Essay writing: Developing a strong thesis statement

Discovering interesting topics is a critical component of the essay-planning process. However, a good topic is not enough to guarantee a successful paper. The goal of the initial prewriting stage is not to come up with a subject or a topic, per se, but to identify a controlling idea that will help guide and shape the student’s essay and direct her brainstorming efforts.

Why Write a Thesis Statement?

An essay focuses on a particular concept, idea, or scenario and tries to say something unique about it. It shouldn’t be a sprawling report of all possible facts and details. Instead, essay writing is about choosing and analyzing the most important elements necessary for advancing a particular position. Therefore, the thesis statement for an essay represents a condensed and carefully thought-out argument that will define, guide, and set the tone for the entirety of your student’s paper.

What Is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement presents, in one or two sentences, the central, controlling argument of an essay. It explicitly identifies the purpose of the paper and/or previews its main ideas. Everything your student writes throughout the essay should in some way reinforce this primary claim. A good thesis statement should:

1. Concisely present the central idea of the essay.
2. Guide the direction of the paper and establish priorities
3. Take a definitive stand that justifies the case your student is about to make.
4. Articulate a specific, arguable point with which people could logically disagree. It helps to ask what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about the topic. If the student is presenting a claim or statement that no one would argue against, then he’s not saying anything worth reading. 
   • Uncontestable claim: The world would be a better place without war.
   • Contestable claim: Christians should not participate violently in war.
   • Uncontestable claim: Domestic terrorism is on the rise in the United States.
   • Contestable claim: The rise of domestic terrorism reflects an increased disillusionment with the United States government.
5. Effectively answer the prompt or question (if given).
6. Be thoughtfully and deliberately worded.
7. Avoid vague generalizations.
8. Use clear and concrete language.
9. Pass the “So what?” test of significance. A good thesis should be substantial and important, so ask, “Who cares?” or “What difference does it make?” 
   • Insubstantial claim: Students at ABC University have school spirit.
   • Substantial claim: The strong sense of community at ABC University is evident in its students’ commitment to campus functions and organizations. This challenges the prevailing characterization of Generation X as apathetic, uninvolved, and lazy.