulating the insightful, arguable point that animates the analysis. That’s often the most effortful part: brainstorming, elaborating and comparing alternative ideas, finalizing your point. With that specified, you can frame up the third story by articulating why the point you make matters beyond its particular topic or case.

Thesis: that’s the word that pops at me whenever I write an essay. Seeing this word in the prompt scared me and made me think to myself, “Oh great, what are they really looking for?” or “How am I going to make a thesis for a college paper?” When rehearing that I would be focusing on theses again in a class, I said to myself, “Here we go again!” But after learning about the three story thesis, I never had a problem with writing another thesis. In fact, I look forward to being asked on a paper to create a thesis.

Timothée Pizarro

For example, imagine you have been assigned a paper about the impact of online learning in higher education. You would first construct an account of the origins and multiple forms of online learning and assess research findings about its use and effectiveness. If you’ve done that well, you’ll probably come up with a well considered opinion that wouldn’t be obvious to readers who haven’t looked at the issue in depth. Maybe you’ll want to argue that online learning is a threat to the academic community. Or perhaps you’ll want to make the case that online learning opens up pathways to college degrees that traditional campus-based learning does not. In the course of developing your central, argumentative point, you’ll come to recognize its larger context; in this example, you may claim that online learning can serve to better integrate higher education with the rest of society, as online learners bring their educational and career experiences together. To outline this example:

• First story : Online learning is becoming more prevalent and takes many different forms.
• Second story : While most observers see it as a transformation of higher education, online learning is better thought of an extension of higher education in that it reaches learners who aren’t disposed to participate in traditional campus-based education.
• Third story : Online learning appears to be a promising way to better integrate higher education with other institutions in society, as online learners integrate their educational experiences with the other realms of their life, promoting the freer flow of ideas between the academy and the rest of society.

Here’s another example of a three-story thesis: 5

• First story : Edith Wharton did not consider herself a modernist writer, and she didn’t write like her modernist contemporaries.
• Second story : However, in her work we can see her grappling with both the questions and literary forms that fascinated modernist writers of her era. While not an avowed modernist, she did engage with modernist themes and questions.
• Third story : Thus, it is more revealing to think of modernism as a conversation rather than a category or practice.

Here’s one more example:

• First story : Scientists disagree about the likely impact in the U.S. of the light brown apple moth (LBAM) , an agricultural pest native to Australia.
• Second story : Research findings to date suggest that the decision to spray pheromones over the skies of several southern Californian counties to combat the LBAM was poorly thought out.
• Third story : Together, the scientific ambiguities and the controversial response strengthen the claim that industrial-style approaches to pest management are inherently unsustainable.

A thesis statement that stops at the first story isn’t usually considered a thesis. A two-story thesis is usually considered competent, though some two-story theses are more intriguing and ambitious than others. A thoughtfully crafted and well informed three-story thesis puts the author on a smooth path toward an excellent paper.

The concept of a three-story thesis framework was the most helpful piece of information I gained from the writing component of DCC 100. The first time I utilized it in a college paper, my professor included “good thesis” and “excellent introduction” in her notes and graded it significantly higher than my previous papers. You can expect similar results if you dig deeper to form three-story theses. More importantly, doing so will make the actual writing of your paper more straightforward as well. Arguing something specific makes the structure of your paper much easier to design.

Peter Farrell

Effective Thesis Statements

As mentioned before, a thesis statement is the controlling idea of your essay. It is the main idea that all of the other sentences in the essay relate to. After gathering information about your topic, you need to figure out what you want to say about it.

An effective thesis statement has two major characteristics.

1. An effective thesis statement makes a point about a topic. For this reason, it must do more than state a fact or announce what you plan to write about.

Statement of fact: The military recruits students in high schools.

Announcement: In this essay, I would like to discuss what’s wrong with military recruitment in high schools.

List thesis: We should not allow the military to recruit in high schools because recruiters violate privacy, manipulate naïve young people, and target low-income youth.

Effective thesis: We should end the abusive and discriminatory practice of military recruitment in high schools.

A statement of fact is not an effective thesis statement because it does not take a position, giving you nothing to develop in your essay. Likewise, an announcement of what you plan to write about in your essay does not take a position on the issue, leaving you with nothing to develop. A good thesis statement makes a claim that is arguable.

2. The most effective thesis statements do not list your main points but unite your main points into a larger, central idea. The list thesis above looks strong, but notice how the effective thesis connects the three points with the words “abusive” and “discriminatory.” Now we know how the three points relate to each other; they are more than just a list.

To turn three or four “reasons” or topic sentences into a thesis, consider what they have in common and what your overall point is.

You can find thesis statements in many places, such as in the news; in the opinions of friends, coworkers or teachers; and even in songs you hear on the radio. Become aware of thesis statements in everyday life by paying attention to people’s opinions and their reasons for those opinions. Pay attention to your own everyday thesis statements as well, as these can become material for future essays.

Now that you have read about the contents of a good thesis statement and have seen examples, take a look at the pitfalls to avoid when composing your own thesis:

Weak thesis statement: My paper will explain why imagination is more important than knowledge.

Weak thesis statement: Religious radicals across America are trying to legislate their Puritanical beliefs by banning required high school books.

Weak thesis statement: Advertising companies use sex to sell their products.

Weak thesis statement: The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging.

Read the following thesis statements. On a separate piece of paper, identify each as weak or strong. For those that are weak, list the reasons why. Then revise the weak statements so that they conform to the requirements of a strong thesis.

