Dr. Matt Kuefler

1. THESIS

What is a thesis?

A thesis is a strongly worded statement arguing a precise and complete point. In order for it to be a thesis, it must be an arguable point: that is, it must be possible to formulate one or more alternative points of view that are still reasonably arguable. It should also be complete in one sentence. In other words, a thesis should include as much detail in the sentence itself that it is clear to the reader what the topic is, as well as what the point being argued is.

Examples:

Good Thesis: The careers of Alexander the Great and Shi Huangdi provide striking parallels.

Note that it is clear what the thesis or main argument of this essay is from the statement. Note also that it would be possible to create an alternative arguments: "The careers of Alexander the Great and Shi Huangdi provide only superficial parallels," or "The career of Alexander the Great pales in comparison to that of Shi Huangdi," or other possible arguable points.

Bad Thesis: Alexander the Great and Shi Huangdi were two ancient military conquerors.

Note that it is impossible to contradict this statement from historical fact, so it cannot be argued either for or against.

Better Thesis: The careers of two of the greatest military conquerors of the ancient world, Alexander the Great and Shi Huangdi, provide striking parallels.

Note that in this rewording of the statement, the topic of the essay as well as its thesis or main argument is clear in one sentence.

Where should the thesis statement be found in an essay?

A thesis should always be the last sentence in the introductory paragraph. A restatement or slightly reworded version of the thesis should always be the first sentence in the concluding paragraph. These conventions make it easy for your reader to see what the main point of your essay is. Without these conventions, the reader would have to pause to consider each strongly worded statement in your essay, and to wonder whether it was the thesis.