Effective Thesis

A thesis statement is a specific, arguable claim that you set out to prove in your research paper. Everything in your paper – your supporting arguments, your evidence and research – should build a case for your thesis.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Identify the criteria for an effective thesis statement.

• A strong thesis statement takes a stand.

• A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

• A strong thesis statement is specific.

• A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

Which criterion for an effective thesis statement does this explanation refer to?

Your claim is arguable. That means that not everyone will agree with you, because there is room for debate and/or differing interpretations of the evidence. However, you should be able to back up your claim with specific evidence and arguments.

• A strong thesis statement takes a stand.

• A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

• A strong thesis statement is specific.

• A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

Which criterion for an effective thesis statement does this explanation refer to?

Your claim is intriguing; it may contradict a commonly-held view or raise a question your reader hasn’t considered before.

• A strong thesis statement takes a stand.

• A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

• A strong thesis statement is specific.

• A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

Which criterion for an effective thesis statement does this explanation refer to?

A focused and specific claim is more interesting and much easier to support than one that is too broad or vague.

• A strong thesis statement takes a stand.

• A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

• A strong thesis statement is specific.

• A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

Which criterion for an effective thesis statement does this explanation refer to?

This is a question of focus. Trying to support a complex or multi-part thesis statement is difficult and will most likely confuse and/or lose your reader.

• A strong thesis statement takes a stand.

• A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

• A strong thesis statement is specific.

• A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.

How do you get from a general paper topic to a specific thesis?

• Ask a question about the topic, and then look for an answer.

• Identify an issue related to the topic that sparks debate. Do some research, and then decide which position you support, based on the evidence you find.

• Make sure that your thesis statement meets all four criteria.

Identify which one is the stronger thesis statement.

• Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and Web pages can provide both advertising and customer support. 

• Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using Web pages that offer both advertising and customer support. 

Identify which one is the stronger thesis statement.

• There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement. 

• Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential danger to customers. 

Identify which one is the stronger thesis statement.

• There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.

• Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loos of muscle and lean body mass, posing a potential danger to consumers.