• The subject of this paper is my experience with ferrets as pets.
• The government must expand its funding for research on renewable energy resources in order to prepare for the impending end of oil.
• Edgar Allan Poe was a poet who lived in Baltimore during the nineteenth century.
• In this essay, I will give you lots of reasons why slot machines should not be legalized in Baltimore.
• Despite his promises during his campaign, President Kennedy took few executive measures to support civil rights legislation.
• Because many children’s toys have potential safety hazards that could lead to injury, it is clear that not all children’s toys are safe.
• My experience with young children has taught me that I want to be a disciplinary parent because I believe that a child without discipline can be a parent’s worst nightmare.

Writing at Work

Often in your career, you will need to ask your manager for something through an e-mail. Just as a thesis statement organizes an essay, it can also organize your e-mail request. While your e-mail will be shorter than an essay, using a thesis statement in your first paragraph quickly lets your manager know what you are asking for, why it is necessary, and what the benefits are. In short body paragraphs, you can provide the essential information needed to expand upon your request.

Thesis Statement Revision

Your thesis will probably change as you write, so you will need to modify it to reflect exactly what you have discussed in your essay. Remember from Chapter 4 that your thesis statement begins as a working thesis statement, an indefinite statement that you make about your topic early in the writing process for the purpose of planning and guiding your writing.

Working thesis statements often become stronger as you gather information and form new opinions and reasons for those opinions. Revision helps you strengthen your thesis so that it matches what you have expressed in the body of the paper.

The best way to revise your thesis statement is to ask questions about it and then examine the answers to those questions. By challenging your own ideas and forming definite reasons for those ideas, you grow closer to a more precise point of view, which you can then incorporate into your thesis statement.

Ways to Revise Your Thesis

You can cut down on irrelevant aspects and revise your thesis by taking the following steps:

1. Pinpoint and replace all nonspecific words, such as people , everything , society , or life , with more precise words in order to reduce any vagueness.

Working thesis: Young people have to work hard to succeed in life.

Revised thesis: Recent college graduates must have discipline and persistence in order to find and maintain a stable job in which they can use and be appreciated for their talents.

The revised thesis makes a more specific statement about success and what it means to work hard. The original includes too broad a range of people and does not define exactly what success entails. By replacing those general words like people and work hard , the writer can better focus their research and gain more direction in their writing.

2. Clarify ideas that need explanation by asking yourself questions that narrow your thesis.

Working thesis: The welfare system is a joke.

Revised thesis: The welfare system keeps a socioeconomic class from gaining employment by alluring members of that class with unearned income instead of programs to improve their education and skill sets.

A joke means many things to many people. Readers bring all sorts of backgrounds and perspectives to the reading process and would need clarification for a word so vague. This expression may also be too informal for the selected audience. By asking questions, the writer can devise a more precise and appropriate explanation for joke . The writer should ask himself or herself questions similar to the 5WH questions. (See Chapter 4.6 " Prewriting Strategies " for more information on the 5WH questions.) By incorporating the answers to these questions into a thesis statement, the writer more accurately defines his or her stance, which will better guide the writing of the essay.

3. Replace any linking verbs with action verbs. Linking verbs are forms of the verb to be , a verb that simply states that a situation exists.

Working thesis: Kansas City schoolteachers are not paid enough.

Revised thesis: Kansas City cannot afford to pay its educators, resulting in job cuts and resignations in a district that sorely needs highly qualified and dedicated teachers.

The linking verb in this working thesis statement is the word are . Linking verbs often make thesis statements weak because they do not express action. Rather, they connect words and phrases to the second half of the sentence. Readers might wonder, “Why are they not paid enough?” But this statement does not compel them to ask many more questions. The writer should ask himself or herself questions in order to replace the linking verb with an action verb, thus forming a stronger thesis statement, one that takes a more definitive stance on the issue:

• Who is not paying the teachers enough?
• What is considered “enough”?
• What is the problem?
• What are the results

In an earlier section you determined your purpose for writing and your audience. You then completed a free writing exercise about an event you recently experienced and chose a general topic to write about. Using that general topic, you then narrowed it down by answering the 5WH questions. After you answered these questions, you chose one of the three methods of prewriting and gathered possible supporting points for your working thesis statement.

Now, on a separate sheet of paper, write down your working thesis statement. Identify any weaknesses in this sentence and revise the statement to reflect the elements of a strong thesis statement. Make sure it is specific, precise, arguable, demonstrable, forceful, and confident.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.

In your career you may have to write a project proposal that focuses on a particular problem in your company, such as reinforcing the tardiness policy. The proposal would aim to fix the problem; using a thesis statement would clearly state the boundaries of the problem and tell the goals of the project. After writing the proposal, you may find that the thesis needs revision to reflect exactly what is expressed in the body. Using the techniques from this chapter would apply to revising that thesis.

Purdue OWL: Thesis Statements . Authored by: OWL Purdue. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube license.

Contributors

• Adapted from Writing for Success . Provided by: The Saylor Foundation. License: CC-NC-SA 3.0 .
• Adapted from " Five Ways of Looking at a Thesis. " Authored by: Erik Simpson. Provided by: LumenLearning. License: CC BY: Attribution
• Adapted from Formulating a Thesis . Authored by: Andrea Scott. Provided by: Princeton University. Project: WritingCommons. License: CC BY-NC-ND:
• Adapted from Writing in College . Authored by Amy Guptill. License: CC-NC-SA 4.0

This page most recently updated on June 8, 2020.