{"id":6943,"date":"2018-10-30T11:54:25","date_gmt":"2018-10-30T18:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.essaypop.com\/?p=6943"},"modified":"2020-07-11T14:34:04","modified_gmt":"2020-07-11T21:34:04","slug":"writing-the-perfect-thesis-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.essaypop.com\/style-guide\/writing-the-perfect-thesis-statement","title":{"rendered":"How to Write the Perfect Thesis Statement for Your Multiple-paragraph Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ah, the all-important thesis statement! This simple sentence or two is the direction, the laser focus. and the \u201cpoint\u201d of your entire essay. It announces to the reader, \u201cI am going to be discussing something very specific and very important and THIS is what it is.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As the name implies, the thesis statement is indeed a statement; it\u2019s an announcement to your reader (or your teacher) that you have an answer, a take, and a confident point of view.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the worst feelings a young essayist can experience is, after spending several hours writing an essay, getting marked down substantially because he or she never really answered the question. This is a frustrating situation for teachers and students alike, and it\u2019s quite common. It\u2019s also easily fixed.<\/span><\/p>\n When the essay prompt asks students to compare how two pieces of literature address a recurring theme, and a student spends three pages on why she prefers one piece of literature over the other, then the prompt has not been addressed no matter how much text evidence or solid reasoning has been introduced.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Or if a science class prompt asks students to compare the relative toxicity of rattlesnake and black widow venom and the writer instead discusses a time when she watched a black widow spider eat a praying mantis, the teacher\u2019s question is not being answered (although that is kind of a cool story).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So, read the prompt very carefully. Read it twice; read it three times if necessary, and highlight and annotate as you do so, picking out critical words and phrases that you know are critical to the question.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Read the prompt out loud to a friend or classmate and see if you can agree on what the prompt is really asking you to write about. Once you have read and understood the prompt completely, then you can confidently write your thesis statement which, in essence, is a very concise and general answer to the question that will be discussed in detail throughout the essay.<\/span><\/p>\n Because students sometimes go off in wayward directions and forget to address the question being asked, we felt it was important to give young writers some techniques to stay on track. One tried-and-true strategy to ensure that you do address the prompt is to <\/span>include words and phrases from the prompt itself <\/b>in your thesis statement. We call this mirroring or echoing the prompt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some young writers worry that they\u2019ll be accused of plagiarizing the teacher if they do this, but if done reasonably and fairly, this strategy will not only ensure you address the prompt, it will put a smile on your teacher\u2019s face because she\u2019ll know you took the time to read the question that she so carefully constructed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another thing to keep in mind is that sometimes<\/span> the teacher will add additional information as a sort of introduction to the essay question. Sometimes this information is reflective or philosophical, sometimes it provides important background. Whatever the case, the teacher includes this for a reason, and you would be wise, read this part of the prompt carefully as well and maybe even mirror some of <\/span>this<\/b> information in your thesis statement.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n William Shakespeare\u2019s \u201cSonnet 130\u201d and Rodgers and Hart\u2019s song, \u201cMy Funny Valentine\u201d <\/span>are very atypical and<\/span> unusual<\/span> expressions of love. \u00a0In a multiple-paragraph, evidence-based essay, <\/span>\u00a0compare<\/span><\/span> these two <\/span>works in terms of how they uniquely explore themes of love and romance.<\/span><\/p>\n This paper will discuss and<\/span> compare William Shakespeare\u2019s \u201cSonnet 130\u201d and Rodgers and Hart\u2019s song \u201cMy Funny Valentine\u201d <\/span>and demonstrate how these<\/span> unusual<\/span> works are very much alike<\/span> in terms of how they uniquely explore the themes of love and romance.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Look at all the words and phrases taken from the prompt itself. This mirroring of terminology from the essay prompt helps to ensure that the writer is very focused on the teacher\u2019s question. The thesis statement is a single, complex sentence and is not overly wordy or complicated. Both authors\u2019 names and the titles of the works being analyzed are specifically mentioned. <\/span><\/p>\n Many <\/span>city dwellers<\/span> are fearful of living close to wild animals. The idea of living amicably in the same environment as wolves, <\/span>rattlesnakes<\/span>, coyotes, or black widow spiders causes many folks\u2019 skin to crawl. Are such <\/span>unexpected,\u00a0 species-to-species relationships<\/span> desirable or even possible?