what is a working thesis statement example

Working Thesis Statement

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Navigating the academic waters often starts with a working thesis – a preliminary statement guiding your research direction. As the bedrock of your argument, it’s vital to get it right from the outset. Whether you’re a budding researcher or an established academic, our comprehensive guide brimming with thesis Statement examples and pro-tips will illuminate the process of crafting an impactful working thesis. Dive in and set the tone for a compelling research journey!

What is a Working Thesis Statement?

A working thesis statement is a temporary or initial statement that reflects a writer’s argument or focus in the early stages of essay or research paper writing. It is considered “working” because it can undergo transformations as the writer delves deeper into research, gathers more information, and refines their perspective. Essentially, it serves as a starting point and may evolve as the research progresses and the writer gains a clearer understanding of the subject.  In addition, you should review our  problem thesis statement .

What is an example of a Working thesis statement?

Example: “Social media platforms have a significant impact on teenagers’ mental health.” As the writer proceeds with the research, this statement might be refined to specify the type of impact or narrow down which social media platforms are most influential.”

100 Working Thesis Statement Examples

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Starting your research with a working thesis can guide your exploration and analysis. These provisional statements allow you to focus on different angles and will likely be revised as you dive deeper. The following are 100 working thesis statement examples to kickstart your brainstorming and research.

