characteristics of thesis

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Thesis Statements

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

• What the topic of the paper is
• How the writer intends to discuss that topic
•  It gives a blueprint for how the essay will be structured
•  How the writer intends to prove or demonstrate his or her main points.

Think of your paper as a human body, and your thesis statement as the spinal cord. Without it, there is no structure.

For you as the writer, the thesis statement:

Develops through the interrelationship of thinking, reading, and writing;

Limits your research by providing you with one controlling main idea that intrigues you;

Narrows your writing to one specific claim that you can develop or prove;

Organizes your ideas so you know the important points you want to make in your paper; and

Clarifies your writing by keeping you on target to fulfill your proposed purpose.

For your readers, the thesis statement:

 Identifies the main point and sub-points of your essay clearly and quickly;

Functions as a road map so your readers can easily follow your ideas; and

Gives satisfaction at the conclusion of the paper when your readers discover you have fulfilled your promise by proving or developing your main point.

Characteristics of Effective Thesis Statements

An effective thesis statement must be  factual and narrow.

An effective thesis statement prepares readers for facts and details, but it cannot itself be a fact. It must always be an inference that demands proof or further development. These proofs come from the literature. 

UNT Dallas campus has two buildings.

Not factual enough: The UNT Dallas campus is the perfect size.

Just Right:  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.

2. Narrow Topic

A good thesis should be narrow, and not too broad or too vague. If the topic is too broad, you won’t be able to cover the entire topic in your paper.  If it’s too narrow, you might not be able to find research, and your paper probably won’t be long enough. 

Too Broad: College students have a lot of responsibilities.

Too Narrow: Student workers in the Learning Commons at UNT Dallas have many responsibilities in their course work and tutoring. 

Just Right: College students who are financially independent have many responsibilities as they must maintain good grades, pay living expenses, and balance work and school.

Remember, a thesis statement is not: 

• Instead , you should argue, based on facts and literature, why or why not NASA should receive more funding.  
• Ask yourself--can I find anything in literature to prove this point, or is this MY opinion? 
• Instead, you should argue why or why not people like chocolate OR why or why not chocolate is healthy for you based on facts and literature findings. 
• Similar to the subjective opinion, ask yourself is this statement is based on facts and literature findings or if this is YOUR opinion. Although it is ok to have your own opinion, professors usually do not like to read articles about beliefs (students have been writing about these for years and years). 
• Instead, you could discuss theories about politics or religions and use literature to prove or disprove those theories.
• This is too factual (the Himalayas WERE formed from a collision of tectonic plates), and there is nothing to discuss because this IS a fact in itself. 
• Instead, you could compare and contrast the tectonic plate formation of different mountains. 

Examples of Thesis Statements

A thesis statement f or a 5 paragraph essay conta ins 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

Here is an example  of a thesis statement.

Ex: Regularly visiting the Writing Center at UNT Dallas will help you become the best writer on the planet because it offers superhero tutors, current technology, and fantastic handouts.

The main topic explores the idea that regularly vsiting the writing center will help you become the best writer on the planet, and the subtopics further expand this opinion with three distinct examples: 1) tutors, 2) technology, and 3) the handouts.

Outline Example

The paper should be organized around the subtopics.  For example, for the thesis written above, the writer would write one body paragraph about the tutors, one about technology, and one about the handouts. 

Here is a sample essay outline based on this thesis:

• Introduce the topic of tutoring
• Thesis (last sentence of intro): Regularly visiting the Writing Center at UNT Dallas will help you become the best writer on the planet because it offers superhero tutors, current technology, and fantastic handouts.
• topic sentence
• Restate thesis
• Concluding remarks

For further assistance with the structure, see our handouts on Introductions and Conclusions and Topic Sentences.

A thesis statement for a LONG ESSAY contains two parts: A Topic: the main idea of the essay The Controlling Idea: what you want to say about the topic 

Throughout the paper, your thesis promises your readers that you will prove specific facts or develop certain ideas ; therefore, every paragraph, sentence, and word in your paper must relate to this controlling idea.

Here are some examples of thesis statements.

• Baseball, once a national pastime and even an addiction, has lost its popularity because of the new interest in more violent sports.
• Since the space program has yet to provide the American people with any substantial, practical returns, it is a waste of money and should be dissolved.
• To stop the alarming rise in the number of violent crimes committed every year, our courts must hand out tougher sentences.
• Detective stories appeal to the basic human desire for thrills.
• Hemingway's war stories helped to create a new prose style.
• Bronte utilizes light and fire to symbolize the emotional expressions of the characters.

Here is a suggested outline for a long essay and how that would look in terms of your thesis statement, topic, and controlling ideas:

• Introduce the novel Jane Eyre and the topic of symbolism
• Thesis (last sentence of intro): Bronte utilizes light and fire to symbolize the emotional expressions of the characters.
• textual examples and elaboration

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Writing Resources

Features of a successful thesis.

This handout is available for download in DOCX format and PDF format .

• A thesis must consist of a claim. Questions are not claims; nor are simple descriptions. A thesis is not a topic or theme, either. It is a contention —something to be argued.
• A thesis should not be obviously true or false. If a claim is obviously true, there is no need to argue for it; and if is it obviously false, there is no reason to argue for it, either. Rather, the claim should be plausible, but in need of argument and evidence to establish its veracity.
• A thesis should not be overly abstract or general. It must be specific enough to be arguable, that is, specific enough to support with the evidence available to you.
• A thesis should be original. It should not merely recapitulate another writer’s argument. However, this does not mean that a thesis cannot be based on or influenced by the arguments of other writers.
• There must be evidence available to support the claim made in the thesis.
• The claim must be of an appropriate scope such that it can be adequately argued within the length of the paper.
• A thesis should be clear. Remove as much ambiguity as possible from your thesis statement, and define any technical or ambiguous terms (e.g., “Durkheim-Boas tradition,” “reductionism”) that appear in your thesis or essay.
• A thesis should be concise. Generally, a thesis will be contained within a single sentence, although sometimes more complex theses are developed over two or three sentences.
• A thesis should be obvious to your reader. Often, a thesis statement begins with a phrase like “I will argue…,” “In this essay I will contend…,” etc. Theses are often stated in the first paragraph or in introductory paragraphs.

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UMGC Effective Writing Center Designing an Effective Thesis

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Key Concepts

• A thesis is a simple sentence that combines your topic and your position on the topic.
• A thesis provides a roadmap to what follows in the paper.
• A thesis is like a wheel's hub--everything revolves around it and is attached to it.

After your prewriting activities-- such as assignment analysis and outlining--you should be ready to take the next step: writing a thesis statement. Although some of your assignments will provide a focus for you, it is still important for your college career and especially for your professional career to be able to state a satisfactory controlling idea or thesis that unifies your thoughts and materials for the reader.

Characteristics of an Effective Thesis

A thesis consists of two main parts: your overall topic and your position on that topic. Here are some example thesis statements that combine topic and position:

Sample Thesis Statements

Importance of Tone

Tone is established in the wording of your thesis, which should match the characteristics of your audience. For example, if you are a concerned citizen proposing a new law to your city's board of supervisors about drunk driving, you would not want to write this:

“It’s time to get the filthy drunks off the street and from behind the wheel: I demand that you pass a mandatory five-year license suspension for every drunk who gets caught driving. Do unto them before they do unto us!”

However, if you’re speaking at a concerned citizen’s meeting and you’re trying to rally voter support, such emotional language could help motivate your audience.

Using Your Thesis to Map Your Paper for the Reader

In academic writing, the thesis statement is often used to signal the paper's overall structure to the reader. An effective thesis allows the reader to predict what will be encountered in the support paragraphs. Here are some examples:

Use the Thesis to Map

Three Potential Problems to Avoid

Because your thesis is the hub of your essay, it has to be strong and effective. Here are three common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Don’t confuse an announcement with a thesis.

In an announcement, the writer declares personal intentions about the paper instead stating a thesis with clear point of view or position:

Write a Thesis, Not an Announcement

 2. A statement of fact does not provide a point of view and is not a thesis.

An introduction needs a strong, clear position statement. Without one, it will be hard for you to develop your paper with relevant arguments and evidence.

Don't Confuse a Fact with a Thesis

3. Avoid overly broad thesis statements

Broad statements contain vague, general terms that do not provide a clear focus for the essay.

Use the Thesis to Provide Focus

Practice writing an effective thesis

OK. Time to write a thesis for your paper. What is your topic? What is your position on that topic? State both clearly in a thesis sentence that helps to map your response for the reader.

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Thesis Characteristics

Whenever you are writing to explain something to your reader or to persuade your reader to agree with your opinion, there should be one complete sentence that expresses the main idea of your paper. That sentence is often called the thesis, or thesis statement. (Some other names it goes by are "the main idea" and "the controlling idea.") Based on everything you've read, and thought, and brainstormed, the thesis is not just your topic, but what you're saying about your topic. Another way to look at it is, once you've come up with the central question, or organizing question, of your essay, the thesis is an answer to that question. Remember, though, while you are still writing your paper, to consider what you have to be a "working thesis," one that may still be "adjusted." As you continue to write, read, and think about your topic, see if your working thesis still represents your opinion.

Handy reminders about the thesis (on this page): 

• Where to put it
• Put it as a statement
• Don't go overboard
• Focus further
• Choose the right shape

Where to Put the Thesis

The thesis usually comes within the introductory paragraph, which prepares the reader to listen to your ideas, and before the body of the paper, which develops the thesis with reasons, explanations, and evidence or examples. In fact, if you examine a well-written thesis, you will find hidden in it the questions your reader will expect you to answer in the body. For example, if your thesis is "Cannibalism, if practiced tastefully, can be acceptable in extreme circumstances," the body of your essay will develop this idea by explaining HOW it can be practiced tastefully, WHY it would be acceptable, and WHAT you would consider extreme circumstances.

Put the Thesis as a Statement

Make sure your thesis is in the form of a statement, not a question. "Can we save the Amazon rain forest?" is an ear-catching question that might be useful in the introduction, but it doesn't express an opinion or perspective as the following statements do:

• "We can save the Amazon rain forest by limiting tourist presence, boycotting goods made by companies that deplete the forest's resources, and generally educating people about the need to preserve the rain forest in order to preserve the earth's ecological systems."
• "We cannot save the Amazon rain forest since the companies that deplete its resources in their manufacturing are so widely-spread throughout the world, so politically powerful in their respective countries, and so wealthy that they are able to fight the opposition fully."

Don't go Overboard!

Make sure your thesis expresses your true opinion and not an exaggerated version of it. Don't say "Computers are wonderful" or "Computers are terrible" if what you really believe is "Computers do more good than harm" or "Computers do more harm than good." Why commit yourself to an extreme opinion that you don't really believe in, and then look like you're contradicting yourself later on?

Focus Further

Make sure your thesis covers exactly the topic you want to talk about, no more and no less. "Drugs should not be legalized" is too large a thesis if all you want to talk about is marijuana. "Boxing should be outlawed" is too small a thesis if you also want to discuss wrestling and football. Bite off as much as you can chew thoroughly--then chew it!

Choose the Right Shape

Shape your thesis to fit the question you wish to answer. A thesis can come in many forms, including the following:

• Simply stating an opinion: "Langston Hughes was a master stylist."
• Indicating categories or reasons: "Langston Hughes was a master stylist because of his vivid imagery, surprising metaphors, and effective alliteration."
• Showing two aspects of a topic and emphasizing one (in this sample, the 2nd topic in the sentence is emphasized): "While Langston Hughes was a master stylist, as a critic he had several blind spots."

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Frequently asked questions

What is a thesis statement.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

Frequently asked questions: Writing an essay

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

• A rephrased version of your overall thesis
• A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
• An indication of why your argument matters

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

Let’s say you’re writing a five-paragraph  essay about the environmental impacts of dietary choices. Here are three examples of topic sentences you could use for each of the three body paragraphs :

• Research has shown that the meat industry has severe environmental impacts.
• However, many plant-based foods are also produced in environmentally damaging ways.
• It’s important to consider not only what type of diet we eat, but where our food comes from and how it is produced.

Each of these sentences expresses one main idea – by listing them in order, we can see the overall structure of the essay at a glance. Each paragraph will expand on the topic sentence with relevant detail, evidence, and arguments.

The topic sentence usually comes at the very start of the paragraph .

However, sometimes you might start with a transition sentence to summarize what was discussed in previous paragraphs, followed by the topic sentence that expresses the focus of the current paragraph.

Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.

In an essay or paper , each paragraph should focus on a single idea. By stating the main idea in the topic sentence, you clarify what the paragraph is about for both yourself and your reader.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarized in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

In rhetorical analysis , a claim is something the author wants the audience to believe. A support is the evidence or appeal they use to convince the reader to believe the claim. A warrant is the (often implicit) assumption that links the support with the claim.

Logos appeals to the audience’s reason, building up logical arguments . Ethos appeals to the speaker’s status or authority, making the audience more likely to trust them. Pathos appeals to the emotions, trying to make the audience feel angry or sympathetic, for example.

Collectively, these three appeals are sometimes called the rhetorical triangle . They are central to rhetorical analysis , though a piece of rhetoric might not necessarily use all of them.

The term “text” in a rhetorical analysis essay refers to whatever object you’re analyzing. It’s frequently a piece of writing or a speech, but it doesn’t have to be. For example, you could also treat an advertisement or political cartoon as a text.

