what's a thesis and a topic sentence

Thesis Statement & Topic Sentences

A thesis statement in combination with topic sentences is vital for a paper, helping to structure ideas for both the student and the reader. This makes it easier for the writer to lay out thoughts by having an identified general theme for an essay and for each paragraph therein. A thesis statement is an explanation of the overall facts or thoughts to be discussed, while topic sentences have a similar role for each of the paragraphs within the text. Clearly defined thesis and topic sentences are essential for any essay because they help the student to develop ideas in a structured manner while engaging the reader.

Prepare a topic and reference materials

The first step to forming a good thesis should begin with reflection on a topic for the paper. Because this component should persuade the intended audience for the article, the student should have an understanding of the subject in question. Additionally, it is crucial to develop a particular point of view that will guide further writing. Obviously, this also requires an understanding of the topic; therefore, the student should conduct research and gather appropriate materials prior to writing a thesis and topic statements.

Highlight the main idea of the essay

Thesis statement for an essay about the learning habits of individuals might be the following.

“College students can achieve better educational outcomes when structuring their studies and dedicating time to read materials for classes each day.”

From this sentence, it can be summarized that the work will present evidence to convince a reader regarding possible approaches to education that can help achieve success. The statement also presents ideas that can help a student create topic sentences for each paragraph.

Identify the main points discussed in the body of the essay

In this case, a sentence at the beginning of each paragraph would be directed at examining various approaches a student can take to improve the efficacy of studying. A topic sentence for the first paragraph would be as follows.

“Structuring learning materials including books, journals, articles, videos, and others can help enhance the learning process.”

The paragraph itself would discuss the importance of proper structure and ways to choose sources for studies, providing guidance on how to use several references to gain knowledge of a topic.

The second topic sentence could take this form.

“By dedicating time to education each day, a student can better memorize material and enhance the understanding of a subject.”

Therefore, this section of the paper would focus on the benefits that can be achieved through daily effort invested in education. From these examples, it is reasonable to conclude that topic sentences are essential because they convey the ideas that will be discussed in the related paragraphs. It is also vital to ensure that each section is dedicated to a different argument to avoid confusing the reader.

Check this article to get a clear understanding on what is thesis statement and how to write it. Also, you will find a range of online thesis generators to facilitate your studying.

A good understanding of the topic that will be discussed in the paper is vital to writing a good thesis statement and topic sentences. Following the acquisition of this knowledge, it is necessary to develop a central idea that will appeal to the reader and address it by summarizing the main points of the essay. The final step is to write out several components that are related to the thesis and will be examined in the paper. Topic sentences should summarize these factors and provide an understanding of the aspects that will be examined in the associated paragraphs.

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Thesis vs. Topic Sentence

What's the difference.

A thesis statement and a topic sentence are both essential components of academic writing, but they serve different purposes. A thesis statement is a concise and arguable claim that presents the main idea or argument of an essay or research paper. It provides a roadmap for the entire piece of writing and guides the reader on what to expect. On the other hand, a topic sentence is a statement that introduces the main idea of a paragraph. It acts as a mini-thesis within the larger context of the thesis statement, focusing on a specific aspect or supporting point. While a thesis statement is typically found at the end of an introduction, a topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to academic writing, two essential components that play a crucial role in structuring an essay or research paper are the thesis statement and the topic sentence. Both the thesis statement and the topic sentence serve as guiding principles for the entire piece of writing, providing a clear focus and direction. While they share similarities in their purpose, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of both the thesis statement and the topic sentence, highlighting their importance and differences.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a concise and declarative sentence that presents the main argument or claim of an essay or research paper. It is typically found in the introductory paragraph and sets the tone for the entire piece of writing. The thesis statement is often considered the backbone of the paper, as it provides a roadmap for the reader and guides the writer's thought process.

One of the key attributes of a thesis statement is its specificity. It should clearly state the main point or argument of the paper, leaving no room for ambiguity. A well-crafted thesis statement is focused and precise, allowing the reader to understand the writer's stance on the topic from the very beginning.

Furthermore, a thesis statement should be arguable. It should present a claim that can be supported or refuted through evidence and logical reasoning. This attribute distinguishes a thesis statement from a mere statement of fact. By presenting an arguable claim, the writer invites the reader to engage with the topic and consider different perspectives.

In addition, a thesis statement should be concise and to the point. It should capture the essence of the writer's argument without unnecessary elaboration. This brevity ensures that the thesis statement remains clear and impactful, avoiding confusion or ambiguity.

