Thesis Statement

November 07, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources 

A thesis statement is a single sentence that declares the main purpose of the entire essay, answering the question, “What is my opinion?” or “What will I illustrate, define, analyze or argue in this essay?” The thesis statement helps the writer stay focused while writing and sets the reader’s expectations for the essay. Here is a brief overview:

The working thesis statement

Thesis statements don’t spring fully formed from the head of Zeus; they develop naturally during the writing process. Once you have a solid idea of the topic you are going to write about, sketch out a tentative, or working, thesis statement to help guide your writing. Some students like to write this controlling sentence on a 3×5 inch card and keep it next to the computer as they write their draft to prevent going off topic.

This working thesis statement is not written in stone. As you research, think, write and revise, you may discover that your subject needs to be narrowed or expanded or that new nuances must be addressed. With each discovery, tweak and adjust the thesis statement so that it says precisely what you mean and prepares readers for what you are going to tell them.

Examples

Drafting a thesis statement that is neither too broad nor too narrow can be a challenge. Consider the following thesis statements, one set for each of the three categories of essay.

Informative

• Too specific: Some planarians have two eye-spots, while others have several. (Interesting fact, but limited in scope.)
• Too general: Planarians are cool! (Enthusiastic, but vague and broad.)
• Just right: Planarians’ wide distribution, simple physical characteristics and interesting life cycle make them ideal research subjects. (Limited to three substantial points.)

Analytical

• Too specific: In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald follows the residents of West Egg and East Egg. (True statement, but leaves no room for analysis.)
• Too general: Throughout The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald explores many themes. (Too broad for one essay.)
• Just right: Despite their class differences, each character in The Great Gatsby strives to achieve their version of the American Dream. (Focused and analytical.)

Argumentative

• Too specific: My cousin saved money on his insurance plan because of the Affordable Care Act. (Not an arguable claim.)
• Too general: Serious changes should be made to the Affordable Care Act. (Unclear direction.)
• Just right: While it is a step in the right direction, the Affordable Care Act should include a single-payer option to better meet the needs of all US citizens. (Clear, arguable and focused.)

Polishing the thesis statement

Once you have completed a draft of your paper, reassess the thesis statement to make sure it is clear and strong. If it does not fully match the draft, adjust the thesis rather than rewriting the entire essay.

Where does it go?

The thesis statement is seldom the very first sentence of an essay. In most academic writing, it works best at the end of the introductory paragraph. This allows you to introduce the subject, provide background and hook the reader before stating the purpose of the essay.

For other thesis statement placement options, see “Induction vs. deduction.”