The goal of a rhetorical analysis is to explain the effect a piece of writing or oratory has on its audience, how successful it is, and the devices and appeals it uses to achieve its goals.

Unlike a standard argumentative essay , it’s less about taking a position on the arguments presented, and more about exploring how they are constructed.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If you’re not sure, ask your supervisor.

When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.

You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.

Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . It’s a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

If you’re not given a specific prompt for your descriptive essay , think about places and objects you know well, that you can think of interesting ways to describe, or that have strong personal significance for you.

The best kind of object for a descriptive essay is one specific enough that you can describe its particular features in detail—don’t choose something too vague or general.

If you’re not given much guidance on what your narrative essay should be about, consider the context and scope of the assignment. What kind of story is relevant, interesting, and possible to tell within the word count?

The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to reflect on a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

Don’t worry too much if your topic seems unoriginal. The point of a narrative essay is how you tell the story and the point you make with it, not the subject of the story itself.

Narrative essays are usually assigned as writing exercises at high school or in university composition classes. They may also form part of a university application.

When you are prompted to tell a story about your own life or experiences, a narrative essay is usually the right response.

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

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Essay Writing Guide

Writing Thesis Statement

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

How To Write A Thesis Statement - A Step by Step Guide

By: Nova A.

14 min read

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Feb 26, 2019

Are you tired of struggling with weak thesis statements that fail to make a compelling impact in your academic writing? 

The frustration is real. 

Without a well-crafted thesis statement, your arguments may lack focus and your ideas may appear scattered.

But fret not! 

In this comprehensive blog, we will provide you guidance along with examples and tips to refine your skills.

So, let’s start reading!

On this Page

What is Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is the backbone of any academic paper or essay. It serves as a concise summary of the main argument or point that you will be making throughout your work. 

According to thesis statement defination:

“A thesis statement is a sentence that serves as a clear and focused roadmap for the reader. It outlines the central idea and guides the direction of the entire piece of writing.”

Importance of a Good Thesis Statement

A good thesis statement is essential for several reasons. 

Here are the key points highlighting the importance of a well-crafted thesis statement:

• A strong thesis statement helps clarify the main argument or point of your paper, providing a clear direction for both you as the writer and your readers.
• A well-written thesis statement orient your readers and enables them to anticipate the content and structure of your work.
• The thesis statement conveys your stance or position on the topic. It gives your readers an indication of what to expect and how you will approach the subject matter.
• A compelling thesis statement grabs the reader's attention , encouraging them to continue reading.
• Crafting a thesis statement forces you to clarify your main points and supporting arguments, resulting in a well-structured and coherent paper.

Characteristics of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement possesses several key characteristics that make it effective and impactful. 

Understanding these characteristics is essential for crafting a strong and compelling thesis statement.

Here are the key characteristics to consider:

• Clear and Concise: A good thesis statement is clear, presenting the main argument or point in a straightforward manner. It avoids vague or ambiguous language, ensuring that the reader understands the central idea without confusion.
• Specific and Focused: A thesis statement is specific, addressing a particular aspect or angle of the topic. It avoids broad or general statements, honing in on a well-defined argument or position.
• Arguable and Debatable: A strong thesis statement presents an argument or claim that can be debated or challenged. It goes beyond stating a mere fact and instead takes a stance that can be supported with evidence and analysis.
• Supported by Evidence : A thesis statement is supported by evidence, which may include examples, statistics, research findings, or logical reasoning. It provides a clear link between the main argument and the supporting evidence that will be presented in the paper.
• Engaging and Intriguing: An effective thesis statement grabs the reader's attention and sparks curiosity. It presents an interesting and thought-provoking perspective, enticing the reader to continue reading.
• Relevant to the Topic: A thesis statement is directly related to the topic or subject matter of the paper. It ensures that the main argument is pertinent and contributes to the overall understanding of the topic.

How Long Should A Thesis Statement Be?

A thesis statement should generally be concise and to the point, consisting of one or two sentences.

While there is no strict rule regarding the exact length, it is recommended to keep it within this range to maintain clarity and effectiveness.

A longer thesis statement may become convoluted and dilute the main argument, potentially confusing the reader. On the other hand, an overly brief thesis statement might lack the necessary depth and specificity to adequately guide the paper. 

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How to Write a Thesis Statement 

Writing a strong thesis statement requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. Follow these steps to create an effective thesis statement:

Understand the Assignment

Carefully read and analyze the assignment prompt or guidelines. Identify the key requirements, such as the topic, purpose, and specific instructions for the thesis statement.

Conduct Research

Gather relevant information and conduct research on the topic. 

Explore different perspectives, arguments, and evidence related to your subject matter. This will help you develop a well-informed and comprehensive thesis statement.

Identify the Main Argument

Determine the main argument or position you want to present in your paper. Consider the specific angle or perspective you wish to take on the topic.

Refine Your Argument

Evaluate the ideas generated during brainstorming. Select the strongest and most compelling argument that aligns with your research and purpose.

Ensure your argument is specific, focused, and debatable.

Revise and Polish

Review your thesis statement and refine it if necessary.

Consider feedback from professors, peers, or writing tutors to improve its clarity and effectiveness.

Ensure that your thesis statement accurately represents the content and direction of your paper.

How Do I Know if My Thesis is Strong?

Determining the strength of your thesis statement is crucial to ensure its effectiveness in guiding your paper. Here are some indicators to help you assess the strength of your thesis:

Clarity and Specificity

• Is your thesis statement clear and concise, conveying the main argument without ambiguity?
• Does it provide specific details that focus the direction of your paper?

Arguability

• Does your thesis statement present a debatable claim or argument?
• Can someone reasonably hold a different viewpoint or counter-argument?

Evidence and Support

• Can you provide sufficient evidence or examples to support your thesis statement?
• Is there enough research or data available to back up your claims?

Relevance to the Topic

• Does your thesis statement directly address the topic or prompt given?
• Does it stay focused on the main subject matter without drifting into unrelated areas?

Scope and Complexity

• Does your thesis statement address the complexity of the topic?
• Does it allow for a comprehensive exploration of the subject rather than oversimplifying it?

Coherence and Logic

• Does your thesis statement present a logical argument that flows well?
• Are the main points and supporting arguments connected in a cohesive manner?

Good Thesis Statement Examples

Crafting a good thesis statement is essential for a strong and effective academic paper. 

Here are some how to write a thesis statement examples for essays on different subjects:

Thesis Statement for a Research Paper:

Thesis Statement Example on Global Warming:

Thesis Statement about Social Media:

Thesis Statement Example on Education:

Examples of Thesis Statement for Different Types of Essays

Thesis statements play a crucial role in various types of essays, guiding the writer's argument and providing a clear focus for the reader. 

Here are strong thesis statement examples in essays:

Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay presents a balanced discussion on a controversial topic. In this essay, the writer takes a stance and provides evidence and reasoning to support their position.

Here is a thesis statement example in argumentative essay:

Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint through logical reasoning and persuasive techniques.

Check out this thesis statement in persuasive essay example:

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay delves into the analysis and interpretation of a piece of literature, artwork, or a concept.

Given below is a thesis statement example for an analytical essay: 

Expository Essay

An expository essay aims to provide a clear and objective explanation or analysis of a topic. The writer has to present facts, evidence, and examples to support the main idea.

Here is a thesis statement example for an expository essay:

Personal Essay

A personal essay is a form of writing that explores a specific personal experience, reflection, or insight. It often involves sharing personal anecdotes or emotions to engage the reader.

Given below is a thesis statement example for a personal essay:

Do’s and Don’ts of Thesis Statement Writing

When it comes to crafting a thesis statement, certain guidelines can help you create a strong and effective statement. 

Here's a table outlining the do's and don'ts of thesis statement writing:

All in all, crafting a strong thesis statement is crucial for a successful academic paper. With guidance and support, you can confidently present a strong argument and make a meaningful contribution to your field. 

For “ write my essay ” assistance, contact the best essay writing service: 5StarEssays.com. 

Our essay writers will help you in crafting a well structured thesis statement that will help your research paper to stand out! 

So why wait? Let us help you excel in your academic endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a thesis statement.

The ideal length for a statement is one to two sentences long, which is about 30-40 words. However, the length of a statement depends on the type of essay you are writing. For example, if you are writing a typical 5 paragraph essay, you wouldn’t make your thesis super long.

Similarly, if you are writing a more complex and lengthy paper, such as a research paper, the thesis statement will be written accordingly.

How to start a thesis statement?

To start a thesis statement, first, come up with a question regarding the topic at hand. Think of a topic that needs to be addressed, and then answer it with your statement.

For instance,

Question: Why should kids in the 4th-grade use computers in class?

Thesis Statement: Having computers in class can help 4th graders develop technological skills.

This example of a thesis statement will help you understand the concept.

Can a thesis statement be a question?

A thesis statement cannot be a question because it defines the purpose of the essay and states your claim.

Can a thesis statement be a hook?

No. a thesis statement cannot be a hook because both of them serve different purposes. A thesis is written at the end of an introductory paragraph and makes a claim.

In contrast, a hook sentence is the opening line of an introduction and is written to grab the reader’s attention.

What are the two elements of a thesis statement?

A good thesis statement is based on two elements. A precise and to-the-point subject and element.

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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How To Write A Thesis Statement That Grabs Attention

Stuck at the very beginning of your research work and can’t figure out how to write a thesis statement? This guide is for you. 

Table of Contents

A thesis statement is the backbone of your academic paper. It serves as a roadmap for both the readers and the writers. However, a powerful thesis statement does more than just guide – it grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the entire essay. Universities in Canada put great emphasis on effective thesis statements. Let’s explore this in depth.

What Is A Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a concise and specific sentence or two that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or any other piece of academic writing. It serves as the central focus and guiding idea for the entire work.

Make sure that you understand the differences between a dissertation and a thesis , as their requirements for a thesis statement may differ a bit.

Characteristics Of A Thesis Statement

• Clarity: A well-crafted thesis statement clearly communicates the main idea of the paper. It should avoid ambiguity and ensure that the reader understands the writer’s stance on the topic.
• Specificity: The thesis statement should be precise and focused. It should address a particular aspect of the topic and avoid broad or general statements.
• Debatable: A strong thesis statement presents an argument or a perspective that can be debated or challenged. It should not be a statement of fact but rather an assertion that requires support and evidence.
• Relevance: The thesis statement should be directly related to the topic of the essay. It provides a roadmap for what the reader can expect to find in the rest of the paper.
• Conciseness: Ideally, a thesis statement is a brief and to-the-point expression of the main idea. It typically appears in the introduction of the paper and is usually one or two sentences long.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Write A Thesis Statement

Writing a compelling thesis statement is a crucial skill for any academic or research paper . It serves as the foundation of your entire paper, as it encapsulates the main idea and provides a roadmap for your readers. Here is a step-by-step guide explaining how to write a thesis statement for beginners. 

Step 1: Understand The Assignment

Before writing a thesis statement, it is crucial to understand the assignment thoroughly. Carefully read through the guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Identify the key elements, such as the purpose of the assignment, the expected length, and other necessary requirements. Adhere to the location standards, such as knowing how to write dates.  

You also have to comprehend the type of paper you are writing. Is it an informative essay, an argumentative paper, or a comparative analysis? Each type of paper may require a different approach to formulating the thesis statement, so clarity on the assignment’s nature is the first step toward success.

Step 2: Identify Your Topic

Once you clearly understand the assignment, the next step is to identify your topic. Choose a subject that aligns with the assignment’s requirements and resonates with your interests. The more passionate you are about the topic, the easier it will be to engage your readers.

Consider the scope of your topic and define its boundaries. It will be the base for your hypothesis . Be specific in your choice and avoid overly broad or narrow subjects. If your assignment allows for flexibility, take the opportunity to explore a unique angle or perspective that adds depth to your thesis statement.

Step 3: Do Your Research

Research is the backbone of any well-crafted thesis statement. You need it to write the entire paper and your literature review. Take a look into academic journals, books, online databases, and other reputable sources to gather information and evidence that supports your chosen topic. As you collect data, take note of key findings, relevant quotes, and any contrasting perspectives that can contribute to a great thesis statement.

Furthermore, make sure to organize your research systematically. Create an outline that highlights the main points and arguments you want to address. This will not only streamline the writing process but also ensure that your thesis statement is backed by solid evidence.

Step 4: Revise And Refine

With your research in hand, it is time to start drafting your thesis statement. Begin with a preliminary version. Ensure that you capture the main idea of your paper in a single sentence. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different phrasings and structures until you find the one that best encapsulates your argument.

Moreover, once you have a working thesis statement, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights and help you identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement. Revise your thesis statement accordingly.  

A good thesis statement is one that is clear, concise, and effectively communicates your main argument.

Step 5: Finalize Your Research Statement

The final step in crafting a thesis statement is to refine your research question. Your thesis statement should not only present your main argument but also guide the direction of your research. Ensure that your statement aligns with the scope of your paper and is specific enough to be addressed within the given constraints.

Consider the implications of your thesis statement – what are the potential counterarguments, and how will you address them? By anticipating opposing viewpoints, you can strengthen your thesis statement and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject.

Thesis Statement Example

The increasing prevalence of social media has significantly altered interpersonal communication, leading to both positive and negative consequences. This paper explores the impact of social media on relationships, self-perception, and societal dynamics, arguing that while it fosters connectivity and information-sharing, it also poses challenges such as privacy concerns and the perpetuation of unrealistic standards.

