Effective Thesis Statement

Tips for Forming an Effective Thesis Statement

Purpose

a thesis statement states the specific part of a topic you will write about. It also shows what about the topic you intend to prove.

As your thinking is emerging, your thesis is called a "working thesis." This acknowledges that as you learn more and write more, narrowing and revising your thesis is likely.

There are two main elements to your thesis:

1. a manageable topic

2. a specific feeling (what about the topic)

Examples

Manageable topic: genetically modified foods
What about the topic: government regulation is needed
Thesis: The U.S. government should regulate the labeling of foods to accurately reflect genetically modified products.

Manageable topic: symbols in The Hobbit
What about the topic: the journey represents life's temptations
Thesis: J.R.R.Tolkien's The Hobbit uses a journey to reveal how an individual with integrity can survive life's temptations.

Manageable topic: theme of Death of a Salesman
What about the topic: society can destroy a man
Thesis: Willy Lohman in Death of a Salesman reveals how the rigid expectations of society can destroy a man's soul.

Checklist for Your Thesis Statement

1. Is there a clear topic?
2. Is your thesis stated in a direct sentence?
3. Does your thesis include "what about" the topic you intend to prove?
4. Does your thesis predict the order (organization) of your essay?
5. Is your thesis supported by the evidence you have gathered?

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