Thesis

Statement
Teacher RJ
 A thesis is a statement or theory that is
put forward as a premise to be
maintained or proved.

Your thesis must be arguable; it must

assert or deny something about your
topic. To be arguable, a thesis must have
some probability of being true. It should
not, however, be generally accepted as
true; it must be a statement with which

Thesis people may disagree. Keep in mind that

a thesis contains both an observation
and an opinion.
How to
Turn the topic into
a question and
answer it.
For example, in your title or
introduction, you could pose the
question, “What is the best type of
sandwich?” And then answer with
your thesis statement: “The best type
of sandwich is peanut butter and jelly.”
This method is effective because
intriguing questions draw readers in
and encourage them to keep reading
to find the answer.
State an argument
—and then refute it.
Introduce an idea that contrasts with
your belief, and immediately explain
why you disagree with it. For example:
“While some people believe peanut
butter and jelly sandwiches are too
simple, they’re versatile sandwiches
that you can easily turn into a gourmet
meal.” This method is effective
because it uses evidence and
immediately demonstrates your
credibility.
Briefly outline your
main points.
Introduce your main point and explain
how you’ll back it up. For example:
“You can turn a peanut butter and jelly
sandwich into a gourmet meal by
using artisanal bread, toasting the
bread, and adding additional
toppings.” This method is effective
because it gives readers a clear idea of
everything you’ll discuss in your essay.
It also serves as a roadmap to help
keep you organized and on track.
A good way to test the
strength of your thesis is
to see if it yields a strong
antithesis.
A thesis expressed as a fragment. -
Eventhough most people love sandwiches
because they make a good snack.
A thesis which is too broad. - Sandwiches are
the best snack because of million of reasons.
A thesis worded as a question. (Usually the
answer to the question yields the thesis)
A thesis which includes extraneous
information. - Sandwiches are the best snack
for students because they are healthy, easy
to prepare, and they are invented in 1762.
A thesis which begins with I think or in my
opinion.
A thesis which deals with a stale or trite issue.
A thesis which contains words which lead to
faulty generalizations (all, none, always, only,
everyone, etc.) - Sandwiches are the best
snack for school because everyone loves it.
Pitfalls
 A thesis evolves as you work with
your topic. Brainstorm, research,
talk, and think about your topic
before settling on a thesis. If you are
having trouble formulating a thesis,
begin freewriting about your topic.
Your freewrite may suggest a
workable thesis.
During the writing process, consider
your thesis a working thesis and be
willing to modify and re-focus it as
you draft and revise your paper.
Copy your working thesis on an
index card and keep it in front of you

Tips as you research and write. Having

your thesis in plain view may help
focus your writing.