After gathering information, begin to consider the limits of the topic and begin to develop a thesis statement. A clear thesis statement narrows the focus of the writing, since it specifies certain limits to the topic.
Thesis Statement = Topic + limiting statement
E.g. Living in New York provides cultural, educational and professional opportunities which can be found in few other places.
Download Thesis Statement
A good thesis statement avoids overly general topics that could never be adequately discussed in an essay or research paper and avoids stating the obvious, or repeating what is well known or insignificant. In short, a good thesis statement provides an interesting and specific statement about a particular subject.
Here are a few points to remember about the thesis statement.
1. The thesis statement should be expressed in a complete sentence.
Since the thesis statement is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought; therefore, it should be expressed in a complete sentence. And since it makes a statement, it should not be, written as a question.
Not a thesis statement:
My fear of the dark.
Thesis statement:
My fear of the dark has made my life miserable.
2. A thesis statement expresses an opinion, attitude, or idea; it does not simply announce the topic the essay will develop.
Not a thesis statement:
I am going to discuss the effects of radiation.
Thesis statement:
The effects of radiation are often unpredictable.
3. A thesis statement should express an opinion; it should not express a fact. Since the thesis statement expresses an attitude, opinion, or idea about a topic, the thesis statement is really a statement that someone could disagree with. The thesis statement, therefore, is a statement that needs to be explained or proved.
Not a thesis statement:
Cows produce milk.
Thesis statement:
The milk cows produce is not always fit for human consumption.
Not a thesis statement:
There are many advantages and disadvantages to going to college. (Not an arguable point)
Thesis statement:
The advantages to going to college far outweigh the disadvantages.
4. A thesis statement should express only one idea toward one topic; if a thesis statement contains two or more ideas, the essay runs the risk of lacking unity and coherence.
Not a thesis statement:
Going to college in the Midwest can be fun, and I have found that living in a suburb of a large city is the best way to live while at college.
Thesis statement:
Going to college in the Midwest can be fun.
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