Overview
A thesis statement offers a brief overview of the main point of your paper. It’s usually written at the beginning of your paper and should be short and direct. Write a thesis statement for each paragraph in your paper. The thesis statement should also include all the information needed to support your argument.
While it’s possible to write an essay without a thesis statement, it gives your paper direction and focus. You’re giving your audience a sense of what the paper will be about.
Understand Why It's Important
You need a strong thesis statement because it will help you organize your ideas and ensure everything you say supports your argument. If you need clarification on what a thesis statement is, it’s a sentence or two that summarizes your entire paper.
How to Write a Thesis
A thesis statement has three main parts: who, what, and why.
- Who: This part of the thesis statement identifies the people involved in the situation. It should also identify the problem or issue at hand.
- What: This part of the statement describes the subject matter. It should also describe the problem or issue at stake.
- Why: This part of the sentence explains why the issue matters. It should explain why the reader needs to care about the issue.
Avoid Common Mistakes
If you’re struggling with writing a thesis statement, here’s some advice to help you write a strong one.
Know What You're Trying to Prove
You should know exactly what you’re trying to say before you write. This will make your thesis statement more focused and easier to understand.
