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    Creating a Thesis

    by Meghan Kowalski on October 9th, 2024 | 0 Comments

    Every essay or research project needs a thesis. A strong thesis is a specific, precise, and forceful part of your essay. A strong thesis also challenges readers with a viewpoint that can be debated and is strongly supported by evidence.

    A weak thesis, in contrast, consists of mere observations or fragments that cannot be argued. Remember that not every statement on a certain subject will make a good thesis, however, all good theses are focused on a specific topic.

    A thesis is a sentence or a few sentences that express the main idea, argument, or viewpoint of your assignment. A thesis tells your reader what you are about to teach them or argue for. In writing a thesis, you should: 1) focus on the topic at hand, 2) ask questions related to the topic, 3) consider possible answers to the issue, and 4) locate further information to substantiate, qualify and refine the thesis.

    In creating a thesis consider the following:

    • Select a Debatable Issue: Select an issue with numerous possible viewpoints. 
    • Reliable Resources: Choose a subject where you can find enough sources to support your work.
    • Clearly State Your Position: Craft an argument with your thesis clearly reflecting your position. Focus on one main idea, which is based on adequate evidence. 
    • Specificity: You should be as specific and clear as possible on the position you are arguing or explaining.
    • Avoid Fragments: The phrase “Climate Change” is either a fragment or a general subject. Your thesis should answer questions such as, “What should be done about climate change, who should do it, and why they should do it?”
    • Determine Key Points: Identify the major arguments that support your position. These will form the foundation of your essay. Then, outline these major points supporting your position.
    • Revise: After drafting your thesis, double-check it. You may find that it needs further adjustments to better articulate your points and arguments.
    • Draw in Engage Your Audience: Ensure that your thesis is thought-provoking to attract and retain the reader's attention.

    Here is an example of a good and bad thesis statement:

    • Bad: Climate change is bad. (This is vague and does not tell the reader why or how.)
    • Good: Climate change poses a serious threat to human health by intensifying heat waves, exacerbating respiratory conditions, and increasing the spread of infectious diseases. (This is a strong thesis statement because it is specific. It tells the reader because and provides details on how climate change is dangerous.)

    Finally, a good thesis passes the "So what?" or "Who cares?" test. Your thesis should explain or argue for something that others want to read about. A thesis can't be something everyone knows like "Driving after drinking is dangerous." You have to take a stand on an issue where others could disagree with you, or explain a topic that is not commonly understood.

    Remember - it's okay to revise and refine (or even completely change) your thesis as your write. This shows that you are thinking critically about the sources you are finding and evaluating.


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