The thesis statement is the most important sentence in most academic essays. It tells your reader what you’re arguing and, often, how you’ll argue it. Everything else in the essay — every paragraph, every piece of evidence — should support it.
What makes a thesis strong
It’s arguable. A thesis makes a claim that a reasonable person could disagree with. A statement of fact is not a thesis.
- Weak: Many students work part-time jobs while studying.
- Stronger: Universities should schedule required courses in the evenings as well as during the day, because rigid timetables force students who work to choose between earning and graduating on time.
It’s specific. Vague theses lead to vague essays. Narrow your topic and name your main reasons.
- Weak: Social media has changed society in many ways.
- Stronger: Social media has changed local politics by letting candidates reach voters directly, which reduces the influence of local newspapers.
It’s supportable. You need to be able to back up the claim with evidence within the length of your essay. “Shakespeare is the greatest writer in history” is arguable but nearly impossible to prove in five pages.
It answers the question. If you were given a prompt, your thesis should respond to it directly. Reread the prompt after writing your thesis to check.
A step-by-step method
- Turn the prompt into a question. If the assignment says “Discuss the role of the narrator in The Great Gatsby”, your question might be: How does Nick Carraway’s narration shape what we think of Gatsby?
- Answer the question in one sentence. That’s your working thesis: Nick’s narration makes Gatsby seem more admirable than his actions justify.
- Add your reasons. Ask “why?” or “how?” about your answer: Because Nick admires Gatsby’s hope while judging almost everyone else harshly, his narration makes Gatsby seem more admirable than his actions justify.
- Test it. Could someone argue the opposite? Can you support it with evidence from the text? Is it narrow enough for your word count?
- Revise as you write. Your argument will change as you work through the evidence. Update the thesis to match the essay you actually wrote, not the one you planned.
Templates to get you started
Templates are a starting point, not a final answer. Use one to get a first draft down, then rewrite it in your own words.
- Although [common view], [your claim], because [reason].
- [Subject] [does something] through [method 1] and [method 2], which [shows why it matters].
- [Policy or action] should [happen], because [reason 1] and [reason 2].
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Example | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Announces the topic instead of making a claim | This essay will discuss climate policy. | Say what you’ll argue about climate policy |
| Too broad | Technology has changed education. | Narrow the time, place, group or type of technology |
| Lists both sides without a point | Remote work has advantages and disadvantages. | Say which side wins, for whom and why |
| Asks a question | Should college be free? | Answer the question |
| States a preference with no support | Cats are better than dogs. | Give reasons you can back up with evidence |
Where it goes
In most short essays, the thesis appears at the end of the introduction, so the reader knows your argument before the body paragraphs begin. Some kinds of writing work differently — lab reports state hypotheses, and some longer humanities papers build up to their main claim — so check your assignment guidelines or ask your instructor.
Get feedback
Most colleges and universities have a writing center where trained tutors will look at a draft thesis with you, usually for free. It’s one of the most useful services on campus and one of the least used. For free guidance online, the Purdue Online Writing Lab is a widely used resource.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a thesis statement be?
Usually one or two sentences: long enough to make a specific claim and name your main reasons, short enough for a reader to take in at once.
Where does the thesis statement go in an essay?
In most short essays, at the end of the introduction, so the reader knows your argument before the body paragraphs begin. Some assignments, such as lab reports, work differently, so check the guidelines.
What makes a thesis statement strong?
A strong thesis is arguable, meaning a reasonable person could disagree; specific, naming a narrow claim and reasons; supportable with evidence within your word count; and a direct answer to the prompt.
Can a thesis statement be a question?
No. A question can help you find your thesis, but the thesis itself is your answer to that question.