The thesis statement we write have:

• Precision and Clarity
• Zero Plagiarism
• High-level Encryption
• Authentic Sources

How To Write A Thesis Statement For An Essay

Writing a thesis statement for an essay involves the same fundamental principles as a standard thesis statement, but with a greater emphasis on tailoring it to the specific requirements of the essay. Here are key considerations:

• Focus On The Essay Guidelines
• Highlight The Scope Of The Essay

Thesis Statement Example Of An Essay

Considering the transformative role of technology in education, this essay contends that integrating interactive digital tools enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. Examining case studies and educational research will demonstrate how technology, when used judiciously, can positively reshape the educational landscape, fostering a more dynamic and effective learning environment.

How To Write A Thesis Statement For A Research Paper

Writing a thesis statement for a research paper example requires a few additional considerations due to the research nature of the assignment:

• Incorporate Research Objectives
• Highlight Research Methodology
• Acknowledge the Research Gap

Thesis Statement Example Of A Research Paper

This research paper investigates the multifaceted impacts of climate change on global biodiversity, aiming to elucidate specific patterns and vulnerabilities. Using a combination of quantitative analysis and case studies, it seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by identifying critical gaps in understanding the implications of climate change for various ecosystems. By bridging these knowledge gaps, this research endeavours to inform conservation strategies and policies in the face of an evolving climate.

How To Write A Thesis Statement For A Critical Essay

Here are some specific considerations when writing a thesis statement for critical essays.

• Express Your Critical Evaluation
• Identify Key Elements for Critique
• Acknowledge Counterarguments

Critical Essay Thesis Statement Example

In examining the portrayal of gender roles in [Literary Work], this critical essay asserts that while the narrative seemingly adheres to traditional gender norms, a deeper analysis reveals subtle subversions and contradictions. By scrutinizing character dynamics, language use, and narrative structure, this essay aims to evaluate the underlying messages about gender critically. Moreover, it acknowledges counterarguments that may arise from a surface-level reading, providing a better understanding of how the work challenges and reinforces established gender roles.

How To Write A Narrative Essay Thesis Statement

When crafting a thesis statement for a narrative essay, the focus is on expressing the central theme or message of the story. 

• Emphasize the Central Theme
• Connect to Personal Experience
• Highlight the Journey or Transformation

Narrative Essay Thesis Statement Example

In recounting the challenges faced during my year abroad, this narrative essay delves into the transformative power of resilience and self-discovery. Through navigating cultural barriers and personal setbacks, the narrative unfolds a journey from vulnerability to strength, highlighting the profound lessons learned from adversity. This essay not only chronicles my experiences but also underscores the universal theme of human resilience in the face of challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a thesis statement.

• Understand the assignment
• Identify your topic
• Do your research
• Revise and refine

How to write a 3 point thesis statement?

Craft a concise 3-point thesis by clearly stating your main idea on the topic and breaking it down into three specific subpoints. Order these points logically, express them in a clear sentence, and provide a brief preview of each. For example, in an essay on technology’s impact on education: “Digital tools enhance engagement, enable personalized learning, and prepare students for a tech-centric future.”

How to write a thesis statement for an essay?

Compose a focused thesis by clearly stating your main argument or perspective on the topic. Be specific, make it debatable, and provide a roadmap for your essay’s main points. For example, in an essay on climate change: “Rising global temperatures demand urgent action, addressing the complex interplay of human activities, policy changes, and environmental responsibility.”

How to write a thesis statement for a research paper?

Formulate a precise thesis for your research paper by stating the specific objectives, research methodology, and the research gap you aim to address. Clearly express your stance on the topic and outline the paper’s contributions. For instance, in a paper on climate change’s impact: “This research examines the effects of climate change on biodiversity, employing quantitative analysis to fill existing knowledge gaps and inform conservation strategies.”

How to write a thesis statement example?

The rapid rise of social media has reshaped interpersonal communication, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This essay explores the impact of social media on relationships, privacy, and societal dynamics, arguing that while it fosters connectivity, it also necessitates a critical evaluation of its effects on personal and societal well-being.

How to write a good thesis statement for an argumentative essay?

Compose a strong thesis for an argumentative essay by clearly presenting your stance on the issue and the main points that support it. Use specific language, make it debatable, and acknowledge opposing views. For example, in an essay on the importance of vaccination: “Vaccination mandates are crucial for public health, safeguarding communities against preventable diseases and ensuring collective well-being.”

How to write a thesis statement for a critical essay?

Develop a focused thesis for a critical essay by clearly expressing your critical evaluation of the topic. Identify specific elements or themes to critique, acknowledge counterarguments, and emphasize the broader significance of your analysis. For instance, in a critical essay on a literary work: “Examining [Work], this essay critically analyzes its portrayal of [theme], revealing subtle contradictions and societal implications.”

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Characteristics of a Good Thesis Statement

Erin schreiner.

A well-written thesis statement establishes the central focus of a paper. By reading the thesis statement, readers should be able to determine what the author of the paper will aim to prove throughout the essay. By composing an engaging and effective thesis, writers can create a compelling beginning to their paper that both draws readers in and creates excitement about the paper content.

Explore this article

• Argumentative
• Alludes to Supports
• Encompassing of Paper Content

1 Argumentative

All thesis statements should be argumentative in nature, reports the University of Houston. Do not begin your essay with a factual statement, such as, “The sky is blue,” because this statement is irrefutable and, therefore, not something you can effectively argue.

Effective thesis statements indicate specifically what the essay will be about. Do not make an overly broad statement in your thesis, such as, “Animal cruelty is bad.” Instead, compose a statement that is direct and to the point, such as, “Animal cruelty has an impact on all humans.” By composing a specific thesis statement, you increase the likelihood that you can effectively prove your argument.

When you begin your essay with a thesis statement that attracts interest, you engage your audience and entice them to keep reading. Your thesis statement should be as provocative as possible, given your topic. Along with the rest of your introductory paragraph, your thesis serves as a hook, pulling your audience into your piece.

4 Alludes to Supports

Although you do not want to go into specifics regarding your supports until your body paragraphs, you should make allusions to these supports in your thesis. For example, if you are going to argue that students should be taught basic sex education in elementary school and your body paragraphs include information about the proven effectiveness of such programs and what these programs should include, you could compose a thesis statement that says, “While some feel that elementary students are too young to receive basic sex education, programs aimed at young learners can be beneficial if properly organized.”

5 Encompassing of Paper Content

You should not discuss anything in your paper that is not stated, or at least hinted at, in your thesis. This statement should encompass all of the topics you will explore within the essay as a whole, even if it only broadly hints at these points. If your thesis states that your paper will be about the importance of student participation in sports, you should not discuss the rules of soccer in your paper, as this discussion is not directly germane to the thesis you laid out.

About the Author

Erin Schreiner is a freelance writer and teacher who holds a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University. She has been actively freelancing since 2008. Schreiner previously worked for a London-based freelance firm. Her work appears on eHow, Trails.com and RedEnvelope. She currently teaches writing to middle school students in Ohio and works on her writing craft regularly.

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• Thesis Statement

Thesis Statements: How to Identify and Write Them

Students read about and watch videos about how to identify and write thesis statements. 

Then, students complete two exercises where they identify and write thesis statements. 

*Conditions of Use: While the content on each page is licensed under an  Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike  license, some pages contain content and/or references with other types of licenses or copyrights. Please look at the bottom of each page to view this information. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of these readings and exercises, students will be able to: 

• define the term thesis statement
• read about two recommended thesis statement models 
• practice identifying thesis statements in other texts
• write your own effective thesis statements

Attributions:

• The banner image is licensed under  Adobe Stock .
• The untitled image of a detective by Peggy_Marco is licensed under Pixabay . 

What is a thesis statement?

The thesis statement is the key to most academic writing. The purpose of academic writing is to offer your own insights, analyses, and ideas—to show not only that you understand the concepts you’re studying, but also that you have thought about those concepts in your own way and agreed or disagreed, or developed your own unique ideas as a result of your analysis. The  thesis statement  is the one sentence that encapsulates the result of your thinking, as it offers your main insight or argument in condensed form.

We often use the word “argument” in English courses, but we do not mean it in the traditional sense of a verbal fight with someone else. Instead, you “argue” by taking a position on an issue and supporting it with evidence. Because you’ve taken a position about your topic, someone else may be in a position to disagree (or argue) with the stance you have taken. Think about how a lawyer presents an argument or states their case in a courtroom—similarly, you want to build a case around the main idea of your essay. For example, in 1848, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted “The Declaration of Sentiments,” she was thinking about how to convince New York State policymakers to change the laws to allow women to vote. Stanton was making an argument.

Some consider all writing a form of argument—or at least of persuasion. After all, even if you’re writing a letter or an informative essay, you’re implicitly trying to persuade your audience to care about what you’re saying. Your thesis statement represents the main idea—or point—about a topic or issue that you make in an argument. For example, let’s say that your topic is social media. A thesis statement about social media could look like one of the following sentences:

• Social media harms the self-esteem of American pre-teen girls.
• Social media can help connect researchers when they use hashtags to curate their work.
• Social media tools are not tools for social movements, they are marketing tools.

Please take a look at this video which explains the basic definition of a thesis statement further (we will be building upon these ideas through the rest of the readings and exercises): 

Attributions: 

• The content about thesis statements has been modified from English Composition 1 by Lumen Learning and Audrey Fisch et al. and appears under an  Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 
• The video "Purdue OWL: Thesis Statements" by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab appears under a YouTube license . 

The Two-Story Model (basic)

First, we will cover the two-story thesis statement model. This is the most basic model, but that doesn't mean it's bad or that you shouldn't use it. If you have a hard time with thesis statements or if you just want to keep things simple, this model is perfect for you. Think of it like a two-story building with two layers. 

A basic thesis sentence has two main parts:

• Topic:  What you’re writing about
• Angle:  What your main idea is about that topic, or your claim

Examples: 

When you read all of the thesis statement examples, can you see areas where the writer could be more specific with their angle? The more specific you are with your topic and your claims, the more focused your essay will be for your reader.

Thesis:  A regular exercise regime leads to multiple benefits, both physical and emotional.

• Topic:  Regular exercise regime
• Angle:  Leads to multiple benefits

Thesis:  Adult college students have different experiences than typical, younger college students.

• Topic:  Adult college students
• Angle:  Have different experiences

Thesis:  The economics of television have made the viewing experience challenging for many viewers because shows are not offered regularly, similar programming occurs at the same time, and commercials are rampant.

• Topic:  Television viewing
• Angle:  Challenging because shows shifted, similar programming, and commercials

Please watch how Dr. Cielle Amundson demonstrates the two-story thesis statement model in this video:

• The video "Thesis Statement Definition" by  Dr. Cielle Amundson  appears under a YouTube license . 

The Three-Story Model (advanced)

Now, it's time to challenge yourself. The three-story model is like a building with three stories. Adding multiple levels to your thesis statement makes it more specific and sophisticated. Though you'll be trying your hand with this model in the activity later on, throughout our course, you are free to choose either the two-story or three-story thesis statement model. Still, it's good to know what the three-story model entails. 

A thesis statement can have three parts: 

• Relevance : Why your argument is meaningful

Conceptualizing the Three-Story Model: 

A helpful metaphor based on this passage by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.:

There are one-story intellects, two-story intellects, and three-story intellects with skylights. All fact collectors who have no aim beyond their facts are one-story men. Two-story men compare, reason, generalize using the labor of fact collectors as their own. Three-story men idealize, imagine, predict—their best illumination comes from above the skylight.

One-story theses state inarguable facts. Two-story theses bring in an arguable (interpretive or analytical) point. Three-story theses nest that point within its larger, compelling implications. 

The biggest benefit of the three-story metaphor is that it describes a process for building a thesis. To build the first story, you first have to get familiar with the complex, relevant facts surrounding the problem or question. You have to be able to describe the situation thoroughly and accurately. Then, with that first story built, you can layer on the second story by formulating the insightful, arguable point that animates the analysis. That’s often the most effortful part: brainstorming, elaborating and comparing alternative ideas, finalizing your point. With that specified, you can frame up the third story by articulating why the point you make matters beyond its particular topic or case.

Though the three-story thesis statement model appears a little bit differently in this video, you can still see how it follows the patterns mentioned within this section: 

• The content about thesis statements has been modified from Writing in College by Amy Guptill from Milne Publishing and appears under an  Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license. 
• The video "How to Write a STRONG Thesis Statement" by Scribbr  appears under a YouTube license . 

Identifying Thesis Statements

You’ll remember that the first step of the reading process, previewing ,  allows you to get a big-picture view of the document you’re reading. This way, you can begin to understand the structure of the overall text. The most important step of understanding an essay or a book is to find the thesis statement.

Pinpointing a Thesis Statement

A thesis consists of a specific topic and an angle on the topic. All of the other ideas in the text support and develop the thesis. The thesis statement is often found in the introduction, sometimes after an initial “hook” or interesting story; sometimes, however, the thesis is not explicitly stated until the end of an essay. Sometimes it is not stated at all. In those instances, there is an  implied thesis statement.  You can generally extract the thesis statement by looking for a few key sentences and ideas.

