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Boucek's Web

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.
  • 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.
  • Restricted indicates that the approach to the subject matter and the scope of the paper is limited.
        Example of a good thesis statement:
        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.
        Example of a good thesis statement:
        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.
        Example of a good thesis statement:
        A national compulsory health insurance would seriously drive down the profits made by independent
        health care physicians.




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