FYS Thesis Statements
Thesis Statements
A few points about good thesis statements:
1. They are statements, not questions.
2. They are defensible but go beyond stating the obvious. Your thesis should be as interesting as its author.
3. They avoid bifurcation (two theses in one). Example: "Generation X, a rebellious generation, defines itself by reacting to its uncertain economic future."
To refine a bifurcated thesis, tackle only a single issue; in this example, choose either the generation's rebellion OR its reaction.
4. They state the proposition and avoid describing it. If, for example, you write, "This essay will discuss the problem of Generation X's struggle to find identity," you are describing your thesis. To state your thesis, eliminate the promise of what you will do and simply state what you will defend or explore or explain: "Generation X will never be able to define itself."
5. They are clearly worded, and they avoid wordiness. Think lifeboat or backpacking.
Supporting a thesis requires developing a claim (or claims) into an argument.
Consider the Gordon Harvey essay
http://www.mccallie.org/wrt_ctr/harvey_elements.htm to see how writers develop arguments.