WRITING A THESIS

What is a thesis?
It is one sentence.
It states the main idea or argument of your essay.
It is typically placed at the end of the introductory paragraph.
It lets your reader know what to expect.
It is the basis for your entire essay.
Think of the thesis as the answer to the questions your paper explores.

Thesis is not the same as topic.

THESIS = TOPIC (SUBJECT) + YOUR OPINION ON THE TOPIC
E.g. The Internet has changed the way many people shop.
Internet = TOPIC
has changed the way many people shop = YOUR OPINION

When writing your thesis, avoid broad statements e.g.

The role of woman has changed in the last 50 years. (broad)
A thesis is never a question.
e.g. What are the causes of violence?
A thesis should not be vague e.g.
There are serious objections to todays horror movies.
Thesis statements are not facts e.g.
When I was six, my parents took me on a trip where I experienced my first tragedy.
Thesis statements are not announcements of the writers purpose e.g.
This essay will explain my reasons for supporting death penalty.
A thesis should be debatable (it should not state the obvious) e.g.
Pollution is bad for the environment.

One way to develop a thesis statement is to write opinions you have about the topic.
Begin with: I think that and complete the sentence with your opinion.
Then remove I think that and the remaining words make a possible thesis statement.
E.g. Topic: food
I think that a vegetarian diet is one of the best ways to lead a healthy life.
I think that government should restrict the use of chemicals in food production.

EXERCISES

1. For each of these topics, write 2-3 opinions beginning with I think that

UNIVERSITY STUDY
INTERNET

MUSIC

Now cross out I think that and choose the best thesis for each topic.

2. Mark the following theses: S (strong thesis), F (fact only weak thesis) or N (no clear
opinion weak thesis):

The top government official in my country is the prime minister.

Some people prefer digital cameras, while others like traditional cameras.
India became an independent country in 1947.
To be an independent student, good study habits are more important than intelligence.
There are several advantages of owning a car, but there are also many disadvantages.
Half of the families in my country own a house.
Using public transport would be one of the best ways to solve the traffic and pollution
problems in cities around the world.
While travelling, staying in hotels offers more comfort, but sleeping in a tent is less
expensive.
Classical music concerts are very popular in my country.