How to Write a Thesis Statement

Steps

1. Identify your topic and decide what specific point you want to make about it. Ask yourself what you're trying to prove or explain.
2. Make sure your statement is debatable or analytical, not just a fact. A good thesis is something that requires evidence and explanation to support.
3. Be specific rather than vague. Avoid general statements and instead focus on a particular aspect of your topic that you can fully address in your essay.
4. Keep it concise, typically one or two sentences. Your thesis should be clear and direct without unnecessary words.
5. Place your thesis at the end of your introduction paragraph so it leads naturally into the body of your essay.

Worked example

Weak thesis: Social media is popular. Strong thesis: Social media has negatively impacted teenage mental health by increasing social comparison, reducing face-to-face interaction, and promoting unrealistic lifestyle expectations. The strong version is specific, debatable, and previews the three main points the essay will cover.

Remember

A strong thesis statement is specific, debatable, and clearly states the main argument your essay will prove with evidence.