Thesis Statements

A Guide to Writing Essays

As adapted from Skwires Writing With a Thesis
What is a thesis statement?
Its the basic stand that you take, the
opinion you express, and the point you
make about your essay.
Its your controlling idea, tying together
and giving direction to all of the body
paragraphs of your paper.
Your primary purpose is to persuade your
reader that your thesis is a valid one. Your
thesis is your essays most concentrated
statement of your essays argument.
What a thesis statement is not:
A thesis is not a title: The fad of Snapchat.
A thesis is not an announcement: I want to
share with you my thoughts about the
dining options at The Hungry Tiger.
A thesis is not too broad or general:
Newspapers cater to the interest of the
public.
A thesis is not a statement of absolute
fact: There are many reality shows on
television.
What is a good thesis statement?
A good thesis is arguable some one could
argue against the position that you are
presenting. This is your test for the
arguability of your thesis statement.
A good thesis is restricted:
People are too selfish.
Vs.
Human selfishness is seen at its worst
during rush hour on CA I-94 in San Diego,
CA.
What is a good thesis
statement? (cont.)
A good thesis is unified:
The new health program is excellent, but it has
several drawbacks, and it should be run on an
experimental basis for two or three years.
Vs.
The new health program should be run on an
experimental basis for two or three years.
A good thesis is specific:
Processed foods are a big problem.
Vs.
In San Diego County, processed foods have
caused a huge increase in cases of obesity.
What is a good thesis statement?
(cont.)
An excellent thesis is extended-specific:
In San Diego County, processed foods have
caused a huge increase in cases of obesity.
Vs.
In San Diego County, processed foods have
caused a huge increase in cases of obesity
in the home, at school, and in the workplace.
What is an Extended-Specific
Thesis Statement?
It includes the major points you will discuss
in the body paragraphs of your essay.
It is the road map that you give your
readers, letting them know exactly what
youll discuss and what order you will use
in presenting the facts that support your
argument.
Thesis Statement Examples for The
Crucible
In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, there are several
characters who conform outwardly to the status quo while
questioning inwardly.
In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, there are three characters
who comply with the societal norm of Salem, but doubt it at
the same time.
In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, there are three characters
who comply with the societal norms of Salem, but doubt it
at the same time. First, there is Mary Warren who is torn
between telling the truth or aiding Abigail in her personal
vendetta. In addition, Rev. Parris assists in the witch hunts,
but he is only doing so for personal gain. Finally, Abigail
advances the witch hunts in Salem although she and the
girls are only sportin.