Lastly, a thesis statement should be placed at the end of the introductory paragraph. This positioning allows it to serve as a transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs, providing a smooth flow of ideas and setting the stage for the subsequent discussion.

Topic Sentence

Similar to a thesis statement, a topic sentence plays a vital role in structuring a paragraph within an essay or research paper. While a thesis statement encompasses the entire paper, a topic sentence focuses on a specific paragraph or section. It serves as a mini-thesis, summarizing the main idea of the paragraph and connecting it to the overall argument.

One of the primary attributes of a topic sentence is its clarity. It should clearly state the main point of the paragraph, allowing the reader to understand its purpose and relevance. A well-crafted topic sentence provides a concise preview of the information that will be discussed in the paragraph, guiding the reader through the writer's thought process.

Furthermore, a topic sentence should be unified. It should address only one main idea or argument, avoiding the inclusion of unrelated or extraneous information. This attribute ensures that the paragraph remains focused and coherent, enhancing the overall clarity and effectiveness of the writing.

In addition, a topic sentence should be placed at the beginning of the paragraph. This positioning allows it to serve as a clear transition from the previous paragraph and provides a logical flow of ideas throughout the essay or research paper. By starting with a strong topic sentence, the writer sets the stage for the subsequent discussion and helps the reader navigate through the content smoothly.

Lastly, a topic sentence should be supported by evidence and examples. It should not only present the main idea but also provide sufficient information to validate or illustrate the point being made. By including supporting details, the writer strengthens the argument and enhances the overall persuasiveness of the paragraph.

In conclusion, both the thesis statement and the topic sentence are essential components of academic writing that provide structure and coherence to essays and research papers. While the thesis statement encompasses the entire paper and presents the main argument, the topic sentence focuses on individual paragraphs and summarizes their main ideas. Both the thesis statement and the topic sentence should be clear, specific, and supported by evidence. The thesis statement is placed in the introductory paragraph, while the topic sentence starts each paragraph. By understanding the attributes of both the thesis statement and the topic sentence, writers can effectively convey their ideas and engage readers in their writing.

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Topic Sentence vs. Thesis Statement: What’s the Difference?

• September 27, 2024

Dr. Marvin L. Smith

When writing an essay or research paper, two essential elements can make or break your argument: the  topic sentence and thesis statement . While often confused with each other, these two sentences serve distinct purposes in your writing. 

In this article, I’ll break down the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement, helping you craft a clear and compelling argument that will engage your readers and set you up for success.

What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence is a sentence that clearly states the main idea of a paragraph or section in your writing. It’s the sentence that tells your readers what the rest of the paragraph will be about, providing a roadmap for the supporting details and evidence that will follow. 

Think of it as a mini-thesis statement for a single paragraph. A well-crafted topic sentence should be concise, specific, and focused, giving your readers a clear sense of direction and helping them understand the purpose of the paragraph.

Examples of topic sentence

Here are a few examples of effective topic sentences:

• “The benefits of regular exercise include improved physical health, increased energy levels, and enhanced mental well-being.”
• “The invention of the printing press revolutionized the way people consumed information, making books more widely available and contributing to a significant increase in literacy rates.”
• “The city of Paris, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.”

Notice how each of these sentences provides a clear direction for the rest of the paragraph, setting the stage for supporting details and evidence.

Features of topic sentence

A good topic sentence should have the following features:

• Clear and concise language : Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that might confuse your readers.
• Specificity : A topic sentence should clearly state the main idea of the paragraph, without being too broad or vague.
• Focus : A good topic sentence should stay focused on one main idea, avoiding distractions or tangents.
• Relevance : The topic sentence should be relevant to the rest of the paragraph, setting the stage for the supporting details and evidence that will follow.
• Engaging tone : A topic sentence should be written in an engaging and interesting way, drawing the reader in and making them want to learn more.

Want to generate a topic sentence for your essay?

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What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly states the main argument or point of your entire essay or research paper . It’s a concise summary of your main claim , and it sets the tone for the rest of your writing. 

A good thesis statement should be specific, arguable, and relevant to the topic, providing a roadmap for the rest of your essay . Think of it as the ultimate guide for your readers, helping them understand the purpose and direction of your writing.