• “Eating organic foods leads to better health.”
• “Online learning has as much educational value as traditional classroom settings.”
• “Video games have both negative and positive effects on the cognitive development of children.”
• “Globalization has reshaped cultural identities worldwide.”
• “Artificial intelligence will redefine the job market in the next decade.”
• “Meditation has quantifiable benefits for mental health.”
• “Climate change has accelerated due to industrial practices.”
• “Remote work will become the norm for many industries post-pandemic.”
• “Music therapy can be an effective treatment for certain mental disorders.”
• “The gig economy has both pros and cons for the workforce.”
• “Childhood exposure to multiple languages enhances cognitive abilities.”
• “Modern architecture is influenced significantly by environmental considerations.”
• “E-sports will soon rival traditional sports in viewership and revenue.”
• “The feminist movement has evolved significantly in the 21st century.”
• “Consumer behavior has been largely influenced by social media marketing.”
• “The rise of streaming platforms is reshaping the music industry.”
• “Mental health issues among teenagers have risen with the proliferation of smartphones.”
• “Urban farming can be a sustainable solution for food deserts.”
• “The future of transportation will be dominated by electric vehicles.”
• “Renewable energy sources are now more economically viable than fossil fuels.”
• “Telemedicine will revolutionize healthcare access in remote areas.”
• “Digital currencies will change the dynamics of global trade.”
• “Coral reefs are under imminent threat due to ocean acidification.”
• “Space tourism will become a reality within this decade.”
• “Virtual reality will transform education and training methodologies.”
• “Bioplastics are a potential solution to the plastic waste crisis.”
• “Plant-based diets can significantly reduce carbon footprints.”
• “Mental health should be integrated into school curriculums.”
• “Urban planning needs to prioritize pedestrian-friendly designs.”
• “Modern parenting styles differ significantly from those of the previous generation.”
• “Personalized learning will redefine educational outcomes.”
• “Augmented reality will have varied applications beyond gaming.”
• “Online privacy concerns will dictate future tech regulations.”
• “Gene editing can revolutionize medical treatments but poses ethical dilemmas.”
• “Ancient civilizations had advanced knowledge of astronomy.”
• “Colonial histories have long-term impacts on national identities.”
• “Alternative medicine practices need more rigorous scientific validation.”
• “Artificial sweeteners may have unforeseen health implications.”
• “Stress in modern societies originates from multiple sources.”
• “The modern art movement is heavily influenced by global events.”
• “Subscription models are becoming predominant in various industries.”
• “Dietary choices are more influenced by cultural factors than health considerations.”
• “Intermittent fasting has potential benefits beyond weight loss.”
• “Personalized marketing will reshape consumer behaviors.”
• “The sharing economy is transforming traditional business models.”
• “Blockchain technology has applications beyond cryptocurrencies.”
• “Animal-assisted therapies have notable success in various treatments.”
• “The future of print media is in niche and localized publications.”
• “Microfinance can be a tool for economic upliftment in developing countries.”
• “Modern cinema is increasingly addressing global issues.”
• “Digital detox is becoming necessary for mental well-being.”
• “Resilience training should be a component of employee wellness programs.”
• “Local tourism will see a boost in the post-pandemic world.”
• “Public transportation systems need to adapt to post-COVID realities.”
• “Elderly populations are facing increased isolation in the digital age.”
• “Upcycling is becoming a significant trend in the fashion industry.”
• “Holistic education emphasizes more than just academic achievement.”
• “Water scarcity will be a leading global issue in the coming years.”
• “The role of influencers is evolving in the digital marketing landscape.”
• “The circadian rhythm has a profound effect on productivity.”
• “Migratory patterns of animals are being altered by climate change.”
• “Alternative protein sources will dominate future diets.”
• “Nano-technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine.”
• “Cultural appropriation in fashion needs a deeper understanding and sensitivity.”
• “Digital literacy is becoming as essential as traditional literacy.”
• “Robotics in surgery can enhance precision but requires ethical considerations.”
• “The tradition of oral storytelling is being revived through modern platforms.”
• “The notion of work-life balance is evolving with the rise of digital nomadism.”
• “The digital divide can exacerbate educational inequalities.”
• “Biodiversity conservation is crucial for ecosystem stability.”
• “Personal branding is becoming essential in the modern job market.”
• “Ethical consumerism can drive corporate responsibility.”
• “Mindfulness practices can enhance workplace productivity.”
• “The dynamics of international politics are shifting with the rise of regional powers.”
• “Food preservation techniques are evolving with technology.”
• “Historical fiction plays a role in shaping perceptions of the past.”
• “Indigenous knowledge systems can complement modern science.”
• “Commuter culture has significant environmental and health impacts.”
• “Craftsmanship is finding its value in the age of mass production.”
• “The role of museums is evolving to be more interactive and inclusive.”
• “Edutainment platforms are making learning more accessible and enjoyable.”
• “Youth activism is reshaping global policy discussions.”
• “Multi-disciplinary approaches are the future of academic research.”
• “Ecotourism can benefit local communities and conservation efforts.”
• “Freelancing is challenging traditional employment norms.”
• “Nature-based solutions can mitigate urban environmental challenges.”
• “The gaming industry is becoming a leader in technological innovation.”
• “Epigenetics is unlocking the mysteries of gene expression.”
• “Digital archiving is essential for preserving cultural heritages.”
• “Remote and flexible working models can have societal benefits.”
• “Self-care routines are integral to holistic health.”
• “Digital nomad visas are reshaping immigration policies.”
• “Adaptive learning technologies cater to individual student needs.”
• “Eco-friendly packaging is more than just a marketing trend.”
• “Quantum computing holds the key to future tech innovations.”
• “Multi-generational households have socio-economic benefits.”
• “The revival of traditional arts can boost local economies.”
• “Precision agriculture can optimize yields and reduce resource wastage.”
• “Local languages are gaining prominence in digital content creation.”
• “Human-centered design is the future of product innovation.”

Each of these working thesis statements can be further refined based on specific research, perspectives, and findings as one delves deeper into their chosen topic.

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Research Paper

Research papers demand precision, clarity, and a strong foundation. A working thesis statement for such a paper typically suggests a hypothesis or a primary point that will later be validated or disproved through evidence.

• “Genetically modified foods present more benefits than potential harm.”
• “Ocean acidification significantly impacts marine biodiversity.”
• “Quantum computing will revolutionize data encryption methods.”
• “Renewable energy solutions are more cost-effective than conventional fossil fuels.”
• “The gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in mental health.”
• “Childhood vaccinations have no proven links to autism.”
• “Microplastics in water sources influence human health outcomes.”
• “Historical art movements reflect the socio-political events of their times.”
• “AI-driven diagnostic tools can predict diseases more accurately.”
• “The frequency of extreme weather events correlates with global warming.”

Working from Home Thesis Statement Examples

The concept of working from home has grown exponentially in recent years. Thesis statements on this topic can explore the various facets, benefits, challenges, and implications of this trend.