Most readers expect to see the point of your argument (the thesis statement) within the first few paragraphs. This does not mean that it has to be placed there every time. Some writers place it at the very end, slowly building up to it throughout their work, to explain a point after the fact. Others don’t bother with one at all but feel that their thesis is “implied” anyway. Beginning writers, however, should avoid the implied thesis unless certain of the audience. Almost every professor will expect to see a clearly discernible thesis sentence in the introduction.

Shared Characteristics of Thesis Statements:

• present the main idea
• are one sentence
• tell the reader what to expect
• summarize the essay topic
• present an argument
• are written in the third person (does not include the “I” pronoun)

The following “How to Identify a Thesis Statement” video offers advice for locating a text’s thesis statement. It asks you to write one or two sentences that summarize the text. When you write that summary, without looking at the text itself, you’ve most likely paraphrased the thesis statement.

You can view the  transcript for “How to Identify the Thesis Statement” here (download).

Try it! 

Try to check your thesis statement identification skills with this interactive exercise from the Excelsior University Online Writing Lab. 

• The video "How to Identidy the Thesis Statement" by  Martha Ann Kennedy  appears under a YouTube license . 
• The "Judging Thesis Statements" exercise from the Purdue University Online Writing Lab appears under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 

Writing Your Own Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is a single sentence (or sometimes two) that provides the answers to these questions clearly and concisely. Ask yourself, “What is my paper about, exactly?” Answering this question will help you develop a precise and directed thesis, not only for your reader, but for you as well.

Key Elements of an Effective Thesis Statement: 

• A good thesis is non-obvious. High school teachers needed to make sure that you and all your classmates mastered the basic form of the academic essay. Thus, they were mostly concerned that you had a clear and consistent thesis, even if it was something obvious like “sustainability is important.” A thesis statement like that has a wide-enough scope to incorporate several supporting points and concurring evidence, enabling the writer to demonstrate his or her mastery of the five-paragraph form. Good enough! When they can, high school teachers nudge students to develop arguments that are less obvious and more engaging. College instructors, though, fully expect you to produce something more developed.
• A good thesis is arguable . In everyday life, “arguable” is often used as a synonym for “doubtful.” For a thesis, though, “arguable” means that it’s worth arguing: it’s something with which a reasonable person might disagree. This arguability criterion dovetails with the non-obvious one: it shows that the author has deeply explored a problem and arrived at an argument that legitimately needs 3, 5, 10, or 20 pages to explain and justify. In that way, a good thesis sets an ambitious agenda for a paper. A thesis like “sustainability is important” isn’t at all difficult to argue for, and the reader would have little intrinsic motivation to read the rest of the paper. However, an arguable thesis like “sustainability policies will inevitably fail if they do not incorporate social justice,” brings up some healthy skepticism. Thus, the arguable thesis makes the reader want to keep reading.
• A good thesis is well specified. Some student writers fear that they’re giving away the game if they specify their thesis up front; they think that a purposefully vague thesis might be more intriguing to the reader. However, consider movie trailers: they always include the most exciting and poignant moments from the film to attract an audience. In academic papers, too, a well specified thesis indicates that the author has thought rigorously about an issue and done thorough research, which makes the reader want to keep reading. Don’t just say that a particular policy is effective or fair; say what makes it is so. If you want to argue that a particular claim is dubious or incomplete, say why in your thesis.
• A good thesis includes implications. Suppose your assignment is to write a paper about some aspect of the history of linen production and trade, a topic that may seem exceedingly arcane. And suppose you have constructed a well supported and creative argument that linen was so widely traded in the ancient Mediterranean that it actually served as a kind of currency. 2  That’s a strong, insightful, arguable, well specified thesis. But which of these thesis statements do you find more engaging?

How Can You Write Your Thesis Statements?

A good basic structure for a thesis statement is “they say, I say.” What is the prevailing view, and how does your position differ from it? However, avoid limiting the scope of your writing with an either/or thesis under the assumption that your view must be strictly contrary to their view.

• focus on one, interesting idea
• choose the two-story or three-story model
• be as specific as possible
• write clearly
• have evidence to support it (for later on)

Thesis Statement Examples: 

• Although many readers believe Romeo and Juliet to be a tale about the ill fate of two star-crossed lovers, it can also be read as an allegory concerning a playwright and his audience.
• The “War on Drugs” has not only failed to reduce the frequency of drug-related crimes in America but actually enhanced the popular image of dope peddlers by romanticizing them as desperate rebels fighting for a cause.
• The bulk of modern copyright law was conceived in the age of commercial printing, long before the Internet made it so easy for the public to compose and distribute its own texts. Therefore, these laws should be reviewed and revised to better accommodate modern readers and writers.
• The usual moral justification for capital punishment is that it deters crime by frightening would-be criminals. However, the statistics tell a different story.
• If students really want to improve their writing, they must read often, practice writing, and receive quality feedback from their peers.
• Plato’s dialectical method has much to offer those engaged in online writing, which is far more conversational in nature than print.

You can gather more thesis statement tips and tricks from this video titled "How to Create a Thesis Statement" from the Florida SouthWestern State College Academic Support Centers: 

• The video "How to Create a Thesis Statement" by the Florida SouthWestern State College Academic Support Centers appears under a YouTube license . 

Additional, Optional Resources

If you feel like you might need more support with thesis statements, please check out these helpful resources for some extra, optional instruction: 

• "Checklist for a Thesis Statement"  from the  Excelsior University Online Writing Lab  which appears under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 
• "Developing Your Thesis" from Hamiliton College which appears under a copyright. 
• "Parts of a Thesis Sentence and Common Problems"  from the  Excelsior University Online Writing Lab  which appears under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
• "Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements" from the Purdue University Writing Lab which appears under a copyright. 
• "Writing Thesis Statements & Hypotheses" by Hope Matis from Clarkson University which appears under a copyright. 
• The content about these resources has been modified from English Composition 1 by Lumen Learning and Audrey Fisch et al. and appears under an  Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 
• The content about these resources has been modified from Writing in College by Amy Guptill from Milne Publishing and appears under an  Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license. 
• The untitled image of the books by OpenClipart-Vectors is licensed under Pixabay . 

Exercise #1: Identify Thesis Statements

Throughout the readings, we have been learning what an effective thesis statement is and what it is not. Before we even get to writing our own thesis statements, let's look for real-world examples. It's your turn to locate and identify thesis statements!

Objectives/Goals

By completeting this exercise students will be able to: 

• identify the main ideas within a text 
• summarize the main ideas within a text
• choose one sentence from the text which you believe is the thesis statement
• argue why you believe that's the true thesis statement of the text

Instructions

• Any print or online text (probably something around a page in length) will be fine for this exercise. 
• If you have trouble finding a text, I recommend looking at this collection from  88 Open Essays – A Reader for Students of Composition & Rhetoric  by Sarah Wangler and Tina Ulrich. 
• Write the title of the text that you selected and the full name(s) of the author (this is called the full citation). 
• Provide a hyperlink for that text. 
• Write one paragraph (5+ sentences) summarizing the main points of the text. 
• Write one more argumentative paragraph (5+ sentences) where you discuss which sentence (make sure it appears within quotation marks, but don't worry about in-text citations for now) you think is the author's thesis statement and why. 

Submitting the Assignment

You will be submitting Exercise #1: Identify Thesis Statements within Canvas in our weekly module. 

Please check the assignment page for deadlines and Canvas Guides to help you in case you have trouble submitting your document. 

• "88 Open Essays - A Reader for Students of Composition & Rhetoric" by Sarah Wangler and Tina Ulrich from LibreTexts appears under an  Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. 

Exercise #2: Write Your Own Thesis Statements

Now that you've had some practice with locating and identifying thesis statements, you are ready to write some practice thesis statements yourself. 

• write a two-story thesis statement 
• write a three-story thesis statement
• reflect on your thesis statement skills
• Using the same text from Exercise #1, write a two-story thesis statement in response to that text. 
• Using the same text from Exercise #1, write a three-story thesis statement in response to that text. 
• Is it easy for you to identify thesis statements in other texts? Why or why not?
• What methods do you use to identify/locate thesis statements?
• In the past, how have you felt when you needed to write a thesis statement?
• How did you feel about writing your own thesis statements in Exercise #2?
• Which thesis statement writing strategies were the most beneficial to you? Why?
• What challenges did you face when you were writing you thesis statement for Exercise #2?

You will be submitting Exercise #2: Write Your Own Thesis Statements within Canvas in our weekly module. 

• The untitled image of the writing supplies by ptra  is licensed under Pixabay . 

Version History

Exams Know-how

What Is Thesis: Its Characteristics & Structure

What is a Thesis?

A unique research topic, hypothesis, or argument is presented in a thesis, which is a lengthy, formal piece of academic writing. It usually represents the conclusion of the research and scholarship of a student's work in a specific field of study. It is written by students pursuing higher education, such as a master's or doctorate.

A thesis is a substantial academic accomplishment and a requirement for graduate study. It necessitates thorough organisation, investigation, and writing, and it demonstrates a student's capacity for intellectual inquiry and contribution to the academic community. For more information on how to plan your academic journey, visit Yocket .

Characteristics of a Thesis

Key characteristics of a thesis include:

• Original Research : A thesis necessitates either original research or a study of already published material. The chosen field should benefit from this research's new information or insights.
• Structured Format : A thesis has a set format that may contain an introduction, literature review, methodology, data analysis, discussion of the findings, and a conclusion.
• Academic Rigour : Theses must meet rigorous academic standards and exhibit critical thinking, research prowess, and in-depth knowledge of the subject.
• Citations and references : A thesis must include accurate citations and references to all relevant sources. Every source utilised in the study needs to be cited using a particular citation format, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.
• Defence : As part of many academic programmes, students must present a verbal defence of their thesis to a panel of faculty members. Students present their research, reply to inquiries, and show their subject-matter mastery throughout the defence.
• Contributions to information : A well-written thesis should add to the corpus of information already available on the topic. It needs to fill a research hole, refute accepted beliefs, or provide workable answers to a dilemma.

Writing a Thesis

Three steps to writing a thesis statement are:  

Think About the Greatest Essay Topic Possible

• Choose a subject that you are ardent about. If you're sincerely interested in something, even if you don't know much about it, it will be simpler to learn about it while writing. 
• If you don't focus on a certain area, your work will be too general and maybe too long. Just be careful not to be too particular, or you won't have anything to write about. Try to strike a balance. 
• Make sure there are enough reliable, powerful sources available before you start your investigation. You don't want to run out of references in the middle. 

Make a Question Out of Your Subject, Then Respond to It

It's not always simple to sum up your entire argument in a single line, much less one that is well-written and concise. Here is a fast method to get you going: 

Start by framing your subject as a question. For instance, if you wish to write about Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, consider the following: "What influences did Gandhi has on society after his death?" 

Write down the response if you already know it; this will serve as a solid foundation for your thesis statement. Do some preliminary research to learn the answer if you don't already know it; you may utilise the information you acquire as sources and proof in your essay's body paragraphs. 

Boost the Polish

Keep in mind the fundamental characteristics of thesis statements that we outlined above: clear language, a balance of particular but not overly exact facts, and a mention of subtopics. Move the supporting details to the next phase if you find it difficult to include everything in the first one. Only the essentials should be included in the thesis statement. 

If you're unsure, have a buddy read your thesis statement and then ask them what they believe your paper is going to be about. Your thesis statement has succeeded if you provide a correct response. 

The challenging part is next—writing the remainder! Even if the majority of the writing is still to be done, at least you have established your main idea. Follow our essay-writing guidelines and allow your ideas to flow while you plan out your supporting argument. Visit Yocket to brush up on your writing skills! 

How to Structure a Thesis?

Theses generally have an introduction, literature review, methods part, results section, discussion section, and conclusion section in both the hard sciences and the social sciences. Each of these is discussed in its own separate part or chapter. You might wish to include an appendix in some circumstances.

Your thesis's first page includes all important identifying information, such as:

• Your full title
• Your full name
• Your department
• Your institution and degree program
• Your submission date

Acknowledgements

Typically, the acknowledgements portion is optional. Its major purpose is to provide you a chance to express your gratitude to everyone who supported you throughout the writing of your thesis, including your supervisors, friends, and family. Prefaces are optional, although usually just one of the two is written, not both.

A concise description of your thesis is called an abstract. It should contain succinct summaries of your research's aims, methodology, results, and conclusions and is typically no more than 300 words. Even though it may appear brief, it serves as a first impression of your thesis and presents your work to your audience.

Table of Contents

All of your sections, together with their respective page numbers and subheadings, if applicable, are included in the table of contents. This makes it easier for your reader to read your work.

All of your thesis' important sections should be listed in the table of contents. Don't forget to read the appendices, in particular. Microsoft Word makes it simple to create an automated table if you utilise heading styles.

Introduction

The topic, goal, and significance of your thesis are established in the introduction, along with the reader's expectations. This ought to:

• Provide any background information your reader would need to understand your study topic.
• Define the scope of your study and describe any prior research on the subject. Place your work in the context of a larger issue or debate.
• What research questions do you have?
• Briefly describe the rest of your work's process.

Review of the Literature

A literature study aids you in developing a thorough grasp of all previous scholarly work on your subject, covering:

• Choosing pertinent sources
• Selecting reliable sources for your information
• Analysing each of your sources critically
• Establishing links across sources, taking into account any recurring themes, trends, disputes, or gaps

Methodology

Your methodology chapter outlines your research process for the reader. It should be stated logically and with clarity to make it simple for the reader to evaluate the merits of your claim. Additionally, your methods section ought to persuade the reader that your approach was the most effective way to address the research topic.

