The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your or .
Argumentative essays ask students to make the case for a particular perspective, or to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view by the time they reach the essay’s conclusion. In these essays, a thesis statement should be a clear picture of the argument you will make over the course of your essay.
A thesis statement on this topic could explore how anchoring bias can impact decision-making in areas such as negotiations, pricing, and investment decisions.
In an English class, you’ve been asked to write an essay that analyzes how a persuasive article about climate change was constructed. Your thesis statement might say,
To write a thesis statement, follow these guidelines:
Expository essays ask writers to provide an informational breakdown of a topic, educating readers using specific details. It may be hard to understand how a thesis statement is of use in an expository essay because expository writing often does not advance an argument. Even so, a controlling statement near the beginning of the essay that summarizes your point is useful. By communicating clearly what the intention of your writing is, you can ensure that each new piece of information supports the central idea you are building.
A thesis statement on this topic could explore how the halo effect can influence decision-making in areas such as hiring, performance evaluations, and leadership development.
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In a biochemistry class, you’ve been asked to write an essay explaining the impact of bisphenol A on the human body. Your thesis statement might say,
Especially in composition and creative writing classes, you might be asked to write essays that draw upon your personal experiences. Prompts for personal essays might include writing about your experiences with race or your development as a writer, and these essays are often centered on a moment of realization or revelation. You can distill these themes into a thesis statement for your personal essay. While there may be no central argument in a thesis like this, there is always an organizing principle, such as change, destiny, growth, or irony.
A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:
Halo effect: When people form an overall positive or negative impression of someone based on a single trait or characteristic, they may make biased judgments about that person’s abilities or qualities.
How to write a thesis statement:
Crafting an effective thesis statement is a useful exercise not just in college, but in your everyday life. It teaches you to examine ideas, organize them into a central theme or argument, and to persuasively mobilize evidence in support of this argument — a skill useful in many careers and personal endeavors.
Below are examples of thesis statements in several types of essays:
A thesis statement is a crucial element of every well-written essay because it gives the reader an immediate understanding of what they can expect to read and provides clarity about the content of your work.
Vanderbilt Writing Studio: How Do I Write a Thesis Statement?
To some extent, it’s also important not to overthink your thesis statement. Don’t dress up a thesis statement with fancy language, and don’t be too clever in how you set the stage for your argument; both of these strategies sometimes disguise a weak central thesis. Whoever your professor is, they will appreciate you getting to the point in a clear, concise manner.
How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement video:
State your stance: Go beyond the topic to assert your perspective.
Ensure focus and specificity: Keep it precise, avoiding broad or ambiguous statements.
Revisit as needed: As your essay develops, ensure your thesis remains aligned.
If you find yourself at a creative roadblock, turning to a thesis statement creator can offer valuable ideas to get you started.
Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.
Your thesis statement states what you will discuss in your essay. Not only does it define the scope and focus of your essay, it also tells your reader what to expect from the essay.