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Paper Writing- Thesis Statements

Author: Kristina Jacobs

How to Write a Thesis Statement

Elvis example

We've all heard about a mysterious thing called a "thesis statement"
that should be somewhere in our paper (kind of like Elvis, it's a mystery),

but most people don't really know what it is or how to write one.
It sounds daunting, but actually it's really easy.

 

What do you mean I need a “thesis statement”?

 

A thesis statement tells the reader what your paper is about and what the main point of the paper will be - before they read it. Your topic is basically what your paper will be about, but a thesis statement requires more detail.

You should look at your outline and see what point you are planning to make with your paper. What do your unique ideas and the supporting facts that you have uncovered say about the topic that is unique to your particular point of view?

Your thesis statement will have two parts.

The first part states the topic in a few words

For example:

  • Canada's Culture
  • Building a Model Electric Car
  • Public Transportation
     
  • Elvis Presley

 

The second part states the point of the essay.

  • has a rich Maritime history
  • costs a lot, but offers great learning experiences for middle schoolers
  • is using green technology to save money for taxpayers and help the environment
  • is a music legend, but his life and death are still a mystery

When you put the two parts together in a complete sentence it will become your "thesis statement" or in less mysterious words, the point of your entire paper.

Example Thesis Statements

For example, your thesis statement in a paper on Canadian Maritime history might be: "Canada has a rich Maritime culture that history has largely ignored."

Another example might be: "Public transportation has been one of the first forms of transportation to embrace green technology such as gas and solar power in order to save money and keep the environment healthy."

Where to Put Your Thesis Statement Within Your Paper

Place your thesis statement as the last sentence of your first paragraph and reword and reuse it somewhere in your conclusion to complete your writing assignment.