Conclusion of the thesis

Your key research topic should be succinctly addressed in your thesis conclusion. It should emphasise how exactly your study has advanced your subject and leave the reader with a crystal-clear knowledge of your main point.

Final Thoughts

A thesis is an important part of intellectual research and discovery, not merely a necessary academic obligation. The core of a thesis, its various kinds, and its crucial function in the realm of scholarly study have all been revealed to us along this voyage.

A student's capacity to explore, evaluate, and advance knowledge in their subject is demonstrated by their thesis, which can be a master's thesis, a doctorate dissertation, or any research effort in between. It's a process that needs commitment, skepticism, and unshakable resolve. Are you ready to embark on your own journey of scholarly inquiry? It's a path that demands commitment and unwavering resolve. Let's take the first step with Yocket premium .

Frequently Asked Questions about What is Thesis

1. What is a thesis for Masters?

An academic research paper that calls for more investigation than an undergraduate thesis or term paper is a master's thesis. Students are required to show competency, literacy, and topic knowledge, and it is distinguished by a higher quality of writing. Normally, it takes two or three years to finish.

2. Do all Master’s students write a thesis?

For the majority of master's degrees, thesis completion is a requirement for graduation. Even though an undergraduate thesis is often shorter and less in-depth than a master's degree thesis, some bachelor's degree programmes mandate that students write one.

3. Can I do a PhD without a Master’s thesis?

After completing a non-thesis master's degree, you are still able to pursue a PhD. Contrary to common opinion, there are more routes to doctorate study and the academic world beyond the thesis master's degree. Despite a few exceptions, you can register in many Ph.D. programmes after earning a master's without a thesis.

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Thesis Sentences

Characteristics of a strong thesis.

What makes a strong thesis in a college essay?

• A strong thesis is non-obvious . High school teachers needed to make sure that you and all your classmates mastered the basic form of the academic essay. Thus, they  were mostly concerned that you had a clear and consistent thesis, even if it was something obvious such as “sustainability is important.” A thesis statement like that has a wide-enough scope to incorporate several supporting points and concurring evidence, enabling the writer to demonstrate his or her mastery of a basic essay format.  College instructors, though, fully expect you to produce something more developed.
• A strong thesis is arguable . In everyday life, “arguable” is often used as a synonym for “doubtful.” For a thesis, though, “arguable” means that it’s worth arguing: it’s something with which a reasonable person might disagree. This arguability criterion dovetails with the non-obvious one: it shows that the author has deeply explored a problem and arrived at an argument that legitimately needs 3, 5, 10, or 20 pages to explain and justify. In that way, a good thesis sets an ambitious agenda for an essay. A thesis such as “sustainability is important” isn’t at all difficult to argue for, and the reader would have little intrinsic motivation to read the rest of the paper. However, an arguable thesis such as “sustainability policies will inevitably fail if they do not incorporate social justice,” brings up some healthy skepticism. Thus, the arguable thesis makes the reader want to keep reading.
• A strong thesis is well specified . Some student writers fear that they’re being too obvious if they specify their thesis early in the essay; they think that a purposefully vague thesis might be more intriguing to the reader. However, consider movie trailers: they always include the most exciting and poignant moments from the film to attract an audience. In academic essays, too, a well specified thesis indicates that the author has thought rigorously about an issue and done thorough research, which makes the reader want to keep reading. Don’t just say that a particular policy is effective or fair; say what makes it is so. If you want to argue that a particular claim is dubious or incomplete, say why in your thesis.
• A strong thesis is supportable . The angle in your thesis should be able to be supported with examples, details, facts, observations, and other types of evidence, including research as appropriate.
• A strong thesis includes implications . Suppose your assignment is to write an essay about some aspect of the history of linen production and trade, a topic that may seem exceedingly arcane. And suppose you have constructed a well supported and creative argument that linen was so widely traded in the ancient Mediterranean that it actually served as a kind of currency. [1]   That’s a strong, insightful, arguable, well specified thesis. But which of these thesis statements do you find more engaging?

Version A: Linen served as a form of currency in the ancient Mediterranean world, connecting rival empires through circuits of trade. Version B: Linen served as a form of currency in the ancient Mediterranean world, connecting rival empires through circuits of trade. The economic role of linen raises important questions about how shifting environmental conditions can influence economic relationships and, by extension, political conflicts.

Strong thesis sentences have angles that are arguable, well-specified, and supportable. Not all topics and angles lend themselves to implications. However, if you’ve chosen a topic and created an angle that allows you to put your claims into a broader context, that additional context and its implications can create additional interest in an essay.

H ow do you produce a good, strong thesis? And how do you know when you’ve gotten there? Many instructors and writers find useful a metaphor based on this passage by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. [2] :

There are one-story intellects, two-story intellects, and three-story intellects with skylights. All fact collectors who have no aim beyond their facts are one-story men. Two-story men compare, reason, generalize using the labor of fact collectors as their own. Three-story men idealize, imagine, predict—their best illumination comes from above the skylight.

The biggest benefit of the three-story metaphor is that it describes a process for building a thesis. To build the first story, you first have to get familiar with the complex, relevant facts surrounding the problem or question. You have to be able to describe the situation thoroughly and accurately. Then, with that first story built, you can layer on the second story by formulating the insightful, arguable point that animates the analysis. That’s often the most effortful part: brainstorming, elaborating and comparing alternative ideas, finalizing your point. With that specified, you can frame the third story by articulating why the point you make matters beyond its particular topic or case.

For example, imagine you have been assigned an essay about the impact of online learning in higher education. You would first construct an account of the origins and multiple forms of online learning and assess research findings about its use and effectiveness. If you’ve done that well, you’ll probably come up with a well considered opinion that wouldn’t be obvious to readers who haven’t looked at the issue in depth. Maybe you’ll want to argue that online  learning is a threat to the academic community. Or perhaps you’ll want to make the case that online learning opens up pathways to college degrees that traditional campus-based learning does not. In the course of developing your central, argumentative point, you’ll come to recognize its larger context; in this example, you may claim that online learning can serve to better integrate higher education with the rest of society, as online learners bring their educational and career experiences together.

To outline this example:

• Basic Thesis/1st Story : Online learning is becoming more prevalent and takes many different forms. ( has a topic and angle, and is supportable, but the angle is broad. The angle would be more interesting if it offered an argument about an issue related to online learning.)
• Strong Thesis/2nd Story : Strong thesis: While most observers see it as a  transformation  of higher education, online learning is better thought of an  extension  of higher education in that it reaches learners who aren’t disposed to participate in traditional campus-based education.( has a topic and angle, angle is arguable, supportable, and well-specified )
• Stronger Thesis/3rd Story : Online learning appears to be a promising way to better integrate higher education with other institutions in society, as online learners integrate their educational experiences with the other realms of their life, promoting the freer flow of ideas between the academy and the rest of society. ( has a topic and angle, angle is arguable, supportable, and well-specified, angle contains implications that set the argument within a broader context )

Here’s one more example:

• Basic Thesis/1st Story : Scientists disagree about the likely impact in the U.S. of the light brown apple moth (LBAM) , an agricultural pest native to Australia. ( has a topic and an angle, and the angle is supportable, but the angle is broad. The angle would be more interesting if it offered an argument about an issue related to the light brown apple moth.)
• Strong Thesis/2nd Story : Research findings to date suggest that the decision to spray pheromones over the skies of several southern Californian counties to combat the light brown apple moth was poorly thought out. ( has a topic and angle, angle is arguable, supportable, and well-specified )
• Stronger Thesis/3rd Story : Together, the scientific ambiguities and the controversial response strengthen the claim that industrial-style approaches to pest management are inherently unsustainable. ( has a topic and angle, angle is arguable, supportable, and well-specified, angle contains implications that set the argument within a broader context )

A thesis statement that stops at the first story isn’t usually considered a thesis. A two-story thesis is usually considered competent, though some two-story theses are more intriguing and ambitious than others. A thoughtfully crafted and well informed three-story thesis, which sets the angle in a broader context,  puts the author on a smooth path toward an interesting and insightful essay. As a beginning writer, know that you need to “build” at least two stories into your thesis; the third is something to attempt and strive for.

Here’s more information on how to write a strong thesis sentence, offering your specific assertion that is feasible to support, and setting that assertion within a broader context.

• For more see Fabio Lopez-Lazaro “Linen.” In Encyclopedia of World Trade from Ancient Times to the Present . Armonk: M.E. Sharpe, 2005. ↵
• Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., The Poet at the Breakfast Table (New York: Houghton & Mifflin, 1892) ↵
• The metaphor is extraordinarily useful even though the passage is annoying. Beyond the sexist language of the time, it displays condescension toward “fact-collectors” which reflects a general modernist tendency to elevate the abstract and denigrate the concrete. In reality, data-collection is a creative and demanding craft, arguably more important than theorizing. ↵
• Characteristics of a Strong Thesis. Revision and adaptation of the page The Three-Story Thesis at https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-englishcomposition1/chapter/text-the-three-story-thesis/, which is a revision and adaptation of the page The three-story thesis: from the ground up at http://textbooks.opensuny.org/writing-in-college-from-competence-to-excellence/. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• The Three-Story Thesis. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-englishcomposition1/chapter/text-the-three-story-thesis/ . Project : English Composition I. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• The three-story thesis: from the ground up. Authored by : Amy Guptill. Provided by : The College at Brockport, SUNY. Located at : http://textbooks.opensuny.org/writing-in-college-from-competence-to-excellence/ . Project : Writing in College: From Competence to Excellence. License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• image of pagoda's three stories. Authored by : Takashi Hososhima. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://flic.kr/p/gGhtya . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• video How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement. Provided by : Scribbr. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFp1uGTXo4Q&t=62s . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video
• image of a strong woman climbing a wall. Authored by : Jason Goh. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/climbing-rope-rappelling-wall-rock-756669/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• image of a man lifting a barbell with weights. Authored by : Frederick Ochari. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/workout-gym-fitness-exercise-5350078/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved

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What are the characteristics required for a PhD thesis?

PhD days are important in ones life. They influence the research career as well as the academic career of a person to a great extent. In many cases it influences the personal life of a person to a large degree.

The quality of a PhD, in general, is assessed or understood by the thesis submitted by the student. So, thesis is a sole outcome in a documented form. It is then utmost important for a student to frame/write her thesis with great care. I am in search of abstract qualities/characteristics required for a PhD thesis.

The following are some characteristics of a PhD thesis I am aware of

• Novelty : the quality of being new or unusual, or a new or unusual experience

This characteristic says that the thesis pushed the boundary of the literature to certain extent which has not been pushed earlier by any other (at-least not documented).

• Original : An original piece of work , such as a painting, etc. is produced by the artist and not a copy

This characteristic is almost similar to the first one but the uniqueness of this characteristic is that it ensures that the author of thesis did not copy the work from any other and the novelty is originated from her only.

I may be unaware of any other characteristics that are required by a PhD thesis in general. Are there any other characteristics to keep in mind before starting thesis for PhD?

• "So, thesis is a sole outcome in a documented form." Nowadays, that's often not the case. Peer-reviewed publications have become the main outcome of a PhD project. In Germany, in most STEM fields, you are expected to publish three papers. You then only need to write about 10 additional pages and these together with your papers are called your thesis. –  user9482 Commented Aug 10, 2021 at 11:50
• Possible duplicate: What defines a PhD dissertation/thesis? –  cag51 ♦ Commented Aug 11, 2021 at 19:54

2 Answers 2

Originality and novelty are required, but not sufficient. In most fields, usefulness is just as important. But usefulness can be interpreted many ways. One is just that it contributes to understanding of a field. More important, when it occurs, is that it enables and opens the door to further explorations.

Very occasionally, however, a dissertation (or in general, any paper) can unify disparate threads of a field in which the existing theories leave gaps of understanding.

But, in some way, a "good" dissertation will push back against the darkness at the edge of understanding of a field, if only in a very limited sense. It should answer an interesting question for which an answer is not previously available.

My university defines a thesis worthy of a PhD as:

A candidate for the degree of PhD, PhD with Integrated Studies, MD, DDSc, DMedSci, EdD, DEdCPsy, DClinPsy or EngD is required to satisfy the examiners that his or her thesis: Is original work which forms an addition to knowledge Shows evidence of systematic study and of the ability to relate the results of such study to the general body of knowledge in the subject Is worthy of publication either in full or in an abridged form In addition, the form of the thesis should be such that it is demonstrably a coherent body of work, i.e. includes a summary, an introduction, a description of the aims of the research, an analytical discussion of the related findings to date, the main results and conclusions, and sets the total work in context.

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A Good Thesis Statement: Its Main Characteristics and Principles of Developing

Let us not waste your time talking about the significance of a good thesis statement. We just want to tell you that every reader is looking for it once he/she takes your paper and starts reading it.

If the reader cannot find a good thesis statement or finds it but it is ineffective, most probably he/she will quit reading further. This is why we suggest you learn some golden rules of making a good thesis statement right now!

A good thesis statement does the following:

• states what you are going to prove or believe in;
• distinguishes a well thought-over paper from a mere retelling of facts and events;
• helps you stay focused throughout the writing process.

