Developing a Thesis Statement
Writing Support Services, Student Success Centre [Link]/ssc/writing-support Updated April 2012
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement makes an argument that is debatable. It sets up the topic and position of the
paper. It sets up the reader‟s expectations. A thesis, therefore, is as helpful as the picture on a jigsaw
puzzle box (Without it, readers may get frustrated when trying to determine how the argument fits
together .They may even misjudge what the paper is about).
Thesis statement myths
A thesis statement must come at the end of the first paragraph of a paper:
A thesis statement works in conjunction with the introduction. It is not required to be the
last sentence if it impedes the logic of the paragraph (EXCEPT if your instructor has
explicitly asked for this placement)
A thesis statement can only be one sentence, regardless of clarity:
In the advance thesis handout, this will be covered in more detail. Thesis statements
should be clear and easy to read. You can use a series of (typically two) sentences to
express the main claim and reasoning of the paper.
A thesis statement must be perfect before a paper can be written:
Having clear thesis statements at the beginning can help to focus your paper; your
argument, however, may change as you engage with your material. Make sure your
thesis statement matches the paper you write.
A thesis statement must incorporate your three supporting arguments:
Your thesis statement should give a sense of how you are arguing your paper, but it
does not have to be a list. You can have more than three supporting arguments in your
paper. You may choose to explain the relationship between your key points and thesis
in a series of sentences.
Every faculty, department, or course requires the same thesis statement style:
Depending of what course you‟re taking, who your professor is, or what your topic is,
your thesis statement requirements may change. Some professors require your thesis
statement to be a single sentence. Others require you to list your supporting arguments
within. Whatever the case, make sure you follow your course outline and listen to your
professor‟s instructions.
Why start with a „working‟ thesis statement?
A working thesis statement can be helpful for your research and writing process. Rather than try
to perfect this sentence before moving on, though, a working statement is a touchstone. Writers
who develop a tentative thesis early in the research process are less likely to get bogged down in
the research process and more likely to be critical readers of the information they find. A working
thesis aids in the judgment of material, content, and importance.
Starting points to thesis development
When unsure where to start, thesis templates can help you develop a working thesis:
Formula statements1
o The key to formula statements is to state the relationship between the topic,
situation/reasoning, and position. As you progress through the paper, you should return
to the formula and adapt it to your progress.
(Topic) + (position) = (reasoning for position)
(Specific Topic) + (active verb) + (conditions/context) = position
Research questions
o You can also use a series of questions to help refine your topic and argument,
particularly when you aren‟t sure that you have all the answers.
o Craft of Research (2008) 2 suggests this process for developing goals:
Topic: I am studying ……..
Question: because I want to find out what/ why/ how….
Significance: in order to help my reader understand…..
The good, the bad, and ugly: Common mistakes in thesis statements.
The bad (Thesis statements that don‟t argue anything)
The Canadian government hasn‟t had a coalition government since1920.
Coalition governments have been successful in Australia, Germany and Israel.
The ugly (Thesis statements that introduce the topic, but don‟t reflect a point of view)
This essay will examine the argument for and against coalition governments in parliamentary
democracy.
Should Canada consider a coalition government as a reflection of voter‟s preferences?
The good (Thesis statements that take a position on an issue)
I am opposed to a coalition government in Canada. (Note: weak, "I" reduces impact)
A Canadian coalition government would reflect the voters‟ choices. (Note: weak because it
tells a position but not how it would be supported).
Although coalition governments have functioned in other countries, a Canadian coalition
government would be ineffective because it would increase regionalism, length parliamentary
debate of bills, and likely lead to frequent elections. (Note: Stronger because it takes a
position and offers how it will be supported).
.
A thesis statement checklist A thesis statement checklist 3
Thesis
checklist
Does my 3 thesis demonstrate analysis?
Ask yourself these questions
Does my thesis pass the after you have
“so what” finish your
question paper:
by supporting its relevance?
Does o Does my thesis
my thesis show demonstrate
that I focus analysis?
on depth, not breadth?
Does o Does my thesis
my thesis passthe
reflect theargument
“so what” question,
that I usebyin
supporting its relevance?
my conclusion?
o Does my thesis show
Is my thesis clear and concise? that I focus on depth not breadth?
Wouldo Doesthe my thesis
reader bereflect
able the argument that
to understand I use
my in my
paper conclusion? and topic from
organization
o Is my thesis clear and concise?
the introduction?
1
Based on: Rosenwasser, D., & Stephen, J. (2000). Writing analytically. Philadelphia, PA: Harcourt College Publishers
2
Booth, W., Colomb, G., & Williams, J. (2008). The craft of research. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press.
3
Based on Procter, M. (n.d.) Using thesis statements. Retrieved November 2, 2010 from [Link]
