Thesis Statement
Consider the following ideas, suggestions, and examples when constructing a thesis statement:
1. A thesis statement connects the central idea of the theme and the plan of the topics used to develop the central idea.
1. A thesis statement connects the central idea of the theme and the plan of the topics used to develop the central idea.
- Example of a central idea: The main character is worthy of the reader's sympathy.
- Example of topics to develop the central idea:
- He is harmless. He is lonely. He is vulnerable.
2. A thesis statement is a declarative sentence, never a question or a phrase.
3. A thesis statement is at least somewhat arguable; it is not just a factual statement.
4. A thesis statement is more than the writer's opinion or statement of preference.
5. A thesis statement will generally indicate the writer's point of view or attitude toward the subject.
6. A thesis statement may state the purpose of the paper (without using "The purpose of this paper is...").
7. A good thesis statement is restricted, unified, and precise.
3. A thesis statement is at least somewhat arguable; it is not just a factual statement.
4. A thesis statement is more than the writer's opinion or statement of preference.
5. A thesis statement will generally indicate the writer's point of view or attitude toward the subject.
6. A thesis statement may state the purpose of the paper (without using "The purpose of this paper is...").
7. A good thesis statement is restricted, unified, and precise.
- Restricted indicates that the approach to the subject matter and the scope of the paper is limited.
Compulsory national health insurance would encourage hypochondriacs to monopolize a doctor's time
- Unified means that the writer has commited to dealing with only one dominant idea.
Compulsory national health insurance would destroy the friendly and intimate relationship that a
patient shares with his doctor.
- Precise refers to the words and phrases which permit one interpretation to be used. Words that convey no exact meaning should be avoided.
A national compulsory health insurance would seriously drive down the profits made by independent
health care physicians.