• “Working from home enhances employee productivity levels.”
• “Remote work culture can lead to professional isolation and mental health challenges.”
• “Flexible work schedules cater to global clientele more effectively.”
• “Home-based work can reduce urban traffic congestion.”
• “Technological infrastructure dictates the efficiency of remote work.”
• “Work-life balance can be skewed in a prolonged work-from-home setup.”
• “Virtual collaboration tools are reshaping corporate communication.”
• “Remote work could impact urban real estate demands.”
• “Cybersecurity challenges increase in decentralized work environments.”
• “Training and orientation programs must evolve for remote work success.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay thesis statement that takes a strong position, which will then be supported or countered with evidence and arguments.

• “Universities should make attendance optional for students.”
• “Plant-based diets are more environmentally sustainable.”
• “Compulsory military service strengthens national unity.”
• “Social media platforms should be held accountable for user-generated content.”
• “Single-gender schools do not offer educational benefits over co-ed institutions.”
• “Animal testing for cosmetics should be banned globally.”
• “Nuclear energy is essential for a carbon-free future.”
• “Euthanasia should be legalized under strict conditions.”
• “Organic farming can sustain global food demands.”
• “Mandatory voting ensures true democratic representation.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Speech

For speeches, a working thesis should be compelling and captivating, giving audiences an idea of what to expect and why they should listen.

• “Space exploration benefits humanity in unforeseen ways.”
• “Digital detox weekends can rejuvenate the mind.”
• “Public libraries remain essential in the digital age.”
• “Sports foster essential life skills beyond physical fitness.”
• “Mental health education should be integrated into school systems.”
• “Consumerism drives ecological degradation.”
• “Local tourism promotes cultural preservation.”
• “Continuous learning is the key to professional success.”
• “Ethical fashion is not a trend but a necessity.”
• “The future of mobility is electric.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Essay

Essays can cover a broad spectrum of subjects, and the thesis will set the tone and direction of the content.

• “Urban green spaces contribute to societal well-being.”
• “Bilingualism offers cognitive and cultural advantages.”
• “Digital privacy is a modern-day human right.”
• “Classical literature provides insights into contemporary issues.”
• “Embracing failures can lead to unexpected successes.”
• “Community engagement is pivotal for sustainable development.”
• “Ancient medical practices have relevance in modern treatments.”
• “Creativity thrives under limitations.”
• “Cultural festivals foster global unity.”
• “Technology reshapes human interactions.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Technology Topics

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, a thesis statement can pinpoint specific trends, challenges, innovations, or implications.

• “Augmented reality will revolutionize retail experiences.”
• “Blockchain technology extends beyond the realm of finance.”
• “Cybersecurity threats challenge global geopolitical dynamics.”
• “5G technology will redefine connectivity standards.”
• “Machine learning algorithms can perpetuate societal biases.”
• “Quantum encryption may render current security protocols obsolete.”
• “E-waste is the environmental challenge of the digital era.”
• “Telehealth bridges the accessibility gap in medical services.”
• “Smart cities prioritize sustainability and urban well-being.”
• “Bioinformatics accelerates personalized medical treatments.”

Working Thesis Statement Examples for Film Analysis

Analyzing films requires a deep dive into themes, motifs, cinematography, character development, and cultural contexts. A thesis provides a lens through which the film will be reviewed.

• “Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’ explores the intricacies of obsession and identity.”
• “Cinematography in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ reflects the dystopian themes of the narrative.”
• “Disney’s ‘Mulan’ navigates the terrain of gender roles and societal expectations.”
• “Satire in ‘Get Out’ addresses racial dynamics in contemporary society.”
• “Sound design in ‘A Quiet Place’ intensifies the narrative’s suspense.”
• “The nonlinear storyline of ‘Pulp Fiction’ challenges traditional narrative structures.”
• “‘The Shape of Water’ delves into themes of love and otherness.”
• “Cultural representations in ‘Coco’ underline the significance of family and traditions.”
• “‘The Revenant’ showcases the rawness of human survival instincts.”
• “Character development in ‘The Godfather’ mirrors societal power dynamics.

How do you start a working thesis statement?