<\/span><\/p>\n Despite human beings and rattlesnakes being a truly unlikely pair, <\/span>\u00a0in many urban and suburban regions of Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada, city dwellers<\/span><\/span> and rattlers have<\/span> coexisted<\/span> in the most <\/span>unexpected<\/span> ways. You might even describe the<\/span> relationship between<\/span> the two species <\/span><\/span>as downright <\/span>amicable<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Again, words and phrases from the prompt are used liberally in the thesis statement, showing that the writer has read and understood the prompt. The thesis statement is two-sentences in length and quite concise. It is also very specific; the essayist has decided to narrow the range of deadly animals to rattlesnakes only and to focus on the suburban regions of Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. This specificity will help the writer remain focused.<\/span><\/p>\n Pitbulls are commonly considered to be <\/span>unpredictable and even <\/span>vicious animals<\/span>. <\/span>They are frequently <\/span>portrayed in the media<\/span> as a <\/span>societal threat<\/span> that should be subject to stringent leashing requirements and prohibited from public spaces such as playgrounds, shopping areas, and even dog parks. Do you believe that pitbulls are a menace to society that should be singled out and restricted because of their vicious natures?<\/span><\/p>\n The evidence shows that despite <\/span>frequent attempts by the media and the public at large to portray pit bulls as unpredictable or vicious animals<\/span>, they are in fact a friendly, intelligent, and loyal breed of dog. Any attempt to treat them as a <\/span>societal threat<\/span>, <\/span>to subject them to stringent leashing laws<\/span>,<\/span> or to<\/span> restrict them publicly <\/span>in any would, in every way, be irrational and unfair.<\/span><\/p>\n Again, words and phrases from the prompt are used liberally in the thesis statement, showing that the writer has really read and understood the prompt. It is two-sentences in length and quite concise. It takes a clear position in rejecting the notion that pit bulls should be singled out and treated differently from other dog species.<\/span><\/p>\n Since the thesis statement is the laser focus of your essay, you must be clear, concise, and specific when you write it. The problem is, if you take that advice too literally, you can create a statement that is just far too general and ambiguous.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Take the following thesis statement from an expository essay as an example: <\/span>In my essay, I will be discussing rattlesnakes<\/b>.<\/b> This statement is specific to be sure, but it’s also so general as to be vague. Sure, the essay is about rattlesnakes, but what aspect of these reptiles will be discussed? Their venom, their life expectancy, their reproductive cycle, their ability to camouflage themselves? The focus is not clear.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here is a better and less general thesis statement: <\/span>\u00a0<\/b>Rattlesnakes possess several unique physical characteristics that make these reptiles one of the desert\u2019s most deadly predators.<\/b> This statement is less wide-open and more focused. It is clearly about rattlesnakes, but it zeros in on the creatures as desert predators, and it announces that the essay will focus on some of the snake\u2019s physical attributes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The specifics of which specific physical characteristics will be written about in the essay will appear next as add-ons to the thesis that we at <\/span>essaypop<\/b> call <\/span>POPs<\/span> (point of paragraph). These will be discussed in more detail a little later. For more clarity on the concept of overly-general thesis statements, take a look at these other examples:<\/span><\/p>\n Our school needs more technology.<\/span><\/p>\n Because so many of our students lack basic computer skills<\/span>, it would be wise for us to <\/span>budget funds<\/span> for the purchase of<\/span> 100 Chromebooks<\/span> next year.<\/span><\/p>\n This is a single, complex sentence that gives the writer and the reader some thoughts to focus on. It tells us what kind of technology should be purchased and why. The needed details are <\/span>highlighted in light red<\/span>. The first thesis statement could be about any kind of technology for any purpose. <\/span><\/p>\n Sharon Creech uses a lot of foreshadowing in her novel, <\/span>Walk Two Moons.<\/b><\/p>\n In order to <\/span>create suspense<\/span> and to <\/span>prepare the reader for upcoming plot developments<\/span>, Sharon Creech <\/span>foreshadows the deaths of three main characters<\/span> in her novel, <\/span>Walk Two Moons<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n This thesis statement tells us not only that Creech uses foreshadowing, but why she uses it. It also sets up the <\/span>POPs<\/span> to come that will focus on three main characters whose deaths are foreshadowed in the novel. The needed details are <\/span>highlighted above in red<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Okay, so we just discussed the reasons why you shouldn\u2019t be too general in your thesis statement, now we\u2019re going in the opposite direction and advising you not to say too much. Did we just develop a split-personality? Well, sort of, but stick with us because you\u2019ll soon see this advice does make sense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s the thing, sometimes when young writers get rolling, it\u2019s hard to stop them. And if the thesis statement, as we advise in this system, is the first thing to be written, some writers will just keep writing and writing until the thesis becomes a bit of a confusing mess.