Thesis Statement

• A thesis statement is a sentence (sometimes more than one sentence) in the introduction that tells the reader the following information:

  • topic of paper
  • how writer intends to discuss the topic
  • blueprint for how the essay will be structured
  • how writer intends to prove/demonstrate main points
• Thesis statement (as a writer) develops through the interrelationship of thinking, reading, and writing
• AS WRITER, Thesis Statement limits your research by providing you with one controlling main idea that intrigues you
• AS WRITER, Thesis Statement narrows your writing to one specific claim that you can develop or prove
• AS WRITER, Thesis Statement organizes your ideas so you know the important points you want to make in your paper
• AS WRITER, Thesis Statement clarifies your writing by keeping you on target to fulfill your proposed purpose
• AS READER, Thesis statement identifies the main and sub points of your essay clearly and quickly
• AS READER, Thesis statement functions as a road map so your readers can easily follow your ideas
• AS READER, Thesis statement gives satisfaction at the conclusion of the paper when your reader discover you have fulfilled your promise by providing or developing your main point
• An effective thesis statement prepares readers for facts and details, but it cannot itself be a fact.
• Thesis statements must always be an inference that demands proof (from literature) or further development.
• Thesis Statement Example

  • Effective TS: While some might see small universities as a disadvantage, the small campus of UNT Dallas holds many advantages for students, including a close-knit campus community, smaller class sizes, and better support from professors.
  • Ineffective TS: The UNT Dallas campus is the perfect size.
• A good thesis should be narrow, and not too broad or too vague

  • If too broad, the entire topic might not be covered in your paper
  • If too narrow, you might not be able to find research, and your paper probably won’t be long enough.
• Thesis Statement Example

  • Too Narrow: Student workers in the Learning Commons at UNT Dallas have many responsibilities in their coursework and tutoring
  • Just Right: : College students who are financially independent have many responsibilities as maintaining good grades, paying living expenses, and balancing work and school.
  • Too Broad: College students have many responsibilities.
• Types of Thesis Statement

  Expository – explain, inform, or describe the topic that is being discussed i. Ex. The principles of Newton’s laws of motion lay the foundation for understanding the behavior of objects in the physical world
• Types of Thesis Statement

  Argumentative – argue, debate, assert a claim using logical reasoning i. Ex. Social media has a detrimental impact on mental health, as it promotes unrealistic standards and encourages constant comparison with others.
• Types of Thesis Statement

  Analytical – give insight, understanding, and interpretation 1. Ex. In Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet,’ the character of Hamlet undergoes a profound transformation from an indecisive prince to a vengeful avenger.
• Types of Thesis Statement

  Comparative – compare and contrast two or more ideas or texts i. Ex. A comparison of Eastern and Western philosophies reveals fundamental differences in their views on the self, the nature of reality, and the path to enlightenment.
• Types of Thesis Statement

  Narrative – narrates or tells a story i. Ex. The story of my grandmother’s life in war-torn Vietnam reflects the strength and determination that can emerge from adversity.
• Types of Thesis Statement

  Persuasive – persuade or convince the reader of a certain viewpoint i. Ex. The death penalty is an outdated form of punishment and should be abolished due to its potential for wrongful executions.
• Types of Thesis Statement

  Problem-Solution – recognize a significant issue and present an actionable and clear plan or solution to address it i. Ex. To combat the obesity epidemic among children, schools should incorporate healthier meal options, improve physical education, and promote nutritional education.
• A thesis statement for a 5 paragraph essay contains three parts:

  1. A Topic: the main idea of the essay

  2. The Controlling Idea: what you want to say about the topic

  3. The subtopics: usually 3 examples/reasons you will discuss in your paper