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Steps to writing a paper (NEW): 4. Thesis +

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a complete sentence that expresses the main idea of your paper. Readers should be able to look at your thesis statement and identify two things:

  • What your paper is about (the topic).
  • What you are saying about the topic (your point of view)

More on Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is:

  • The answer to your research question
  • Short and concise
  • The specific claim your paper will make (with evidence)

Thesis Statements Should NOT

Have any words and phrases that convey your opinion or uncertainty, which include:

  • "Might," "maybe," or "perhaps," etcetera.
  •  "I believe," in my opinion," "I think," etcetera.

Generate a Thesis

Thesis Statement Examples

Since your thesis statement is the answer to your research question, it is not uncommon to hold off writing your thesis statement until after you have done some research (steps 5 and 6).

 

Research Question Thesis Statement
What impact do co-op classes have on the socialization of home schooled children? Home schooled students  in co-op classes receive the same amount of socialization as public school students.
How effective is the Lyme disease vaccine in preventing Lyme disease in dogs? The canine pharmaceutical industry has exaggerated the effectiveness of the Lyme disease vaccine for dogs.
What role did x-rays play in saving soldiers lives during World War I? The use of x-rays in World War I field hospitals to locate shrapnel in soldiers pioneered military radiology.