Examples of thesis statement

Here are a few examples of effective thesis statements:

• “While some argue that standardized testing is necessary for evaluating student progress, I believe that it is a flawed system that stifles creativity and critical thinking.”
• “The rise of social media has had a profound impact on the way we communicate, but it has also contributed to a decline in face-to-face interactions and deepened social isolation.”
• “Despite the benefits of a vegan diet, a balanced and moderate approach to meat consumption can be a healthier and more sustainable choice for many individuals.”

Notice how each of these sentences takes a clear stance on a topic, providing a roadmap for the rest of the essay and setting the stage for supporting evidence and arguments.

Features of thesis statement

A good thesis statement should have the following features:

• Specificity : A thesis statement should clearly state the main argument or point of the essay, without being too broad or vague.
• Arguability : A good thesis statement should be arguable, meaning that it takes a clear stance on a topic and invites debate or discussion.
• Relevance : The thesis statement should be relevant to the topic and the rest of the essay, setting the stage for the supporting evidence and arguments that will follow.
• Originality : A thesis statement should offer a fresh perspective or insight, rather than simply restating a well-known fact or opinion.
• Clarity : A thesis statement should be written in clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or overly complex terminology that might confuse readers.
• Focus : A good thesis statement should stay focused on one main idea, avoiding distractions or tangents that might dilute the argument.

Want to generate a compelling thesis statement?

Check out our free thesis statement generator (no sign-up required, 100% Free to use)

Topic Statement vs. Thesis statement: What’s the difference?

While both topic sentences and thesis statements are essential elements in writing, they serve distinct purposes and have different characteristics.

Understanding the difference between the two can help you craft a clear and compelling argument that will engage your readers and set you up for success.

The main difference

The main difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement is their scope and purpose. A topic sentence is a sentence that clearly states the main idea of a single paragraph or section, while a thesis statement is a sentence that clearly states the main argument or point of the entire essay or research paper.

Key differences

• Scope : A topic sentence has a narrower scope, focusing on a single paragraph or section, while a thesis statement has a broader scope, encompassing the entire essay or research paper.
• Purpose : A topic sentence aims to introduce the main idea of a paragraph or section, while a thesis statement aims to present the main argument or point of the entire essay or research paper.
• Tone : A topic sentence is often more neutral, providing a straightforward introduction to the main idea, while a thesis statement is often more persuasive, taking a clear stance on a topic and inviting debate or discussion.
• Length : A topic sentence is usually shorter and more concise, while a thesis statement can be longer and more detailed, depending on the complexity of the argument.

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Final thoughts

By understanding the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement, you’ll be able to craft a clear and compelling argument that engages your readers and sets you up for success, transforming your writing from a collection of ideas to a cohesive and persuasive message.

What is the difference between thesis statement and topic sentence?

The main difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence is their purpose and scope. A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces the main idea of a paragraph, while a thesis statement is a sentence that summarizes the main argument or point of an entire essay or text. A thesis statement is typically more specific, arguable, and comprehensive than a topic sentence.

What do topic sentences and thesis statements have in common?

Topic sentences and thesis statements share 4 key similarities:

• Introduce main ideas: Both introduce the main idea of a paragraph or text.
• Clear and concise: Both should be easy to understand and free of unnecessary words.
• Provide a roadmap: Both help readers understand what to expect from the rest of the paragraph or text.
• Organize writing: Both play a crucial role in structuring writing, making it easier for readers to follow the author’s argument.

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Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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• Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences
• Key to Comments
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• Test-Yourself Quiz on Commonly Confused Words
• Citing Sources
• Formatting Guidelines for Papers
• General Grading Criteria

Thesis Statements

A thesis statement defines the scope and purpose of the paper. It needs to meet three criteria:

1. It must be arguable rather than a statement of fact. It should also say something original about the topic.

Bad thesis: Lily Bart experiences the constraints of many social conventions in The House of Mirth . [Of course she does. What does she do with these social conventions, and how does she respond to them? What’s your argument about this idea?]

Better thesis: Lily Bart seeks to escape from the social conventions of her class in The House of Mirth , but her competing desires for a place in Selden’s “republic of the spirit” and in the social world of New York cause her to gamble away her chances for a place in either world. [You could then mention the specific scenes that you will discuss.]

2. It must be limited enough so that the paper develops in some depth.

Bad thesis: Lily Bart and Clare Kendry are alike in some ways, but different in many others. [What ways?]

Better thesis: Lily Bart and Clare Kendry share a desire to “pass” in their respective social worlds, but their need to take risks and to reject those worlds leads to their destruction.