Starting a working thesis statement is about identifying the primary point or argument you wish to convey in your paper. It often begins with understanding your topic, conducting preliminary research, and formulating an initial perspective. Here are the steps to get you started:

• Understand Your Assignment: Read the guidelines provided for your essay or research paper. Understand the requirements and what is expected of you.
• Choose a Specific Topic: A narrow, focused topic helps in forming a more precise thesis.
• Conduct Preliminary Research: Before making your statement, get a general overview of your topic through initial research.
• Ask Questions: Ponder over your topic. For instance, if you’re writing about “climate change,” you might ask, “What are the major contributors to climate change in urban areas?”
• Draft a Provisional Statement: Write down your initial perspective based on your understanding. This doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s just a starting point.

How to Write a Working Thesis Statement? – Step by Step Guide

• Start with a Question: Often, assignments come in the form of questions. For example, “How did the civil rights movement of the 1960s affect racial dynamics in the US?” Your thesis will be the answer to this question.
• Be Specific: Avoid vague words and make sure your statement can’t be interpreted in multiple ways. For instance, instead of saying “Pollution is harmful,” you might say, “Industrial waste contributes significantly to ocean pollution.”
• Stay Relevant: Ensure that your statement aligns with the content of your essay or research.
• State an Argument: A thesis should not be a mere observation. It should present an arguable point which can be supported or opposed.
• One Sentence: Try to condense your statement into one clear sentence. However, if necessary, it can be two sentences.
• Refine and Revise: As you continue your research, keep refining your thesis. It’s called a “working” thesis for a reason – it’s subject to change.
• Seek Feedback: Before finalizing, it’s beneficial to get feedback from peers, instructors, or mentors. They can offer a fresh perspective.

Tips for Writing a Working Thesis Statement

• Keep It Debatable: A good thesis will always have an opposing side. If there’s no counter-argument to your statement, it might be too straightforward or a fact.
• Avoid First-Person Pronouns: Phrases like “I believe” or “I think” make your statement seem more like an opinion than an arguable point.
• Stay Clear of Generic Statements: Avoid clichés and general observations. Make sure your thesis offers a fresh and precise perspective on the topic.
• Position Strategically: Place your thesis statement at the end of the introduction. It acts as a gateway to the rest of your work.
• Ensure It’s Provable: Be sure that you can provide evidence to support your claim. If your statement is based on personal beliefs or values, it might not be suitable as a thesis.
• Use Online Tools: There are online thesis generators that can help you refine your statement. They aren’t foolproof, but they can provide a good starting point.

Remember, a working thesis is called “working” because it can evolve. As you delve deeper into your research or writing, you might find more compelling ways to frame your argument. Always be open to revision – that’s the essence of great academic writing!

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How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

• Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
• Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
• Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

• What impact did reality TV have on American society?
• How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
• Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Module 6: The Writing Process

Developing a working thesis statement, learning objectives.

• Evaluate the role of a working thesis statement

Thesis Angles

Most writers can easily create a topic: squirrels in urban spaces, television viewing and young people, the Patriot Act and democracy, or tragedy in Shakespeare’s Hamlet . The more difficult part is creating an angle, or your major claim about a topic. The angle is necessary for your readers as a means of creating interest and indicating the type and organization of the information to follow. Remember that a basic thesis sentence has both a topic and an angle. The topic is what you’re writing about, but the angle covers the main idea of what you’re conveying about that topic.

For example, in the following thesis, the topic is exercise, and the angle is that it leads to benefits:

• A regular exercise regime leads to multiple physical and emotional benefits.

Hover your cursor over the circles below to read more about thesis angles.

Let’s take a look at a thesis statement.

• College students have experiences.

As a reader, you understand intuitively that the writer will deal with the different types of experiences that adult college students may have. However, you may not know what is significant about this age group and why it matters. How can we be more specific about who we are writing about and what is interesting about the topic? Let’s take a look at a revision that is a bit more specific.

• College students over 30 have different work experiences that benefit their studies.

See the difference? We now have a specific topic (college students over 30) and a specific angle (their work experiences) along with why it matters (their work history will benefit their student skills). Realize that a thesis sentence offers a range of possibilities for specificity and organization. As a writer, you may opt to pique reader interest by being very specific or not fully specific in your thesis sentence. The point here is that there’s no one standard way to write a thesis sentence.

