How To: Write a thesis statement for an essay or paper

A thesis is the basis of any paper or essay. The thesis statement sets the tone and subject of your paper and starts you off on the right foot. In this tutorial, learn how to write an impressive thesis statement and get an A on your next paper!
You Will Need
• Paper and pen or a computer
• Research
• Sources

Step 1: Form a working thesis
Form a working thesis during the rough draft phase. A working thesis states the conclusion you expect your research to support. The working thesis can change as your essay progresses.

Step 2: Do research and take notes
Research your topic and take detailed notes on your sources. Use this information to refine your working thesis into a thesis statement that is supported by your research.

Step 3: Focus the statement
Focus on one main idea of a broader subject. Limit your statement to fit the scope of the assignment.

Step 4: Take a position
Craft your thesis statement so that it has a clearly defined relationship to the subject of your essay. Take a position on the subject; don't just state a fact.
Write a thesis statement that shows the essay is worth being read.

Step 5: Be succinct
Keep it short. A thesis should be only one or two sentences long.

Step 6: Place the thesis at the end of the first paragraph
Insert your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph of your essay.

Did you know? A thesis was originally a Latin term for an unaccented syllable in poetry and a Greek term for a downbeat in music.