3. It must be unified so that the paper does not stray from the topic.

Bad thesis: Lily Bart gambles with her future, and Lawrence Selden is only a spectator rather than a hero of The House of Mirth . [Note: This is really the beginning of two different thesis statements.]

Better thesis: In The House of Mirth, Lawrence Selden is a spectator who prefers to watch and judge Lily than to help her. By failing to assist her on three separate occasions, he is revealed as less a hero of the novel than as the man responsible for Lily’s downfall. [Note: Sometimes thesis statements are more than one sentence long.]

4. Statements such as “In this essay I will discuss ” or “I will compare two stories in this paper” or “I was interested in Marji’s relationship with God, so I thought I would talk about it in this essay” are not thesis statements and are unnecessary, since mentioning the stories in the introduction already tells the reader this.

Topic Sentences

Good topic sentences can improve an essay’s readability and organization. They usually meet the following criteria:

1. First sentence. A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph, not the last sentence of the previous paragraph.

2. Link to thesis . Topic sentences use keywords or phrases from the thesis to indicate which part of the thesis will be discussed.

3. Introduce the subject of the paragraph. They tell the reader what concept will be discussed and provide an introduction to the paragraph.

4. Link to the previous paragraph. They link the subject of the present paragraph to that of the previous paragraph.

5. Indicate the progression of the essay. Topic sentences may also signal to the reader where the essay has been and where it is headed through signposting words such as “first,” “second,” or “finally.”

Good topic sentences typically DON’T begin with the following.

1. A quotation from a critic or from the piece of fiction you’re discussing. The topic sentence should relate to your points and tell the reader what the subject of the paragraph will be. Beginning the paragraph with someone else’s words doesn’t allow you to provide this information for the reader.

2. A piece of information that tells the reader something more about the plot of the story. When you’re writing about a piece of literature, it’s easy to fall into the habit of telling the plot of the story and then adding a sentence of analysis, but such an approach leaves the reader wondering what the point of the paragraph is supposed to be; it also doesn’t leave you sufficient room to analyze the story fully. These “narrative” topic sentences don’t provide enough information about your analysis and the points you’re making.

Weak “narrative” topic sentence: Lily Bart next travels to Bellomont, where she meets Lawrence Selden again. Stronger “topic-based” topic sentence: A second example of Lily’s gambling on her marriage chances occurs at Bellomont, where she ignores Percy Gryce in favor of Selden. [Note that this tells your reader that it’s the second paragraph in a series of paragraph relating to the thesis, which in this case would be a thesis related to Lily’s gambling on her marriage chances.]

3. A sentence that explains your response or reaction to the work, or that describes why you’re talking about a particular part of it, rather than why the paragraph is important to your analysis.

Weak “reaction” topic sentence: I felt that Lily should have known that Bertha Dorset was her enemy. Stronger “topic-based” topic sentence: Bertha Dorset is first established as Lily’s antagonist in the train scene, when she interrupts Lily’s conversation with Percy Gryce and reveals that Lily smokes.

Module 3: Writing Essentials

Introduction to thesis statements and topic sentences, what you’ll learn to do: identify, analyze,  and create effective thesis statements.

Being able to identify the purpose and thesis of a text while you’re reading takes practice, and it is an essential skill to successful writing. Powerful thesis statements are an effective and important element of almost every writing assignment in college.

Before we begin crafting our own thesis statements, we’ll begin by practicing finding thesis statements. When trying to isolate the thesis in a piece of text, consider these questions:

• What is the primary subject of this text?
• Is the author trying to inform me or persuade me?
• What does the author think I need to know about this subject?
• Why does the author think I need to know about this subject?

Sometimes the answer to these questions will be very clearly stated in the text itself. Sometimes it is less obvious, and in those cases, the techniques on the following pages will be useful.

• Outcome: Thesis. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
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Student Academic Success Center

Thesis statements and topic sentences, download pdf handout: thesis statements and topic sentences, download pdf handout: why bluf (topic sentences), download pdf handout: building your thesis statement, watch video: bottom line up front: topic sentences in academic writing.

Thesis statements and topic sentences give readers high-level information about the claims you make in your paper. Ideally, a reader should be able to read only the thesis statement and topic sentences of your text and still be able to understand the main ideas and logical progression of your argument. This means it’s your job to make sure your main points are easy to understand. Information that is buried in the bottom of a dense paragraph can easily go overlooked by a skimmer. These handouts explain the strategy of putting your bottom line up front (BLUF) to ensure that readers don’t skip your most important information.

These handouts will teach you about BLUF in the context of whole papers and individual paragraphs, the function of a strong thesis statement, the function of a strong topic sentence, and strategies for crafting your own high-level ideas.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

25 Thesis Statement Examples

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A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

Read More: What is the American Dream?

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

Read More: Learn about Urbanization

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

Read More: Do we have Free Will?

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

Read More: Soft Skills Examples

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

Read More: Moral Panic Examples

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Read More: Mass Media Examples

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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• Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences
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Thesis Statements

A thesis statement defines the scope and purpose of the paper. It needs to meet three criteria: 1. It must be arguable rather than a statement of fact. It should also say something original about the topic.     Bad thesis: Lily Bart experiences the constraints of many social conventions in The House of Mirth . [Of course she does. What does she do with these social conventions, and how does she respond to them? What's your argument about this idea?]     Better thesis: Lily Bart seeks to escape from the social conventions of her class in The House of Mirth , but her competing desires for a place in Selden's "republic of the spirit" and in the social world of New York cause her to gamble away her chances for a place in either world. [You could then mention the specific scenes that you will discuss.] 2. It must be limited enough so that the paper develops in some depth.     Bad thesis: Lily Bart and Clare Kendry are alike in some ways, but different in many others. [What ways?]     Better thesis: Lily Bart and Clare Kendry share a desire to "pass" in their respective social worlds, but their need to take risks and to reject those worlds leads to their destruction. 3. It must be unified so that the paper does not stray from the topic.     Bad thesis: Lily Bart gambles with her future, and Lawrence Selden is only a spectator rather than a hero of The House of Mirth . [Note: This is really the beginning of two different thesis statements.]     Better thesis: In The House of Mirth, Lawrence Selden is a spectator who prefers to watch and judge Lily than to help her. By failing to assist her on three separate occasions, he is revealed as less a hero of the novel than as the man responsible for Lily's downfall. [Note: Sometimes thesis statements are more than one sentence long.] 4. Statements such as "In this essay I will discuss " or "I will compare two stories in this paper" or "I was interested in Marji's relationship with God, so I thought I would talk about it in this essay" are not thesis statements and are unnecessary, since mentioning the stories in the introduction already tells the reader this. Topic Sentences Good topic sentences can improve an essay's readability and organization. They usually meet the following criteria: 1. First sentence. A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph, not the last sentence of the previous paragraph. 2. Link to thesis . Topic sentences use keywords or phrases from the thesis to indicate which part of the thesis will be discussed. 3. Introduce the subject of the paragraph. They tell the reader what concept will be discussed and provide an introduction to the paragraph. 4. Link to the previous paragraph. They link the subject of the present paragraph to that of the previous paragraph. 5. Indicate the progression of the essay. Topic sentences may also signal to the reader where the essay has been and where it is headed through signposting words such as "first," "second," or "finally." Good topic sentences typically DON'T begin with the following. 1. A quotation from a critic or from the piece of fiction you're discussing. The topic sentence should relate to your points and tell the reader what the subject of the paragraph will be. Beginning the paragraph with someone else's words doesn't allow you to provide this information for the reader. 2. A piece of information that tells the reader something more about the plot of the story. When you're writing about a piece of literature, it's easy to fall into the habit of telling the plot of the story and then adding a sentence of analysis, but such an approach leaves the reader wondering what the point of the paragraph is supposed to be; it also doesn't leave you sufficient room to analyze the story fully. These "narrative" topic sentences don't provide enough information about your analysis and the points you're making.

Weak "narrative" topic sentence: Lily Bart next travels to Bellomont, where she meets Lawrence Selden again. Stronger "topic-based" topic sentence: A second example of Lily's gambling on her marriage chances occurs at Bellomont, where she ignores Percy Gryce in favor of Selden. [Note that this tells your reader that it's the second paragraph in a series of paragraph relating to the thesis, which in this case would be a thesis related to Lily's gambling on her marriage chances.]

3. A sentence that explains your response or reaction to the work, or that describes why you're talking about a particular part of it, rather than why the paragraph is important to your analysis. 

Weak "reaction" topic sentence: I felt that Lily should have known that Bertha Dorset was her enemy. Stronger "topic-based" topic sentence: Bertha Dorset is first established as Lily's antagonist in the train scene, when she interrupts Lily's conversation with Percy Gryce and reveals that Lily smokes.