Sometimes a writer is more or less specific depending on the reading audience and the effect the writer wants to create. Sometimes a writer puts the angle first and the topic last in the sentence, or sometimes the angle is even implied. You need to gauge your reading audience and you need to understand your own style as a writer. The only basic requirements are that the thesis sentence needs a topic and an angle. The rest is up to you.

This video reviews the importance of thesis statements and provides examples of how good thesis statements can guide your essay.

You can find the transcript for “How to Write a Killer Thesis Statement by Shmoop” here (opens in new window) .

Thesis Creation

At what point do you write a thesis sentence? Of course, this varies from writer to writer and from writing assignment to writing assignment. You’ll usually do some preliminary idea development first, before a thesis idea emerges. And you’ll usually have a working thesis before you do the bulk of your research, or before you fully create the supporting details for your writing.

Think of the thesis as the mid-point of an hourglass.

You develop ideas for writing and prewriting, using various strategies, until a main idea or assertion emerges. This main idea or assertion becomes your point to prove—your working thesis sentence.

Once you have a working thesis sentence with your main idea, you can then develop more support for that idea, but in a more focused way that deepens your thinking about the thesis angle.

Realize that a thesis is really a working thesis until you finalize the writing. As you do more focused research, or develop more focused support, your thesis may change a bit. Just make sure that you retain the basic thesis characteristics of topic and angle.

Thesis Checklist

When you draft a working thesis, it can be helpful to review the guidelines for a strong thesis. The following checklist is a helpful tool you can use to check your thesis once you have it drafted. Click through these slides to see a sample of a thesis checklist.

Common Problems

Although you have creative control over your thesis sentence, you still should try to avoid the following problems, not for stylistic reasons, but because they indicate a problem in the thinking that underlies the thesis sentence.

Thesis Problems

Thesis too broad.

Hospice workers need more support.

The sentence above actually is a thesis sentence; it has a topic (hospice workers) and an angle (need support). But the angle is too broad. When the angle in a thesis sentence is too broad, the writer needs to add specific support for the topic. A thesis angle that’s too broad may lead to a disorganized paper or you may lose sight of what you are trying to examine as a writer.

Thesis too narrow

Hospice workers at the PeaceHealth Center have a 55% turnover rate compared to the general health care population’s 25% turnover rate.

The above sentence reads like a narrow statistic, or a narrow statement of fact, and does not offer the writer’s own ideas or analysis about a topic. A clearer example of a thesis statement with an angle of development would be the following:

The high turnover rate in hospice workers (55 percent) compared to the general health care population (25 percent) indicates a need to develop support systems to reverse this trend.

This thesis moves us away from one location, and adds an idea on how to “reverse this trend.” The readers will not only learn about the topic, they will also understand the angle of the writer.

Where to Place a Thesis?

For writers in the United States, it is customary for most academic writers to put the thesis sentence somewhere toward the start of the essay or research paper. The focus here is on offering the main results of your own thinking in your thesis angle and then providing evidence in the writing to support your thinking.

A legal comparison might help to understand thesis placement. If you have seen television shows or movies with courtroom scenes, the lawyer usually starts out by saying, “My client is innocent!” to set the scene, and then provides different types of evidence to support that argument. Academic writing in the United States is similar; your thesis sentence provides your main assertion to set the scene of the writing, and then the details and evidence in the rest of the writing support the assertion in the thesis sentence.

As a writer, you have the option of placing the thesis anywhere in the writing. For college assignments, you may be asked to make the thesis sentence idea clear to your readers. College writers usually stick with “thesis sentence toward the start,” as it makes the thesis prominent in the writing.

Link to Learning

Need help understanding thesis statements? Try this thesis generator from SUNY Empire State College to help you make your thesis statement—just plug in some of the details, and it can help you come up with a solid foundation! This is where you can use some of your prewriting or brainstorming to plug in details to create a working thesis statement. This is a great resource you can use in other classes.

• Parts of a Thesis Sentence. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/thesis-sentence/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How To Write A Killer Thesis Statement by Shmoop. Authored by : Shmoop. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=8wxE8R_x5I0&feature=emb_logo . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

• Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing