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Thesis Statement

The document provides guidance on writing a clear and focused thesis statement in 3 or fewer sentences: 1) The thesis should be narrow enough that the topic can be thoroughly explored in the allotted page count, focusing on the key points rather than broadly skimming the surface. 2) Avoid vague or ambiguous language and terms that are not clearly defined for the reader. Be as specific and clear as possible. 3) The thesis should not just announce the topic but reveal the author's position and how they will analyze and evaluate the subject.

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jhell dela cruz
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1K views

Thesis Statement

The document provides guidance on writing a clear and focused thesis statement in 3 or fewer sentences: 1) The thesis should be narrow enough that the topic can be thoroughly explored in the allotted page count, focusing on the key points rather than broadly skimming the surface. 2) Avoid vague or ambiguous language and terms that are not clearly defined for the reader. Be as specific and clear as possible. 3) The thesis should not just announce the topic but reveal the author's position and how they will analyze and evaluate the subject.

Uploaded by

jhell dela cruz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Your thesis should be limited to what can be accomplished in the specified number of pages.

Shape your
topic so that you can get straight to the "meat" of it. Being specific in your paper will be much more
successful than writing about general things that do not say much. Don't settle for three pages of just
skimming the surface.

The opposite of a focused, narrow, crisp thesis is a broad, sprawling, superficial thesis. Compare this
original thesis (too general) with three possible revisions (more focused, each presenting a different
approach to the same topic):

Original thesis:

There are serious objections to today's horror movies.

Revised theses:

Because modern cinematic techniques have allowed filmmakers to get more graphic, horror flicks have
desensitized young American viewers to violence.

The pornographic violence in "bloodbath" slasher movies degrades both men and women.

Today's slasher movies fail to deliver the emotional catharsis that 1930s horror films did.

Is your thesis statement clear?

Your thesis statement is no exception to your writing: it needs to be as clear as possible. By being as
clear as possible in your thesis statement, you will make sure that your reader understands exactly what
you mean.

Tip: In order to be as clear as possible in your writing:

Unless you're writing a technical report, avoid technical language. Always avoid jargon, unless you are
confident your audience will be familiar with it.

Avoid vague words such as "interesting,” "negative," "exciting,” "unusual," and "difficult."

Avoid abstract words such as "society," “values,” or “culture.”

These words tell the reader next to nothing if you do not carefully explain what you mean by them.
Never assume that the meaning of a sentence is obvious. Check to see if you need to define your terms
(”socialism," "conventional," "commercialism," "society"), and then decide on the most appropriate
place to do so. Do not assume, for example, that you have the same understanding of what “society”
means as your reader. To avoid misunderstandings, be as specific as possible.

Compare the original thesis (not specific and clear enough) with the revised version (much more specific
and clear):

Original thesis: Although the timber wolf is a timid and gentle animal, it is being systematically
exterminated. [if it's so timid and gentle -- why is it being exterminated?]

Revised thesis: Although the timber wolf is actually a timid and gentle animal, it is being systematically
exterminated because people wrongfully believe it to be a fierce and cold-blooded killer.

Does your thesis include a comment about your position on the issue at hand?

The thesis statement should do more than merely announce the topic; it must reveal what position you
will take in relation to that topic, how you plan to analyze/evaluate the subject or the issue. In short,
instead of merely stating a general fact or resorting to a simplistic pro/con statement, you must decide
what it is you have to say.

Tips:

Avoid merely announcing the topic; your original and specific "angle" should be clear. In this way you
will tell your reader why your take on the issue matters.

Original thesis: In this paper, I will discuss the relationship between fairy tales and early childhood.

Revised thesis: Not just empty stories for kids, fairy tales shed light on the psychology of young children.

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