What’s the Point?: Writing Thesis Statements
Although it sometimes gets buried underneath deadlines and grades, here’s the truth: we
write to be read. In academic essays especially, part of that purpose is established with the
thesis statement. Usually the last 1-2 sentences of your introduction, your thesis statement
communicates the direction of your paper—its argument, position, or central idea. When
written well, the thesis focuses your audience on what they’re about to read and guides
their understanding along the way.
Your thesis statement should be…
● Specific, clear, and focused. Does the thesis
clearly demonstrate what the essay will
cover? Is it straightforward and sufficient?
● Interesting. Does the thesis appeal to your
intended audience? Does it make readers
want to read more?
● Debatable. Would anyone disagree with your
thesis? (If so, that's a problem.)
● Appropriately qualified, if necessary. Do you
acknowledge that your take is not
unconditionally, universally true?
● Supported by your elaborative details and
evidence. Do your supporting points make sense with your thesis?
Finding Your North Star
Your thesis statement is your North Star. It shows the way your essay will go. Your thesis
statement is a good sign of whether your paper is worth reading. For that reason, make it
stand out by writing a thesis statement that is clear, specific, interesting, debatable,
relevant, compelling, original, focused, and interesting.
A thesis statement is likely to develop over the course of your writing process. This is why
many of your instructors may mention a “working thesis.” This is a work-in-progress in that
you can change as the direction of your paper evolves. Below is a useful equation to
remember when drafting a thesis statement.
Developed by Vincent Price, PhD
Updated 02/2024
Here is a table with examples you can analyze. You can also use the blank spaces to practice
writing your own thesis statements.
Sample Thesis Statements and Goals
Topic
Comment
Thesis Statement
Expectations
Through the use of
language and
rhetorical devices in
his “I Have a Dream”
speech
Martin Luther King,
Jr., strategically
appeals to the
audience's emotions
and values to inspire
a collective call for
racial justice and
equality.
Through the use of
language and rhetorical
devices in his “I Have a
Dream” speech, Martin
Luther King, Jr.,
strategically appeals to
the audience's emotions
and values to inspire a
collective call for racial
justice and equality.
Readers will expect
you to:
● Identify and
analyze King’s
language and
rhetorical devices
● Explain how he
uses his language
to inspire the
audience
The rise of the
internet has had a
transformative effect
on global
communication,
revolutionizing the
way people exchange
information and
interact with one
another.
The rise of the internet
has had a transformative
effect on global
communication,
revolutionizing the way
people exchange
information and interact
with one another.
Readers will expect
you to:
● Explain how the
internet has
transformed
global
communication
The government
including universal
The government should
Readers will expect
should enact stricter
background checks
enact stricter gun control
you to:
gun control measures,
and a ban on assault
weapons, in order to
reduce gun violence
and promote public
safety.
measures, including
universal background
checks and a ban on
assault weapons, in
order to reduce gun
violence and promote
public safety.
● Provide evidence
supporting how
stricter measures
will reduce gun
violence and
improve safety
Developed by Vincent Price, PhD
Updated 02/2024
