Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:


In its most basic form, a thesis statement can be constructed using the following formula. Whether you're writing a or any other type, this formula will come in handy:


There's a difference between a thesis statement and a good thesis statement. Understanding what distinguishes the former from the latter is essential for crafting a compelling argument. Whether you choose to from our experts or tackle them yourself, here are some key characteristics to aim for:

The writer will have to research medical and psychology texts to determine the typical characteristics of suicidal behavior and to illustrate how Paul’s behavior mirrors those characteristics.

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

A thesis statement is a short, concise sentence or paragraph that summarizes the main point of an essay or research paper. In a thesis statement, the author is making a specific claim or assertion about a topic that can be debated or challenged. This claim will be developed, supported, and explained in the body of the paper by means of examples and evidence.

Example: 'The implementation of stricter gun control laws is imperative for reducing gun-related violence, safeguarding public safety, and addressing the alarming rates of mass shootings in contemporary society.'

“Working” is the operative word here; your ideas are likely to change during research and the composing process, but beginning with a plan will help you stay focused.
In an informative essay or speech, you may not need a thesis statement, per se, because you’re not trying to prove anything.

Whether it is for a school assignment or a work task, developing the skill of outlining an essay is important. The bigger the assignment, the more important an outline becomes. Writing an outline requires you to closely examine your assignment or task and understand what is being asked of you; it also helps you organize your thoughts, stay on task, and explain your reasoning to others.


A strong thesis statement tells your audience 3 things:

Writing a thesis statement can vary depending on the type of paper you're tackling. Let our explore a few examples to illustrate this diversity.

Sample 1: Basic Thesis Statement

The purpose of a thesis statement is to lay out a clear roadmap for your readers, giving them a heads-up on what your essay is all about. It's like the anchor of your paper, tying everything together. Your thesis should be directly tied to the question or prompt you're addressing, but it's not just a repeat of the topic. It's your chance to:

B. A question cannot serve as a thesis statement.

However, don't mistake it for a mere statement of fact. Your readers, particularly your instructors, are looking for more than just regurgitated information. They want to be intrigued and challenged. That's why your thesis should present something that can be debated, not just proven.

Here is an example of a thesis statement.

Working Main Idea Public school vouchers are growing in popularity among parents but are still opposed by teacher unions.

In these examples, the topic is at the beginning of the sentence (public school vouchers) and the writer’s statement or opinion about the topic is at the end.
Below are some questions that can help you move from topic to working thesis.

Here are some examples of thesis statements.

First, let our explain what is a thesis statement in an essay. Essentially, it's your direct response to the question posed to you, functioning as a guiding map for your reader. Positioned at the end of your introduction, it encapsulates what your paper is all about and outlines the key points you'll be discussing, tailored to your intended audience.

Not-so-good thesis statement: Binge drinking is bad for your health.

The term “text” in a refers to whatever object you’re analyzing. It’s frequently a piece of writing or a speech, but it doesn’t have to be. For example, you could also treat an advertisement or political cartoon as a text.