what does general thesis statement mean

What is a thesis statement? I need some examples, too.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, includes the points discussed in the paper, and is written for a specific audience. Your thesis statement belongs at the end of your first paragraph, also known as your introduction. Use it to generate interest in your topic and encourage your audience to continue reading.

You can read chapter four of Schaum's Quick Guide to Writing Great Research Papers an eBook in our online collection, click the title to open: "How Do I Write a Thesis Statement?" .

Another option is to think of a thesis statement as one complete sentence that expresses your position .

Narrows the topic down to a specific focus of an investigation.
Establishes a direction for the entire paper.
Points forward to the conclusion.
Always stated in your introduction. (Usually at the end of the first paragraph).
Always take a stand and justify further discussion.

A thesis statement is not a statement of fact.

Your readers—especially your instructors—want to read writing that engages them. Consequently, you must write thesis statements that are arguable, not factual. Statements of fact seem easy to write about because, well, they are easy to prove. After all, they’re facts. The problem is that you cannot write engaging papers around statements of fact. Such theses prevent you from demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills, which you want to show your instructor. If you were to write a paper around the next two statements, your writing would probably be quite dull because you would be restating facts that the general public already knows.

Thesis Statements always take a stand and justify further discussion.

In order to make your writing interesting, you should develop a thesis statement that is arguable. Sometimes you will be writing to persuade others to see things your way and other times you will simply be giving your strong opinion and laying out your case for it.

Take a look at the following examples:

Statement of fact:

Small cars get better fuel mileage than 4x4 pickup trucks.

Arguable thesis statement:

The government should ban 4x4 pickup trucks except for work-related use.

Foul language is common in movies.

The amount of foul language in movies is disproportionate to the amount of foul language in real life.

State ment of fact:

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease.

Arguable thesis statement/opening paragraph:

Researchers think the incidence of celiac disease is increasing in the USA not only because of an increase in the ability and awareness to diagnose it, but also because of changes in the agricultural system. In particular, they are looking at the increased use of pesticides, insecticides, and genetically modified wheat as culprits. Some of these theories are more likely to be valid than others.

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Last Updated Feb 27, 2024
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Home » Thesis Statement – Examples, Writing Guide

Thesis Statement – Examples, Writing Guide

Table of Contents

A thesis statement is a concise sentence or two that clearly articulates the main point or argument of an academic paper, essay, or thesis. It serves as the foundation of the document, guiding the reader through the purpose and scope of the research or discussion. A strong thesis statement provides clarity, focus, and direction, making it an essential component of effective writing.

This guide explores the definition, types, and examples of thesis statements, along with practical tips for crafting one.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a declarative sentence that summarizes the central idea or argument of your paper. It appears near the end of the introduction and acts as a roadmap for readers, explaining what to expect from the rest of the document.

For example:

“The rise of renewable energy sources is crucial for combating climate change, as they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster sustainable economic growth.”

Key Characteristics of a Strong Thesis Statement

Specific: Clearly defines the focus without being too broad or vague.
Arguable: Presents a claim that can be supported or challenged through evidence.
Concise: Avoids unnecessary words while fully conveying the main idea.
Relevant: Directly addresses the research question or essay topic.
Focused: Guides the content of the paper without straying into unrelated areas.

Types of Thesis Statements

1. analytical thesis statement.

Breaks down an issue or idea into its components, evaluating each part to provide an in-depth analysis.

Example: “The increasing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare enhances diagnostic accuracy but raises ethical concerns regarding patient privacy.”

2. Expository Thesis Statement

Explains a topic or idea without presenting an argument or opinion.

Example: “Renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, have become more accessible in the past decade due to advancements in technology and government incentives.”

3. Argumentative Thesis Statement

Presents a claim that others can debate, aiming to persuade the reader of its validity.

Example: “Social media platforms should implement stricter content moderation policies to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect public health.”

4. Narrative Thesis Statement

Sets the stage for a personal story or experience being shared in the paper.

Example: “My first volunteering experience at a local animal shelter taught me the value of empathy, hard work, and community engagement.”

Steps to Write a Thesis Statement

1. understand the purpose of your paper.

Determine whether your paper is argumentative, analytical, expository, or narrative.
Align your thesis statement with the objective of your writing.

2. Research and Refine Your Topic

Narrow down broad topics into specific, manageable ideas.
Identify key points or arguments you want to address.

3. Formulate a Research Question

Develop a question your paper will answer.
Example Research Question: “How does social media affect mental health among teenagers?”

4. Create a Preliminary Thesis Statement

Draft an initial statement summarizing your main argument or point.
Example Preliminary Thesis: “Social media negatively impacts teenage mental health by fostering feelings of inadequacy and promoting cyberbullying.”

5. Refine for Clarity and Specificity

Revise the thesis to ensure it is clear, concise, and focused.
Refined Thesis: “Excessive social media use among teenagers leads to increased rates of anxiety and depression by exacerbating peer comparisons and enabling cyberbullying.”

6. Test Your Thesis Statement

Is it specific and arguable?
Does it address the central question or topic?
Can it be supported with evidence?

Examples of Thesis Statements

For an argumentative essay.

Topic: Climate Change
Thesis: “Global efforts to combat climate change should prioritize renewable energy investments and reforestation projects to mitigate environmental damage and ensure a sustainable future.”

For an Analytical Paper

Topic: Effects of Remote Work
Thesis: “Remote work improves employee productivity by reducing commute times and offering flexible schedules, but it also poses challenges in maintaining work-life balance and team collaboration.”

For an Expository Paper

Topic: Importance of Education
Thesis: “Education is vital for personal growth, career success, and societal progress, as it empowers individuals with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and opportunities for upward mobility.”

For a Narrative Essay

Topic: Life Lessons from Travel
Thesis: “Traveling to new countries has taught me invaluable lessons about cultural diversity, adaptability, and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone.”

Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Thesis Statement

✅ “Implementing renewable energy policies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
✅ “Standardized testing should be replaced by project-based assessments to better evaluate student abilities.”
Revise as Necessary: Refine your thesis as your paper evolves.
Align with the Paper’s Content: Ensure the thesis reflects the scope and focus of the writing.
❌ “Pollution is bad for the environment.”
✅ “Industrial pollution significantly contributes to climate change and requires stricter regulations to control emissions.”
❌ “The Earth revolves around the Sun.”
✅ “The heliocentric model revolutionized astronomy by shifting the scientific perspective on Earth’s position in the universe.”
❌ “There are some pros and cons to social media.”
✅ “While social media fosters connectivity, it also leads to increased anxiety and depression among teenagers.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making It Too Complex: A thesis statement should be straightforward and easy to understand.
Using First-Person (Unless Narrative): Avoid phrases like “I believe” or “I think,” except in narrative essays.
Failing to Address the Scope: Ensure the thesis matches the content and length of the paper.
Not Revisiting the Thesis: Update your thesis if your research or arguments evolve during the writing process.

Checklist for a Strong Thesis Statement

Does it clearly state the main argument or purpose?
Is it specific and focused?
Does it align with the type of paper (argumentative, analytical, etc.)?
Is it concise and free from unnecessary words?

A well-crafted thesis statement is the cornerstone of effective academic writing. By understanding its purpose, types, and structure, you can create a thesis that provides clarity and direction for your paper. Whether writing an argumentative essay, an analytical research paper, or a narrative, the steps and examples outlined in this guide will help you confidently develop a compelling thesis statement.

Purdue OWL. (2023). Developing a Strong Thesis Statement . Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2021). A Writer’s Reference . Bedford/St. Martin’s.
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2021). They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company.