When you are asked to write an essay that creates an argument, your reader will probably expect a clear statement of your position. Typically, this summary statement comes in the first paragraph of the essay, though there is no rigid rule about position.
Some Myths about Thesis Statements
Characteristics of Good Thesis Statements:
1. It makes a definite and limited assertion that needs to be explained and supported by further discussion:
trite, irrelevant | Shakespeare was the world’s greatest playwright. |
intriguing | The success of the last scene in Midsummer Night’s Dream comes from subtle linguistic and theatrical references to Elizabeth’s position as queen. |
2. It shows the emphasis and indicates the methodology of your argument:
emotional, vague | This essay will show that the North American Free Trade agreement was a disaster for the Canadian furniture industry. |
worth attention | Neither neo-protectionism nor post-industrial theory explains the steep reversal of fortune for the Canadian furniture industry in the period 1988-1994. Data on productivity, profits, and employment, however, can be closely correlated with provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement that took effect in the same period. |
3. It shows awareness of difficulties and disagreements:
sweeping, vague | Having an official policy on euthanasia just causes problems, as the Dutch example shows. |
suitably complex | Dutch laws on euthanasia have been rightly praised for their attention to the principles of self-determination. Recent cases, however, show that they have not been able to deal adequately with issues involving technological intervention of unconscious patients. Hamarckian strategies can solve at least the question of assignation of rights. |
SOURCE: Proctor, M (2020) "Using Thesis Statements", Toronto, University of Toronto, URL: https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/planning/thesis-statements/