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The Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is the most important sentence in your entire essay. It occurs early in your essay, in the introduction,
preferably the last sentence of your introduction. The thesis is the main idea of your essay, the
point you are trying to prove. All other sentences in the essay must support your thesis statement, or be thrown out of
that particular essay. The thesis narrows your topic, and directs and controls
the scope and focus of your composition. A good thesis will contribute significantly to an easier and more successful writing job.
A good thesis has, among many qualities, the following features:
It is narrowed, specific, focused NOT obvious:
Poor: The Bible is read by many people.
Good: The Bible provides historical and geographical assistance to certain archeologists.
Poor: Good nutrition is important.
Good: Poor nutrition causes serious dental problems among the Indians of New Mexico.
It is ONE COMPLETE SENTENCE, never a question, never more than one sentence:
Poor: Is the registration process at DeVry satisfactory?
Good: The registration process at DeVry is confusing, time-consuming, and inefficient.
It has an attitude or point of view:
Poor: Scotties are popular pets.
Good: Scotties make good pets because they are gentle, loyal, and intelligent.
It has parallel sentence structure:
Poor: John Dewey argues that the three most important lessons a child should learn are to read, to sing, and he should also be able to draw.
Good: John Dewey argues that the three most important lessons a child should learn are to read, to sing, and to draw.
It is reasonable and factual, not emotionally, artistically, taste, value, or religiously based:
Poor: Mexican food is revolting.
Good: Mexicans prepare some highly seasoned dishes which many Americans find indigestible.
Poor: Modern art should not be federally funded because it is ugly.
Good: Modern art is understood and appreciated by such a small percentage of the population that federal funds would be better spent on a more popular art form.
A good thesis is created by accomplishing the following three objectives:
NARROW the topic to one that can be covered completely in a short essay.
Make a COMMENT on the narrowed topic that shows your attitude towards the topic.
Give REASONS or SUPPORT for your attitude/comment.
See also: Some Thoughts about Thesis Statements for more information.
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