The main characteristics of a good thesis statement

A good thesis statement should meet the following requirements:

• It should be clear and focused;
• It should be arguable;
• It should reflect your position on a topic.

Things to avoid in a good thesis statement

There are two things that should be avoided in a good thesis statement:

• Vague language, e.g. “issues”, “it seems”;
• The first person, e.g. “in my opinion”, “I suppose”.

How to make a good thesis statement

There are several questions that you should ask yourself if you want to make a good thesis statement:

• Will the reader ask questions like “Why?”, “How?”
• Can the reader ask “So what?” or “Who cares?”
• Can an expert say something like “No way”?
• Is it clear to the reader what major points you are going to make?

So, writing a thesis statement is not easy. However, it plays such an important role, thus, deserves your time and efforts.

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HOW TO WRITE A THESIS: Steps by step guide

Introduction

In the academic world, one of the hallmark rites signifying mastery of a course or academic area is the writing of a thesis . Essentially a thesis is a typewritten work, usually 50 to 350 pages in length depending on institutions, discipline, and educational level which is often aimed at addressing a particular problem in a given field.

While a thesis is inadequate to address all the problems in a given field, it is succinct enough to address a specialized aspect of the problem by taking a stance or making a claim on what the resolution of the problem should be. Writing a thesis can be a very daunting task because most times it is the first complex research undertaking for the student. The lack of research and writing skills to write a thesis coupled with fear and a limited time frame are factors that makes the writing of a thesis daunting. However, commitment to excellence on the part of the student combined with some of the techniques and methods that will be discussed below gives a fair chance that the student will be able to deliver an excellent thesis regardless of the subject area, the depth of the research specialization and the daunting amount of materials that must be comprehended(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

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What is a thesis?

A thesis is a statement, theory, argument, proposal or proposition, which is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. It explains the stand someone takes on an issue and how the person intends to justify the stand. It is always better to pick a topic that will be able to render professional help, a topic that you will be happy to talk about with anybody, a topic you have personal interest and passion for, because when writing a thesis gets frustrating personal interest, happiness and passion coupled with the professional help it will be easier to write a great thesis (see you through the thesis). One has to source for a lot of information concerning the topic one is writing a thesis on in order to know the important question, because for you to take a good stand on an issue you have to study the evidence first.

Qualities of a good thesis

A good thesis has the following qualities

• A good thesis must solve an existing problem in the society, organisation, government among others.
• A good thesis should be contestable, it should propose a point that is arguable which people can agree with or disagree.
• It is specific, clear and focused.
•   A good thesis does not use general terms and abstractions.  
• The claims of a good thesis should be definable and arguable.
• It anticipates the counter-argument s
• It does not use unclear language
• It avoids the first person. (“In my opinion”)
• A strong thesis should be able to take a stand and not just taking a stand but should be able to justify the stand that is taken, so that the reader will be tempted to ask questions like how or why.
• The thesis should be arguable, contestable, focused, specific, and clear. Make your thesis clear, strong and easy to find.
• The conclusion of a thesis should be based on evidence.

Steps in writing a Thesis

• First, think about good topics and theories that you can write before writing the thesis, then pick a topic. The topic or thesis statement is derived from a review of existing literature in the area of study that the researcher wants to explore. This route is taken when the unknowns in an area of study are not yet defined. Some areas of study have existing problems yearning to be solved and the drafting of the thesis topic or statement revolves around a selection of one of these problems.
• Once you have a good thesis, put it down and draw an outline . The outline is like a map of the whole thesis and it covers more commonly the introduction, literature review, discussion of methodology, discussion of results and the thesis’ conclusions and recommendations. The outline might differ from one institution to another but the one described in the preceding sentence is what is more commonly obtainable. It is imperative at this point to note that the outline drew still requires other mini- outlines for each of the sections mentioned. The outlines and mini- outlines provide a graphical over- view of the whole project and can also be used in allocating the word- count for each section and sub- section based on the overall word- count requirement of the thesis(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).
• Literature search. Remember to draw a good outline you need to do literature search to familiarize yourself with the concepts and the works of others. Similarly, to achieve this, you need to read as much material that contains necessary information as you can. There will always be a counter argument for everything so anticipate it because it will help shape your thesis. Read everything you can–academic research, trade literature, and information in the popular press and on the Internet(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).
• After getting all the information you need, the knowledge you gathered should help in suggesting the aim of your thesis.

Remember; a thesis is not supposed to be a question or a list, thesis should specific and as clear as possible. The claims of a thesis should be definable and also arguable.

• Then collecting and analyzing data, after data analysis, the result of the analysis should be written and discussed, followed by summary, conclusion, recommendations, list of references and the appendices
• The last step is editing of the thesis and proper spell checking.

Structure of a Thesis

A conventional thesis has five chapters – chapter 1-5 which will be discussed in detail below. However, it is important to state that a thesis is not limited to any chapter or section as the case may be. In fact, a thesis can be five, six, seven or even eight chapters.  What determines the number of chapters in a thesis includes institution rules/ guideline, researcher choice, supervisor choice, programme or educational level. In fact, most PhD thesis are usually more than 5 chapters(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

Preliminaries Pages: The preliminaries are the cover page, the title page, the table of contents page, and the abstract.

The introduction: The introduction is the first section and it provides as the name implies an introduction to the thesis. The introduction contains such aspects as the background to the study which provides information on the topic in the context of what is happening in the world as related to the topic. It also discusses the relevance of the topic to society, policies formulated success and failure. The introduction also contains the statement of the problem which is essentially a succinct description of the problem that the thesis want to solve and what the trend will be if the problem is not solved. The concluding part of the statement of problem ends with an outline of the research questions. These are the questions which when answered helps in achieving the aim of the thesis. The third section is the outline of research objectives. Conventionally research objectives re a conversion the research questions into an active statement form. Other parts of the introduction are a discussion of hypotheses (if any), the significance of the study, delimitations, proposed methodology and a discussion of the structure of the study(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

The main body includes the following; the literature review, methodology, research results and discussion of the result, the summary, conclusion and recommendations, the list of references and the appendices.

The literature review : The literature review is often the most voluminous aspects of a thesis because it reviews past empirical and theoretical literature about the problem being studied. This section starts by discussing the concepts relevant to the problem as indicated in the topic, the relationship between the concepts and what discoveries have being made on topic based on the choice of methodologies. The validity of the studies reviewed are questioned and findings are compared in order to get a comprehensive picture of the problem. The literature review also discusses the theories and theoretical frameworks that are relevant to the problem, the gaps that are evident in literature and how the thesis being written helps in resolving some of the gaps.

The major importance of Literature review is that it specifies the gap in the existing knowledge (gap in literature). The source of the literature that is being reviewed should be specified. For instance; ‘It has been argued that if the rural youth are to be aware of their community development role they need to be educated’ Effiong, (1992). The author’s name can be at the beginning, end or in between the literature. The literature should be discussed and not just stated (RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

The methodology: The third section is a discussion of the research methodology adopted in the thesis and touches on aspects such as the research design, the area, population and sample that will be considered for the study as well as the sampling procedure. These aspects are discussed in terms of choice, method and rationale. This section also covers the sub- section of data collection, data analysis and measures of ensuring validity of study. It is the chapter 3. This chapter explains the method used in data collection and data analysis. It explains the methodology adopted and why it is the best method to be used, it also explains every step of data collection and analysis. The data used could be primary data or secondary data. While analysing the data, proper statistical tool should be used in order to fit the stated objectives of the thesis. The statistical tool could be; the spearman rank order correlation, chi square, analysis of variance (ANOVA) etc (RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

The findings and discussion of result : The next section is a discussion of findings based on the data collection instrumentation used and the objectives or hypotheses of study if any. It is the chapter 4. It is research results. This is the part that describes the research. It shows the result gotten from data that is collected and analysed. It discusses the result and how it relates to your profession.

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation: This is normally the chapter 5. The last section discusses the summary of the study and the conclusions arrived at based on the findings discussed in the previous section. This section also presents any policy recommendations that the researcher wants to propose (RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

References: It cite all ideas, concepts, text, data that are not your own. It is acceptable to put the initials of the individual authors behind their last names. The way single author is referenced is different from the way more than one author is referenced (RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).

The appendices; it includes all data in the appendix. Reference data or materials that is not easily available. It includes tables and calculations, List of equipment used for an experiment or details of complicated procedures. If a large number of references are consulted but all are not cited, it may also be included in the appendix. The appendices also contain supportive or complementary information like the questionnaire, the interview schedule, tables and charts while the references section contain an ordered list of all literature, academic and contemporary cited in the thesis. Different schools have their own preferred referencing styles(RE: write a thesis or writing a thesis).   

Follow the following steps to achieve successful thesis writing

Start writing early. Do not delay writing until you have finished your project or research. Write complete and concise “Technical Reports” as and when you finish each nugget of work. This way, you will remember everything you did and document it accurately, when the work is still fresh in your mind. This is especially so if your work involves programming.

Spot errors early. A well-written “Technical Report” will force you to think about what you have done, before you move on to something else. If anything is amiss, you will detect it at once and can easily correct it, rather than have to re-visit the work later, when you may be pressured for time and have lost touch with it.

Write your thesis from the inside out. Begin with the chapters on your own experimental work. You will develop confidence in writing them because you know your own work better than anyone else. Once you have overcome the initial inertia, move on to the other chapters.

End with a bang, not a whimper. First things first, and save the best for last. First and last impressions persist. Arrange your chapters so that your first and last experimental chapters are sound and solid.

Write the Introduction after writing the Conclusions. The examiner will read the Introduction first, and then the Conclusions, to see if the promises made in the former are indeed fulfilled in the latter. Ensure that your introduction and Conclusions match.

“No man is an Island”. The critical review of the literature places your work in context. Usually, one third of the PhD thesis is about others’ work; two thirds, what you have done yourself. After a thorough and critical literature review, the PhD candidate must be able to identify the major researchers in the field and make a sound proposal for doctoral research. Estimate the time to write your thesis and then multiply it by three to get the correct estimate. Writing at one stretch is very demanding and it is all too easy to underestimate the time required for it; inflating your first estimate by a factor of three is more realistic.

Punctuating your thesis

Punctuation Good punctuation makes reading easy. The simplest way to find out where to punctuate is to read aloud what you have written. Each time you pause, you should add a punctuation symbol. There are four major pause symbols, arranged below in ascending order of “degree of pause”:

• Comma. Use the comma to indicate a short pause or to separate items in a list. A pair of commas may delimit the beginning and end of a subordinate clause or phrase. Sometimes, this is also done with a pair of “em dashes” which are printed like this:
• Semi-colon. The semi-colon signifies a longer pause than the comma. It separates segments of a sentence that are “further apart” in position, or meaning, but which are nevertheless related. If the ideas were “closer together”, a comma would have been used. It is also used to separate two clauses that may stand on their own but which are too closely related for a colon or full stop to intervene between them.
• Colon. The colon is used before one or more examples of a concept, and whenever items are to be listed in a visually separate fashion. The sentence that introduced the itemized list you are now reading ended in a colon. It may also be used to separate two fairly—but not totally—independent clauses in a sentence.
• Full stop or period. The full stop ends a sentence. If the sentence embodies a question or an exclamation, then, of course, it is ended with a question mark or exclamation mark, respectively. The full stop is also used to terminate abbreviations like etc., (for et cetera), e.g., (for exempli gratia), et al., (for et alia) etc., but not with abbreviations for SI units. The readability of your writing will improve greatly if you take the trouble to learn the basic rules of punctuation given above.

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Home » Article Writing Services » Thesis Writing Services » Understanding the Characteristics and Format of Thesis Writing

Understanding the Characteristics and Format of Thesis Writing

Are you struggling to write your thesis and need help? Understanding the characteristics and format of thesis writing can benefit you in this task.

Characteristics of Thesis

A thesis can be very beneficial for you if you write it with some consideration and do in-depth research. It showcases your ability to use your intellectual, communication and research skills to contribute to your industry.

A thesis can take your career to new heights but is time-consuming and demanding. Knowing how to structure and plan your thesis can save you precious time and effort. Let’s understand the characteristics of a thesis so that you can be prepared to write your own.

Needs Original Research

Research is considered the backbone of a thesis. It requires an understanding of topics with facts and clarity. Original research or using already available information to benefit your industry is crucial. This can also help you form new ideas and perspectives to present your topic in a new light.

Strong Formatting

A thesis is a professional document. It contains a lot of information, and thus, it requires proper structure and formatting. A thesis with strong formatting is easily noticed and accepted in esteemed journals for wide publication. It contains an introduction, literature review , data analysis, important findings, and conclusion. Wondering what are the different types of thesis formats? If yes, here is the list:

• Traditional Thesis/Dissertation: A linear format with chapters like Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.
• Manuscript-Based Thesis/Dissertation: Comprising related manuscripts or published papers with an overarching theme or introduction for each chapter.
• Case Study Thesis: In-depth analysis of specific cases within a broader context, including detailed descriptions and analysis.
• Theoretical Framework Thesis: Development or refinement of a theoretical framework within a discipline, including a detailed review and proposal.

In addition, there are many more formats of thesis, but the base is same for all that is research, results, and writing.

Academic Standards

A good thesis should meet academic standards. These include deep knowledge of the subject, relevant research, and critical analysis of topics. Meeting these standards represents your level of professionalism and intellectual skills.

