thesis: "A proposition laid down or stated, esp. as a theme to be discussed and proved, or to be maintained against attack (in Logic sometimes as distinct from hypothesis n. 2, in Rhetoric from antithesis n. 3a); a statement, assertion, tenet." OED
What is a Thesis Statement?
The thesis statement is typically a one-sentence statement of the central idea your paper focuses on. Whether an essay argues, explains, or describes, readers need a concise statement that sums up the essay’s purpose. The following section outlines a process for developing a sound thesis statement.
How do I Craft a Thesis?
Start with your Topic
What do you find interesting about your topic? Maybe just one part of it is intriguing; or, perhaps the topic itself makes many thoughts come to mind. Take a moment to think about how you respond to the topic.
General Thesis Statement and Draft
Write a general statement, such as “I’m interested in Erikson’s theory of personality development because it explains some of my high school experiences.” Write a first draft to explore your thoughts and ideas, make connections, ask questions, and engage the topic.
Refine your Thesis After Writing
Stop and read your draft. What is the main idea you discuss? Your thesis may need to change to reflect this idea. For example, if you wrote about Erikson’s theory of personality and found you focused primarily on one state, your new thesis might say, “Erikson’s fifth stage of personality development, identity versus role development, explains my deviant behavior in high school.”
Let Research Focus your Thesis
Research helps you make more connections in your paper. You can change your thesis from an “I oriented” statement to an academically acceptable statement such as “Erikson’s fifth state of personality development, identity versus role development, accounts for what is seen as deviant behavior by highly talented and motivated adolescents.”
(This information was adapted from the GVSU Writing Center’s “Thesis Statement.”)
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