How to Write a Thesis Statement

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement

-tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.

-is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.

-directly answers the question asked of you.

A thesis statement makes a claim that others might dispute.

It is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader.

The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

Three traits of a good thesis statement:

1. A good thesis statement is short and simple: it should be no longer than one sentence, regardless of essay length.

2. A good thesis statement is limited to one main idea.

3. A good thesis statement is a declaration (not a question) sentence with no words like might, maybe, or perhaps.