A thesis statement creates a focus for the entire paper.

Instructions Use the explanation of good thesis statements (section 1) as you create your own. Then evaluate your thesis statement by asking yourself the questions in section 2.

Section 1: Good thesis statements

    A good thesis statement will:

• Represent the answer to your main research question
• Focus on a viewpoint people could disagree about               


• Inspire a point of view
• Structure your argument, dictating what will be included               


• Reflect the full scope of your paper


• Have 2 general parts:

1.    the topic

2.   a position regarding the topic               

 

Section 2: Is my thesis a good one?

 

Questions to consider:

1.    Does my thesis answer a stimulating question?

 

2.    Is my thesis specific enough?

3.    Does my thesis focus on one main idea?

4.    Does my thesis avoid my personal feelings?

 

5.    Does my thesis suggest the structure for my paper?

 

 

6.    Is the language of my thesis clear and specific?

    Link to specific thesis examples:       Create a thesis 

 

copyright 2006 Carolyn Jackson