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re going to be able to include all of your amazing research, anecdotes, and opinions in your essay. You\u2019re just going to need to put them where they belong. Sometimes that will appear in the hook of your introduction; sometimes it will show up later in a body paragraph; it might even be reserved until you write the reflection portion of your conclusion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember, with <\/span>essaypop,<\/b> there are specific writing frames to write down specific information and commentary. Make sure that only what belongs in the thesis is included in the thesis statement. Here are some examples of thesis statements that are trying to do too much. The problem areas are<\/span> highlighted in <\/span>light red<\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as smoking and leads to a higher prevalence of cancer and heart disease<\/span>. <\/span>I remember my grandpa smoked like a chimney and we would innocently breathe all of his exhaled smoke into our lungs for hours.<\/span> What\u2019s worse, people who inhale secondhand smoke are doing so without consent.<\/span> This is proven in Dr. Karl Conrad\u2019s excellent research at Johns Hopkins University and is such powerful proof that in cannot be ignored.<\/span> <\/span>\u00a0For this reason, smoking in any public place should be banned.<\/span> Think of all the kids such a policy could save from such a disgusting habit as smoking.<\/span><\/p>\n First off, this thesis statement is <\/span>six sentences<\/b> long. Typically, it should be one or maybe two sentences (three at the most), so at six sentences, alarm bells should be going off.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The sentence about the smoking grandma is anecdotal and should be eliminated. It might be used in the hook or a later body paragraph, but it clutters things up here. The Dr. Conrad reference is a research detail that might do great in a later body paragraph, but it doesn\u2019t belong here. The last sentence is commentary and should probably be placed in a body paragraph interpretation.<\/span><\/p>\n Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as smoking and leads to a higher prevalence of cancer and heart disease. What\u2019s worse, people who inhale secondhand smoke are doing so without consent. For this reason, smoking in any public place should be banned.<\/span><\/p>\n At three, short sentences long, this thesis statement provides enough detail to focus the essay without being vague. It also takes a clear stand on the persuasive prompt. It will be further detailed and fleshed out with the <\/span>POPs<\/span> to follow. All in all, it is an effective launching point for this essay.<\/span><\/p>\n Today, nearly 40% of American parents refuse to vaccinate their children due to a variety of unfounded fears. \u00a0Most likely they\u2019re caught up in erroneous stories in the media or fringe doctors who base their medical advice on unfounded science. <\/span>Vaccinations against diseases such as polio, rubella, and mumps, should be mandatory, without exception, for all children of the U.S. who wish to attend school. These vaccinations are critical to the control and eradication of deadly infectious diseases. <\/span>To think otherwise is simply irresponsible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWe at <\/span>essaypop<\/b> respectfully submit to you these five tips and models which, if taken into consideration, will help you create amazing thesis statements every time.<\/span><\/h4>\n
Tip 1 — Read the prompt carefully \u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Tip 2 — Mirror echo the prompt<\/span><\/h2>\n
Take a look at the following examples. The mirrored words and phrases shared by the prompt and the thesis statement are<\/span> highlighted in light red<\/span>:<\/span><\/h4>\n
Example 1<\/span><\/h3>\n
The prompt \/ (response to literature) <\/span><\/h4>\n
The thesis statement<\/span><\/h4>\n
Why this thesis statement works<\/span><\/h4>\n
Example 2<\/span><\/h3>\n
The Prompt (expository\/ argument)<\/span><\/h4>\n
The thesis statement<\/span><\/h4>\n
Why this thesis statement works? <\/span><\/h4>\n
Example 3<\/span><\/h3>\n
The Prompt (persuasive) \u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
The thesis statement<\/span><\/h4>\n
Why this thesis statement works<\/span><\/h4>\n
Tip 3 — \u00a0Avoid Being Vague <\/span><\/h3>\n
Example 1<\/span><\/h3>\n
Too general<\/span><\/h4>\n
A better thesis statement <\/span><\/h4>\n
Why this thesis statement works <\/span><\/h4>\n
Example 2<\/span><\/h3>\n
Too general <\/span><\/h4>\n
A better thesis statement \u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Why this thesis statement works<\/h4>\n
Tip 4 — Avoid Saying Too Much<\/span><\/h3>\n
Example 1<\/span><\/h4>\n
What\u2019s the problem here? \u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Here\u2019s a better version:<\/span><\/h4>\n
Why this revision works<\/span><\/h4>\n
Example 2<\/span><\/h4>\n