Document Title

Writer's Guide #1

Developing a Thesis Statement

Q: What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement states the purpose of the composition. It conveys the central or main idea of the composition and often indicates how the main idea will be supported. Ideally, it is a one-sentence summary of the composition and establishes a guideline for the paper.

Q: What is the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?
A thesis statement governs the content and structure of a composition, whereas, a topic sentence guides only one of its sections or paragraphs. Both sentences are signals of what is to come. The thesis statement plans the trip, as it were; the topic sentence shows one of the places that must be passed through to get to the destination.

Q: How do I make the thesis statement not only a clear sentence but an outline for the paper?
Divide the thesis statement into two or three parts. When you divide your thesis statement into two or three parts, you give your reader, as well as yourself, a more precise preview of the composition as a whole than would be possible with an undivided thesis statement.

The form of the thesis statement is important not only in making a clear statement but in making it in such a way that it governs or controls the organization of the whole composition. A good thesis statement tells not only where the composition is going but how it is going to get there. Much like a good outline, the thesis statement gives the plan for the composition.

Q: Is it important to support my position in the thesis?
The position, belief, or point of view presented in a thesis statement is more meaningful or convincing when it is supported in the beginning. If proof is needed, state reasons in the thesis by summarizing or outlining the major points of proof. The most common form of the supported thesis statement is the one that first states the subject and then presents the support. The supports are often introduced by words or expressions such as: because, for, since, as, due to, by, in that. A punctuation mark, the colon (:), may substitute for these words and serve the same purpose.

Thesis Statement Examples:

Three usually accepted economic goals are full employment, low inflation, and expanding GNP because the general population identifies these as signs of economic health.
In 1991 Hartman Electric Corporation increased sales as it maintained quotas, cut back overhead and added new accounts.
The profession of law demands three important qualities of mind: the ability to analyze ideas, an interest in people, and patience with details.
Bruce Canton noted Civil War historian classifies Generals Lee and Grant according to background, personality, and military strategies in order to compare their stances in the American Civil War.

Guidelines for Paper Structure

Introduction:

Contains background information, selected research, etc.
States the thesis and sets the objectives of the paper.
Creates reader interest

Body:

Contains paragraphs that support and develop the thesis--one point per paragraph, introduced in a topic sentence
Develops the idea(s) of the thesis by using styles of writing (definition, description, comparison, cause/effect, examples, etc.).
Shows logic and clarity of thought by using concrete details, data, and transitional expressions.

Conclusion:

Reflects the thesis statement.
Summarizes main points.
Expresses a personal view or evaluation, if appropriate.

Important:

Document all research, including, statistics, charts, copied and paraphrasedmaterial, and information from the Internet. (See APA, MLA, and Academic Honesty guidelines in the Writing Center, or have documentation checked by a tutor.)
WRITTEN BY SUSAN GUIHER-HUFF, ASHLAND UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER DIRECTOR
A hard copy of this Guide is available in the Writing Center.