Thesis Statement

Overview

A thesis statement is a clear, concise sentence that presents the main argument or claim of an essay. It serves as the foundation for the entire paper, guiding both the writer and reader through the argument.

Usage

Characteristics of a Strong Thesis Statement

• Specific: Clearly states what the essay will discuss
• Arguable: Presents a position that can be debated
• Focused: Addresses one main idea or argument
• Clear: Uses precise language and avoids vague terms

Placement and Function

• Typically appears at the end of the introduction
• Guides the development of body paragraphs
• Helps maintain focus throughout the essay

Examples

Weak Thesis Statement

Social media is bad for teenagers.

Problem: Too broad and lacks specificity

Strong Thesis Statement

Excessive social media use negatively impacts teenage sleep patterns, academic performance, and face-to-face social skills.

Solution: Specific, arguable, and focused

History

The concept of a thesis statement evolved from classical rhetoric, particularly Aristotle's emphasis on clear proposition statements. The modern academic thesis statement developed in the 19th century as universities formalized essay writing requirements.