Research Help (Big 6)  » Create a Thesis Statement

Create a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement should specify your topic and your position about that topic.

Instructions

Use these Thesis Patterns to write your own thesis statement.
For the purposes of these examples:
The topic will be listed in green and the position related to the topic in burgundy.

Examples are given for each pattern.

Make a choice:
Figure out the kind of thesis statement you need for your project and use the pattern to create your own.

Go directly to:

Thesis pattern 1: Explanation
Thesis pattern 2: Support point of view
Thesis pattern 3: Contrasting views
Thesis pattern 4: Problem and Solution
Thesis pattern 5: Present to future
Thesis pattern 6: Cause and Effect
Thesis pattern 7: Position and why it is wrong
Thesis pattern 8: Alternatives and recommendation

Thesis pattern 1: Explanation

• A topic                                        what you will address about that topic

Example:  Our Medicare system should be reformed to provide the elderly with coverage of prescription drugs.

Example:   Much of the controversy about abortion is based on differences in the definition of when life begins.

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Thesis pattern 2: Support a point of view

• A stand about a topic                why that stand is appropriate

Example:  The death penalty should be abolished because it does not deter violent crime.

Example:  Chemicals should not be used on home lawns because they pollute the environment.


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Thesis pattern 3: Contrasting views

• One view of a topic contrasted with another view of the topic

Example: The Spanish-American War might have been focused on independence for Cuba and the Philippines, but it was actually stimulated by Imperialism on the part of the United States and Spain.

Example: Some feel that The Kite Runner is a significant book because of its treatment of the Middle Eastern culture, but some believe it is a study of integrity.


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Thesis pattern 4: Problem and Solution

• Topic problem how it could be solved               

Example: Pollution from car exhaust is contributing to problems with the ozone layer, so cars should be re-designed to avoid pollution problems.

Example: Many students get to college unprepared to do research papers, so more research skills should be taught in high schools.


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Thesis pattern 5: Present to future

• Topic and how it is how it could be improved               

Example: While school library Web sites provide some good information, they would be more beneficial if they included pages designed to help students with their schoolwork.

Example: Elementary age children get some exercise in P.E. classes, but to be healthy they need a greatly increased activity level outside of P.E. time.


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Thesis pattern 6: Cause and Effect

• Topic and cause effect

Example:  A higher rate of childhood obesity has caused a dramatic increase in asthma problems in the United States.

Example: High medical costs have caused many companies to limit insurance benefits to workers.

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Thesis pattern 7: Position and why it is wrong

• Position why it is wrong

Example: Lee Harvey Oswald was viewed as being a lone gunman who shot President Kennedy, but evidence shows that this could not have been the case.

Example:  Presidential campaigns are largely funded by contributions, but this is an inappropriate method of funding and should be changed.

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Thesis pattern 8: Alternatives and recommendation

• Alternatives recommendation

Example:  There are many reasons to oppose the death penalty, but the most important is that it does not deter violent crime.

Example: Doctors suggest altering diet to lower cholesterol, but a more effective means of control would be to increase activity and exercise levels.

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copyright 2006 Carolyn Jackson