Proper Citations and References

APA, MLA, or Chicago are examples of citations used in thesis writing. A writer must include relevant references and citations for all information used in the thesis. This increases the chances of credible work and helps you avoid any plagiarism.

Valuable For Industry

A valuable thesis always changes one’s beliefs about a certain topic. It also helps widen the information available on the topic. This can add value to your industry by providing a credible source of information.

Presents a Defense

Students and thesis writers must always be prepared for a defense. The panel may ask you relevant questions or challenge your thesis beliefs. This showcases how well you know your thesis and mastery of the subject.

Format of Thesis Writing  

Drafting a thesis can be challenging for any student as it requires expertise and professional considerations. Even with good information and deep research, a thesis won’t be successful without proper formatting.

However, once you know what you need to include, the chronology becomes very simple. You can understand the order in which you need to present your research information formally.  Are you wondering which format is best for a thesis? If so, let’s understand the format for writing a thesis.

Front Content

This is the earliest part of your thesis, and leaving a good first impression is very important. The following are the things that you should include:

Your department usually allocates a separate page for writing the title. Experts advise thesis writers to use relevant and informative titles. You can use a title that best describes your thesis and is easy for your audience to understand. This can enhance your connection with readers and provide a good start.

This section can describe your research problems and methodologies used for your thesis. You can also show the end of the thesis and the results you achieved.

Table of Contents

You are supposed to list the headings and subheadings used in the thesis. Also, showcase the number of pages for each topic.

List of Tables

It includes all the table numbers, titles, and pages included in your thesis. It ensures clarity of the topic’s location in your thesis.

Nomenclature

If you feel the readers may get confused by unfamiliar number systems, you can include those in nomenclature. Explain the symbols and their meanings in a simple manner.

Body Content

This is the most important part of your thesis, where you begin writing about the topic. It includes the following things.

Introduction

This section is divided into the subcategories of background, problem, and statement of purpose.

In this section, you can include the theory to justify your equations. It acts as a basis for proof and a detailed description of your thesis.

Methodology

Think of this as a blueprint for the research. It basically outlines the process of getting data, research tests, and hypotheses. You can also include methods you used to collect information, like surveys or questionnaires.

This will ensure the validation and credibility of your research so your readers can benefit from it. You should pay attention to this as experts consider it the most important part of the thesis.

After the topics, students are supposed to present the results of each topic, which can include numbers, graphs, or tables.

Implications

You can brainstorm your results and further discuss some topics for future research.

You can conclude each chapter by providing your point of view. Writers also use this section to signify how the findings are related to the thesis topic and subject. The analytical aspects and theories are also compared to validate a point of the thesis.

End Content for Format of Thesis Writing

You need to provide references and thank the people who assisted you in completing this project.

Acknowledgment

You can mention your mentors, colleagues, agencies, or advisers who helped you complete your thesis.

This provides information about procedures, data, and calculations for this project.

Bibliography

You need to mention the references that helped you in the thesis. In most cases, a proper structure for this is provided by your authorities, and you are asked to follow it.

If you are not clear on how to write a thesis for a research paper , then thesis writing services can help you. For example, you can reach ARDA Conference to get help in thesis writing on any topic of your field.

In conclusion, understanding the format for writing a thesis can serve you well. Be mindful of how you present your researched information and present it professionally. This can help you get accepted by journals easily. We hope this article helped clear your doubts and gave you the clarity to finish your thesis. Happy writing!

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25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a Breeze

Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the major keys to writing a great research paper or argumentative essay. The thesis statement is where you make a claim that will guide you through your entire paper. If you find yourself struggling to make sense of your paper or your topic, then it's likely due to a weak thesis statement.

Let's take a minute to first understand what makes a solid thesis statement, and what key components you need to write one of your own.

A thesis statement always goes at the beginning of the paper. It will typically be in the first couple of paragraphs of the paper so that it can introduce the body paragraphs, which are the supporting evidence for your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should clearly identify an argument. You need to have a statement that is not only easy to understand, but one that is debatable. What that means is that you can't just put any statement of fact and have it be your thesis. For example, everyone knows that puppies are cute . An ineffective thesis statement would be, "Puppies are adorable and everyone knows it." This isn't really something that's a debatable topic.

Something that would be more debatable would be, "A puppy's cuteness is derived from its floppy ears, small body, and playfulness." These are three things that can be debated on. Some people might think that the cutest thing about puppies is the fact that they follow you around or that they're really soft and fuzzy.

All cuteness aside, you want to make sure that your thesis statement is not only debatable, but that it also actually thoroughly answers the research question that was posed. You always want to make sure that your evidence is supporting a claim that you made (and not the other way around). This is why it's crucial to read and research about a topic first and come to a conclusion later. If you try to get your research to fit your thesis statement, then it may not work out as neatly as you think. As you learn more, you discover more (and the outcome may not be what you originally thought).

Additionally, your thesis statement shouldn't be too big or too grand. It'll be hard to cover everything in a thesis statement like, "The federal government should act now on climate change." The topic is just too large to actually say something new and meaningful. Instead, a more effective thesis statement might be, "Local governments can combat climate change by providing citizens with larger recycling bins and offering local classes about composting and conservation." This is easier to work with because it's a smaller idea, but you can also discuss the overall topic that you might be interested in, which is climate change.

So, now that we know what makes a good, solid thesis statement, you can start to write your own. If you find that you're getting stuck or you are the type of person who needs to look at examples before you start something, then check out our list of thesis statement examples below.

Thesis statement examples

A quick note that these thesis statements have not been fully researched. These are merely examples to show you what a thesis statement might look like and how you can implement your own ideas into one that you think of independently. As such, you should not use these thesis statements for your own research paper purposes. They are meant to be used as examples only.

• Vaccinations Because many children are unable to vaccinate due to illness, we must require that all healthy and able children be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity.
• Educational Resources for Low-Income Students Schools should provide educational resources for low-income students during the summers so that they don't forget what they've learned throughout the school year.
• School Uniforms School uniforms may be an upfront cost for families, but they eradicate the visual differences in income between students and provide a more egalitarian atmosphere at school.
• Populism The rise in populism on the 2016 political stage was in reaction to increasing globalization, the decline of manufacturing jobs, and the Syrian refugee crisis.
• Public Libraries Libraries are essential resources for communities and should be funded more heavily by local municipalities.
• Cyber Bullying With more and more teens using smartphones and social media, cyber bullying is on the rise. Cyber bullying puts a lot of stress on many teens, and can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Parents should limit the usage of smart phones, monitor their children's online activity, and report any cyber bullying to school officials in order to combat this problem.
• Medical Marijuana for Veterans Studies have shown that the use of medicinal marijuana has been helpful to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Medicinal marijuana prescriptions should be legal in all states and provided to these veterans. Additional medical or therapy services should also be researched and implemented in order to help them re-integrate back into civilian life.
• Work-Life Balance Corporations should provide more work from home opportunities and six-hour workdays so that office workers have a better work-life balance and are more likely to be productive when they are in the office.
• Teaching Youths about Consensual Sex Although sex education that includes a discussion of consensual sex would likely lead to less sexual assault, parents need to teach their children the meaning of consent from a young age with age appropriate lessons.
• Whether or Not to Attend University A degree from a university provides invaluable lessons on life and a future career, but not every high school student should be encouraged to attend a university directly after graduation. Some students may benefit from a trade school or a "gap year" where they can think more intensely about what it is they want to do for a career and how they can accomplish this.
• Studying Abroad Studying abroad is one of the most culturally valuable experiences you can have in college. It is the only way to get completely immersed in another language and learn how other cultures and countries are different from your own.
• Women's Body Image Magazines have done a lot in the last five years to include a more diverse group of models, but there is still a long way to go to promote a healthy woman's body image collectively as a culture.
• Cigarette Tax Heavily taxing and increasing the price of cigarettes is essentially a tax on the poorest Americans, and it doesn't deter them from purchasing. Instead, the state and federal governments should target those economically disenfranchised with early education about the dangers of smoking.
• Veganism A vegan diet, while a healthy and ethical way to consume food, indicates a position of privilege. It also limits you to other cultural food experiences if you travel around the world.
• University Athletes Should be Compensated University athletes should be compensated for their service to the university, as it is difficult for these students to procure and hold a job with busy academic and athletic schedules. Many student athletes on scholarship also come from low-income neighborhoods and it is a struggle to make ends meet when they are participating in athletics.
• Women in the Workforce Sheryl Sandberg makes a lot of interesting points in her best-selling book, Lean In , but she only addressed the very privileged working woman and failed to speak to those in lower-skilled, lower-wage jobs.
• Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide should be legal and doctors should have the ability to make sure their patients have the end-of-life care that they want to receive.
• Celebrity and Political Activism Although Taylor Swift's lyrics are indicative of a feminist perspective, she should be more politically active and vocal to use her position of power for the betterment of society.
• The Civil War The insistence from many Southerners that the South seceded from the Union for states' rights versus the fact that they seceded for the purposes of continuing slavery is a harmful myth that still affects race relations today.
• Blue Collar Workers Coal miners and other blue-collar workers whose jobs are slowly disappearing from the workforce should be re-trained in jobs in the technology sector or in renewable energy. A program to re-train these workers would not only improve local economies where jobs have been displaced, but would also lead to lower unemployment nationally.
• Diversity in the Workforce Having a diverse group of people in an office setting leads to richer ideas, more cooperation, and more empathy between people with different skin colors or backgrounds.
• Re-Imagining the Nuclear Family The nuclear family was traditionally defined as one mother, one father, and 2.5 children. This outdated depiction of family life doesn't quite fit with modern society. The definition of normal family life shouldn't be limited to two-parent households.
• Digital Literacy Skills With more information readily available than ever before, it's crucial that students are prepared to examine the material they're reading and determine whether or not it's a good source or if it has misleading information. Teaching students digital literacy and helping them to understand the difference between opinion or propaganda from legitimate, real information is integral.
• Beauty Pageants Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower women. However, putting women in a swimsuit on a stage while simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an impossible question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the amusement of men. Therefore, we should stop televising beauty pageants.
• Supporting More Women to Run for a Political Position In order to get more women into political positions, more women must run for office. There must be a grassroots effort to educate women on how to run for office, who among them should run, and support for a future candidate for getting started on a political career.

Still stuck? Need some help with your thesis statement?

If you are still uncertain about how to write a thesis statement or what a good thesis statement is, be sure to consult with your teacher or professor to make sure you're on the right track. It's always a good idea to check in and make sure that your thesis statement is making a solid argument and that it can be supported by your research.

After you're done writing, it's important to have someone take a second look at your paper so that you can ensure there are no mistakes or errors. It's difficult to spot your own mistakes, which is why it's always recommended to have someone help you with the revision process, whether that's a teacher, the writing center at school, or a professional editor such as one from ServiceScape .

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Thesis Format – Templates and Samples

Table of contents.

Thesis Format

Thesis format refers to the structure and layout of a research thesis or dissertation. It typically includes several chapters, each of which focuses on a particular aspect of the research topic .

The exact format of a thesis can vary depending on the academic discipline and the institution, but some common elements include:

Introduction

Literature review, methodology.

The title page is the first page of a thesis that provides essential information about the document, such as the title, author’s name, degree program, university, and the date of submission. It is considered as an important component of a thesis as it gives the reader an initial impression of the document’s content and quality.

The typical contents of a title page in a thesis include:

• The title of the thesis: It should be concise, informative, and accurately represent the main topic of the research.
• Author’s name: This should be written in full and should be the same as it appears on official university records.
• Degree program and department: This should specify the type of degree (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral) and the field of study (e.g., Computer Science, Psychology, etc.).
• University: The name of the university where the thesis is being submitted.
• Date of submission : The month and year of submission of the thesis.
• Other details that can be included on the title page include the name of the advisor, the name of the committee members, and any acknowledgments.

In terms of formatting, the title page should be centered horizontally and vertically on the page, with a consistent font size and style. The page margin for the title page should be at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides. Additionally, it is common practice to include the university logo or crest on the title page, and this should be placed appropriately.

Title of the Thesis in Title Case by Author’s Full Name in Title Case

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Department Name at the University Name

Month Year of Submission

An abstract is a brief summary of a thesis or research paper that provides an overview of the main points, methodology, and findings of the study. It is typically placed at the beginning of the document, after the title page and before the introduction.

The purpose of an abstract is to provide readers with a quick and concise overview of the research paper or thesis. It should be written in a clear and concise language, and should not contain any jargon or technical terms that are not easily understood by the general public.

Here’s an example of an abstract for a thesis:

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health among Adolescents

This study examines the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. The research utilized a survey methodology and collected data from a sample of 500 adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years. The findings reveal that social media has a significant impact on mental health among adolescents, with frequent use of social media associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The study concludes that there is a need for increased awareness and education on the risks associated with excessive use of social media, and recommends strategies for promoting healthy social media habits among adolescents.

In this example, the abstract provides a concise summary of the thesis by highlighting the main points, methodology, and findings of the study. It also provides a clear indication of the significance of the study and its implications for future research and practice.

A table of contents is an essential part of a thesis as it provides the reader with an overview of the entire document’s structure and organization.

