Whether you are writing a short essay or a doctoral dissertation, your thesis statement will arguably be the most difficult sentence to formulate. An effective thesis statement states the purpose of the paper and therefore functions to control, assert, and structure your entire argument. Without a sound thesis, your argument may sound weak, lacking in direction, and uninteresting to the reader.

Steps

Understanding a Thesis

1. Understand what a thesis statement is. A thesis statement conveys to the reader the points and/or arguments you wish to make in a paper. It serves as a road map by telling the reader the direction of your argument or analysis and how you will interpret the importance of the subject. In the most simplest of terms, a thesis statement answers the question, "What is this paper about?" Additionally, a thesis statement,
   
   
   • Is an assertion, not a fact or observation. Facts are used within the paper to support your thesis.
   • Takes a stand, meaning it announces your position towards a particular topic.
   • Is the main idea and explains what you intend to discuss.
   • Answers a specific question and explains how you plan to support your argument.
   • Is debatable. Someone should be able to argue an alternate position, or conversely, support your claims.
2. Know where to place a thesis statement. Because of the role thesis statements play, they appear at the beginning of the paper, usually at the end of the first paragraph or somewhere in the introduction. Although most people look for the thesis at the end of the first paragraph, its location can depend on a number of factors such as how lengthy of an introduction you need before you can introduce your thesis or the length of your paper.
3. Limit a thesis statement to one or two sentences in length. Thesis statements are clear and to-the-point, which helps the reader identify the topic and direction of the paper, as well as your position towards the subject.

Writing a Thesis

1. Keep your thesis statement narrow in scope. You should address a single issue in great detail so that your points can be fully supported in the body of the paper. Consider the following examples:
   
   
   • While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions.
   • The primary problem of the American steel industry is the lack of funds to renovate outdated plants and equipment.
   • Hemingway's stories helped create a new prose style by employing extensive dialogue, shorter sentences, and strong Anglo-Saxon words.
   These statements do a great job at condensing the paper's argument into a single sentence. They are direct and answer a question by offering ways to understand the subject matter. In fact, viewing a thesis statement as an answer to the question your paper explores is a great framework with which to build your thesis.
2. Start with a question. Regardless of how complicated the subject is, almost any thesis can be constructed by answering a question. For example, pretend you are given the task of writing a report to the school board explaining why computers would be beneficial in fourth grade classrooms. Simply turn the assignment into a question, such as "What are the benefits of using computers in a fourth grade classroom?" and formulate a sentence that will serve as your thesis: "The potential benefits of using computers in a fourth grade classroom are...."
3. Follow a rigid structure. Knowing the basic formulas will not only keep your thesis within the acceptable length but it will also help you see how your entire argument should be organized. Your thesis should contain two parts:
   
   
   • A clear topic or subject matter
   • A brief summary of what you will say
   Another way of looking at a thesis is as a formula, or a pattern, that comfortably holds your ideas:
   
   
   • [Something] [does something] because [reason(s)].
   • Because [reason(s)], [something] [does something].
   • Although [opposing evidence], [reasons] show [Something] [does something].
   The last example includes a counter-argument, which complicates the thesis but strengthens the argument. In fact, you should always be aware of all counter-arguments against your thesis. Doing so will refine your thesis, and also force you to consider arguments you have to refute in your paper.
4. Write down your thesis. Writing down a preliminary thesis will get you on the right track and force you to think about it, develop your ideas further, and clarify the content of the paper. You will be able to think about your thesis logically, clearly, and concisely.

Enhancing a Thesis

1. Analyze your thesis statement once you think you have a final, or working, version. The point is to make sure you avoid making any mistakes that can weaken your thesis. To get a better idea of what to do and what to avoid, consider the following pointers:
   
   
   • Never frame your thesis as a question. The job of a thesis is to answer a question, not ask one.
   • A thesis is not a list. If you're trying to answer a specific question, too many variables will send your paper off-focus. Keep it concise and brief.
   • Never mention a new topic that you do not intend to discuss in the paper.
   • Do no write in the first person. Using sentences such as, "I will show...," is generally frowned upon by scholars.
   • Do not be combative. The point of your paper is to convince someone of your position, not turn them off, and the best way to achieve that is to make them want to listen to you. Express an open-minded tone, finding common ground between different views.
2. Realize that your thesis does not have to be absolute. Consider it a "working thesis" that's subject to change. As you write your paper you may find that your opinion changes or that your direction has veered slightly. So make sure to continuously re-read your thesis, comparing it to your paper and making the appropriate changes so the two match. Once your paper is finished, go back to your thesis and determine if it needs another revision.

Tips

• Think of your thesis as a case a lawyer has to defend. A thesis statement should explain to your readers the case you wish to make and how you will accomplish that. You can also think of your thesis as a contract. Introducing new ideas the reader is not prepared for may be alienating.
• An effective thesis statement controls the entire argument. It determines what you cannot say. If a paragraph does not support your thesis, either omit it or change your thesis.