What do you mean by a 'Thesis Statement'?
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Don't let the term'Thesis Statement' scare you away from writing a good paper. 'Thesis statement' is just a fancy term for a one sentence summary of what the main purpose or point of your paper is. |
A
good thesis is very specific. It is not just a general
statement. A general statement is too hard to write a
good essay about.
| The life of Christopher Columbus had a lasting impact on the world. | NOT |
Christopher Columbus was an explorer. |
A
thesis does not just announce your paper's subject.
| The deserts of the world have many things in common, but their differences are what makes them special. | NOT |
I am going to tell you about the deserts of the world. |
| California has a wide variety of interesting geographical features. | NOT |
My report is on the state of California. |
A
thesis is not the title of your paper.
| The fat content of today's school lunches is excessive for children. | NOT |
School Lunches Suck |
| While the nutritional value of school lunches may be adequate, their taste and appearance are unappetizing. | NOT |
School Lunches Suck |
A
thesis does not just restate simple facts. (How could you
write an entire paper proving that Twentynine Palms is in
the desert? We know it's in the desert!)
| Twentynine Palms, California is a little known retreat for artists. | NOT |
Twentynine Palms, California is located in the Mojave Desert. |
| The giant rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park are perfect for rock climbing enthusiasts. | NOT |
Joshua Tree National Park is home to many giant rocks. |
Take a Quiz! Here is Thesis Statement Review by W.W. Norton and Company