Here’s an example of how a table of contents might look in a thesis:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………..1

A. Background of the Study………………………………………..1

B. Statement of the Problem……………………………………….2

C. Objectives of the Study………………………………………..3

D. Research Questions…………………………………………….4

E. Significance of the Study………………………………………5

F. Scope and Limitations………………………………………….6

G. Definition of Terms……………………………………………7

II. LITERATURE REVIEW. ………………………………………………8

A. Overview of the Literature……………………………………..8

B. Key Themes and Concepts………………………………………..9

C. Gaps in the Literature………………………………………..10

D. Theoretical Framework………………………………………….11

III. METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………12

A. Research Design………………………………………………12

B. Participants and Sampling……………………………………..13

C. Data Collection Procedures…………………………………….14

D. Data Analysis Procedures………………………………………15

IV. RESULTS …………………………………………………………16

A. Descriptive Statistics…………………………………………16

B. Inferential Statistics…………………………………………17

V. DISCUSSION ………………………………………………………18

A. Interpretation of Results………………………………………18

B. Discussion of Finding s …………………………………………19

C. Implications of the Study………………………………………20

VI. CONCLUSION ………………………………………………………21

A. Summary of the Study…………………………………………..21

B. Limitations of the Study……………………………………….22

C. Recommendations for Future Research……………………………..23

REFERENCES …………………………………………………………….24

APPENDICES …………………………………………………………….26

As you can see, the table of contents is organized by chapters and sections. Each chapter and section is listed with its corresponding page number, making it easy for the reader to navigate the thesis.

The introduction is a critical part of a thesis as it provides an overview of the research problem, sets the context for the study, and outlines the research objectives and questions. The introduction is typically the first chapter of a thesis and serves as a roadmap for the reader.

Here’s an example of how an introduction in a thesis might look:

Introduction:

The prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly in recent decades, with more than one-third of adults in the United States being classified as obese. Obesity is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Despite significant efforts to address this issue, the rates of obesity continue to rise. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in young adults.

The study will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach, with both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The research objectives are to:

• Examine the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in young adults.
• Identify the key lifestyle factors that contribute to obesity in young adults.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions aimed at preventing and reducing obesity in young adults.

The research questions that will guide this study are:

• What is the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in young adults?
• Which lifestyle factors are most strongly associated with obesity in young adults?
• How effective are current interventions aimed at preventing and reducing obesity in young adults?

By addressing these research questions, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the factors that contribute to obesity in young adults and to inform the development of effective interventions to prevent and reduce obesity in this population.

A literature review is a critical analysis and evaluation of existing literature on a specific topic or research question. It is an essential part of any thesis, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the existing research on the topic and helps to establish the theoretical framework for the study. The literature review allows the researcher to identify gaps in the current research, highlight areas that need further exploration, and demonstrate the importance of their research question.

April 9, 2023:

A search on Google Scholar for “Effectiveness of Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic” yielded 1,540 results. Upon reviewing the first few pages of results, it is evident that there is a significant amount of literature on the topic. A majority of the studies focus on the experiences and perspectives of students and educators during the transition to online learning due to the pandemic.

One recent study published in the Journal of Educational Technology & Society (Liu et al., 2023) found that students who were already familiar with online learning tools and platforms had an easier time adapting to online learning than those who were not. However, the study also found that students who were not familiar with online learning tools were able to adapt with proper support from their teachers and institutions.

Another study published in Computers & Education (Tang et al., 2023) compared the academic performance of students in online and traditional classroom settings during the pandemic. The study found that while there were no significant differences in the grades of students in the two settings, students in online classes reported higher levels of stress and lower levels of satisfaction with their learning experience.

Methodology in a thesis refers to the overall approach and systematic process that a researcher follows to collect and analyze data in order to answer their research question(s) or achieve their research objectives. It includes the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and any other relevant procedures that the researcher uses to conduct their research.

For example, let’s consider a thesis on the impact of social media on mental health among teenagers. The methodology for this thesis might involve the following steps:

Research Design:

The researcher may choose to conduct a quantitative study using a survey questionnaire to collect data on social media usage and mental health among teenagers. Alternatively, they may conduct a qualitative study using focus group discussions or interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of teenagers regarding social media and mental health.

Sampling Techniques:

The researcher may use random sampling to select a representative sample of teenagers from a specific geographic location or demographic group, or they may use purposive sampling to select participants who meet specific criteria such as age, gender, or mental health status.

Data Collection Methods:

The researcher may use an online survey tool to collect data on social media usage and mental health, or they may conduct face-to-face interviews or focus group discussions to gather qualitative data. They may also use existing data sources such as medical records or social media posts.

Data Analysis Procedures:

The researcher may use statistical analysis techniques such as regression analysis to examine the relationship between social media usage and mental health, or they may use thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns in the qualitative data.

Ethical Considerations: The researcher must ensure that their research is conducted in an ethical manner, which may involve obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their confidentiality, and ensuring that their rights and welfare are respected.

In a thesis, the “Results” section typically presents the findings of the research conducted by the author. This section typically includes both quantitative and qualitative data, such as statistical analyses, tables, figures, and other relevant data.

Here are some examples of how the “Results” section of a thesis might look:

Example 1: A quantitative study on the effects of exercise on cardiovascular health

In this study, the author conducts a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of exercise on cardiovascular health in a group of sedentary adults. The “Results” section might include tables showing the changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other relevant indicators in the exercise and control groups over the course of the study. The section might also include statistical analyses, such as t-tests or ANOVA, to demonstrate the significance of the results.

Example 2: A qualitative study on the experiences of immigrant families in a new country

In this study, the author conducts in-depth interviews with immigrant families to explore their experiences of adapting to a new country. The “Results” section might include quotes from the interviews that illustrate the participants’ experiences, as well as a thematic analysis that identifies common themes and patterns in the data. The section might also include a discussion of the implications of the findings for policy and practice.

A thesis discussion section is an opportunity for the author to present their interpretation and analysis of the research results. In this section, the author can provide their opinion on the findings, compare them with other literature, and suggest future research directions.

For example, let’s say the thesis topic is about the impact of social media on mental health. The author has conducted a survey among 500 individuals and has found that there is a significant correlation between excessive social media use and poor mental health.

In the discussion section, the author can start by summarizing the main findings and stating their interpretation of the results. For instance, the author may argue that excessive social media use is likely to cause mental health problems due to the pressure of constantly comparing oneself to others, fear of missing out, and cyberbullying.

Next, the author can compare their results with other studies and point out similarities and differences. They can also identify any limitations in their research design and suggest future directions for research.

For example, the author may point out that their study only measured social media use and mental health at one point in time, and it is unclear whether one caused the other or whether there are other confounding factors. Therefore, they may suggest longitudinal studies that follow individuals over time to better understand the causal relationship.

Writing a conclusion for a thesis is an essential part of the overall writing process. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the thesis and provide a sense of closure to the reader. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the research process and offer suggestions for further study.

Here is an example of a conclusion for a thesis:

After an extensive analysis of the data collected, it is evident that the implementation of a new curriculum has had a significant impact on student achievement. The findings suggest that the new curriculum has improved student performance in all subject areas, and this improvement is particularly notable in math and science. The results of this study provide empirical evidence to support the notion that curriculum reform can positively impact student learning outcomes.

In addition to the positive results, this study has also identified areas for future research. One limitation of the current study is that it only examines the short-term effects of the new curriculum. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of the new curriculum on student performance, as well as investigate the impact of the curriculum on students with different learning styles and abilities.

Overall, the findings of this study have important implications for educators and policymakers who are interested in improving student outcomes. The results of this study suggest that the implementation of a new curriculum can have a positive impact on student achievement, and it is recommended that schools and districts consider curriculum reform as a means of improving student learning outcomes.

References in a thesis typically follow a specific format depending on the citation style required by your academic institution or publisher.

Below are some examples of different citation styles and how to reference different types of sources in your thesis:

In-text citation format: (Author, Year)

Reference list format for a book: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Publisher.

Example: In-text citation: (Smith, 2010) Reference list entry: Smith, J. D. (2010). The art of writing a thesis. Cambridge University Press.

Reference list format for a journal article: Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page range.

Example: In-text citation: (Brown, 2015) Reference list entry: Brown, E., Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2015). The impact of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 108(3), 393-407.

In-text citation format: (Author page number)

Works Cited list format for a book: Author. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of publication.

Example: In-text citation: (Smith 75) Works Cited entry: Smith, John D. The Art of Writing a Thesis. Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Works Cited list format for a journal article: Author(s). “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, volume number, issue number, date, pages.

Example: In-text citation: (Brown 394) Works Cited entry: Brown, Elizabeth, et al. “The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance.” Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 108, no. 3, 2015, pp. 393-407.

Chicago Style

In-text citation format: (Author year, page number)

Bibliography list format for a book: Author. Title of Book. Place of publication: Publisher, Year of publication.

Example: In-text citation: (Smith 2010, 75) Bibliography entry: Smith, John D. The Art of Writing a Thesis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Bibliography list format for a journal article: Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal volume number, no. issue number (date): page numbers.

Example: In-text citation: (Brown 2015, 394) Bibliography entry: Brown, Elizabeth, John Smith, and Laura Johnson. “The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance.” Journal of Educational Psychology 108, no. 3 (2015): 393-407.

Reference list format for a book: [1] A. A. Author, Title of Book. City of Publisher, Abbrev. of State: Publisher, year.

Example: In-text citation: [1] Reference list entry: A. J. Smith, The Art of Writing a Thesis. New York, NY: Academic Press, 2010.

Reference list format for a journal article: [1] A. A. Author, “Title of Article,” Title of Journal, vol. x, no. x, pp. xxx-xxx, Month year.

Example: In-text citation: [1] Reference list entry: E. Brown, J. D. Smith, and L. Johnson, “The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance,” Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 108, no. 3, pp. 393-407, Mar. 2015.

An appendix in a thesis is a section that contains additional information that is not included in the main body of the document but is still relevant to the topic being discussed. It can include figures, tables, graphs, data sets, sample questionnaires, or any other supplementary material that supports your thesis.

Here is an example of how you can format appendices in your thesis:

• Title page: The appendix should have a separate title page that lists the title, author’s name, the date, and the document type (i.e., thesis or dissertation). The title page should be numbered as the first page of the appendix section.
• Table of contents: If you have more than one appendix, you should include a separate table of contents that lists each appendix and its page number. The table of contents should come after the title page.
• Appendix sections: Each appendix should have its own section with a clear and concise title that describes the contents of the appendix. Each section should be numbered with Arabic numerals (e.g., Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.). The sections should be listed in the table of contents.
• Formatting: The formatting of the appendices should be consistent with the rest of the thesis. This includes font size, font style, line spacing, and margins.
• Example: Here is an example of what an appendix might look like in a thesis on the topic of climate change:

Appendix 1: Data Sources

This appendix includes a list of the primary data sources used in this thesis, including their URLs and a brief description of the data they provide.

Appendix 2: Survey Questionnaire

This appendix includes the survey questionnaire used to collect data from participants in the study.

Appendix 3: Additional Figures

This appendix includes additional figures that were not included in the main body of the thesis due to space limitations. These figures provide additional support for the findings presented in the thesis.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Methodology for efficient use of thermal energy in the chemical and petrochemical industry

The current European energy regulation, aligned with the European Union energy strategy and targets for the next decade, requires large industrial companies to regularly assess their energy performance and implement energy efficiency improvement measures. In many cases, these energy reviews fulfill minimum criteria for energy audits set by the legislation, and focus on the optimisation of the energy conversion units and utilities distribution. Opportunities for energy savings within production processes are missed, which can also lead to an inadequate hot and cold supply system. Existing methods for energy reviews in the petrochemical sector do not feature the holistic and systematic aspects required to deeply analyse and improve industrial sites down to the production units level. The lack of time and human resources, combined to the availability and reliability of data, are additional barriers preventing detailed studies to take place. This thesis presents a comprehensive methodology to carry out detailed energy review of petro- chemical plants, in accordance with energy management and auditing standards requirements. This methodology comprises three main steps: the energy consumption analysis, the targeting of the heat recovery potential and the identification and evaluation of energy saving opportunities to reach this target. A top-down approach is undertaken in the first step, with the objective of translating the raw energy consumption of the system into process units heating and cooling demand. In doing so the mass and energy flows are mapped and the efficiency of the entire energy chain is characterised in a structured way. The focus on the process requirements allows to understand how much, where and why energy is consumed. In this first step, guidelines and heuristic rules are defined to reduce the required time for data collection. A data consistency check in the form of key mass and energy balances ensures the validity of data and a good control of the energy flows of the system. In the second step, a novel methodology for the definition of the minimum approach temperature in pinch analysis is presented. By considering the characteristics of each process hot and cold stream individually, together with the economic parameters of the system, the heat recovery potential is refined and the minimum energy consumption targets are closer to what can be achieved economically. From the results of the pinch analysis, the objective of the third step is to reach the energy targets through the identification of energy saving opportunities. A bottom up approach is defined to look for options starting from the process operating parameters and heat integration towards the optimisation of the energy conversion and distribution system. Waste heat recovery through heat pumping being a recurring identified opportunity, a heat transformer system is proposed, coupling a mechanical vapour compression cycle to an organic Rankine cycle. Integrated to the polyethylene slurry production, this system allows to recover the residual reaction heat and produce steam without importing electricity from the grid. In doing so the energy consumption is reduced by 50%. The proposed methodology was developed, tested and refined on around 10 different petrochemical sites, enabling a comprehensive analysis of their energy performance and leading to the identification of promising energy saving opportunities to increase the energy efficiency of their production.

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