Thesis Statements

The thesis sentence--usually presented at the end of the introduction-- indicates the paper's topic and the writer's position on that topic. In academic writing, it should also efficiently and tactfully hint at the general organization of the paper.

Functions of the thesis sentence:

Narrows the topic to a single idea that will be the focus of the essay.
Asserts something about the topic, conveying the writer's purpose, opinion, and attitude.
Provides a concise preview of how main ideas are arranged.

Thesis Examples and Rough Outlines:

EXAMPLE 1
Although school violence has brought renewed intensity to debates about gun control, the actual sources of school violence are student anger and aggressive behavior, problems that demand a more proactive solution.

I. Intro and Thesis
II. Background on Current School Violence
III.Gun Control as Solution to Problem
IV. Actual Causes of Problem
V. More Proactive Solutions

EXAMPLE 2
The technological advances in genetic alteration of fruits and vegetables could make farmers less dependent on dangerous herbicides and pesticides; however, the risks of genetic manipulation may be just as dangerous.

I. Intro and Thesis
II. Current Tech Advances in Genetic Mod. of Produce
III.Advantages of GM in Reducing Need for Herb/Pesticides
IV. Potential Risks of Genetic Alteration
V. Recommendations on What Should Be Done

The paper's primary purpose is to persuade the reader that the thesis is valid. You might construct a thesis in stages:

1. Select a topic

2. Write a sentence in which you tell yourself what the paper will about. "I want to write a paper about [a topic] in order to [purpose] so that they will [goal]."

3. Change the above statement so that it expresses an idea that can be supported effectively.

Remember that a good thesis:

Is not a statement of fact, but rather a stated opinion,
Is restricted so that it narrowly defines the scope of the paper,
Is unified in that all elements of the thesis relate to one another.
Presents the relation of those elements in a way that reflects your tentative plans for the organization of the paper.

In order to narrow or expand the focus of your thesis, you may wish to consider the following exploratory categories and pick one that helps you find an angle and argument:

Personal: Who was involved? What happened to them? What reactions did they have? Was the action or event just or unjust?

Historical: Does this topic have historical significance? How have attitudes changed?

Sociological/Psychological: What effects did this event have? What long-term effects? What short-term effects? Where these effects positive or negative?

Political: What controversy surrounds the event? Could the event have been avoided? Was anyone blamed? Was there a cover-up or conspiracy?
Scientific: What scientific knowledge was gained? What are the advantages or disadvantages of this knowledge, medicine, or new technique? Are there ethical or moral dilemmas surrounding this event or knowledge?

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