How to write a thesis statement
(sample notes)
"It's a real challenge to organize your thoughts into a core idea, expected outcome or thesis statement."1
"Making an attention-grabbing thesis statement is the most difficult task to achieve while writing your paper and it acts as the basis for your entire assignment."2
"A thesis, unlike a topic, is a single statement that makes an assertion about a topic."3
"The main idea behind a thesis statement is to give a glimpse of the thesis."4
"A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial."5
"Attributes of a good thesis: It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree."6
"A strong thesis is provocative; it takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present."7
"Hint: a great many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because , since , so , although , unless , and however."8
"A first-class thesis statement should be capable of capturing the readers mind, offering him a concise overview of the proposal or an argument being discussed at a first look."9
"It will start with the thesis statement, and have your ideas (one per step, which will mean one per paragraph) organized."10
"A good thesis statment is not simply an observation, a question, or a promise. It includes a topic, a precise opinion, and reasoning."11
"Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject."12
1 Nicky VanValkenburgh, <http://www.writetopersuade.com/writingadissertation/>.
2 "Master Thesis Statement," <http://www.thesisspecialist.com/thesis-statement.html>.
3 "The Steps in Writing," <http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/CliffsReviewTopic/topicArticleId-29035,articleId-29013.html>.
4 "Master Thesis Statement," <http://www.thesisspecialist.com/thesis-statement.html>.
5 "How To Write a Thesis Statement," <http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml>.
6 "What is a thesis," <http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/thesis.html>.
7 "What is a thesis," <http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/thesis.html>.
8 "How To Write a Thesis Statement," <http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml>.
9 Charles Andrew, "How To Make Thesis Statement," <http://valarielow24312.blogspot.com/2008/02/how-to-make-thesis-statement.html>.
10 Mimi Rothschild, "Writing a Great Research Paper," <http://www.themorningstaracademy.org/daily_education_news/2007/12/03/>.
11 "Thesis Statements: How to Write Them," <http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic/thesis.htm>.
12 "How To Write a Thesis Statement," <http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml>.
