How to Write a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a sentence that declares or asserts the position of a paper. It is usually the last sentence of the introductory paragraph of an essay, and it relates the topic under discussion to the purpose of the essay.
Types of thesis statements
Below are the most common types of thesis statements.
Analytical:
Analytical thesis statement is applied in research papers aiming at interpreting, analyzing, or evaluating a given aspect.
Argumentative:
It brings out the topic and the specific position held by the author. The argumentative thesis statement depicts why the author chose the stand.
Expository:
It explains a topic to the reader and details the main aspects of the topic under discussion.
Importance of thesis statement
There are three main roles of a thesis statement.
- Firstly, it expresses the purpose of a research essay, keeping the reader/writer focused.
- It lays out the main argument of the writer. In this, the thesis statement helps in setting the reader’s expectations.
- Lastly, it helps in guiding the reader through the paper’s main arguments.
Steps to develop a thesis statement
The development stage of a thesis statement is important as this forms the direction of the paper. Hence, a writer should source adequate supporting evidence through research.
Four general steps are involved in developing a thesis statement.
- Develop a research question. A research question helps in conducting detailed research that helps in thesis statement construction. A specific research question is vital for the writer to develop a strong thesis statement to address the question.
- Develop a statement that specifically addresses the research question. This entails the development of a tentative statement that is aimed at answering the developed research question. Even though a rough draft, the statement helps in planning the research and writing process.
- Provide evidence and reasoning supporting the statements. The writer applies existing literature to collect the information needed to support their argument. In the process of evidence collection, the researcher can also gain more information, facts, or supporting evidence which they can use in further refining the thesis statement.
The final thesis statement should comprise the general view of the argument and the conclusion.
If you need more help, you can place an order with us.