

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.

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Developing Strong Thesis Statements

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These OWL resources will help you develop and refine the arguments in your writing.
The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable
An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.
Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:
This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.
Example of a debatable thesis statement:
This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.
Another example of a debatable thesis statement:
In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.
The thesis needs to be narrow
Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.
Example of a thesis that is too broad:
There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.
Example of a narrow or focused thesis:
In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.
We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:
Narrowed debatable thesis 1:
This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.
Narrowed debatable thesis 2:
This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.
Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.
Types of claims
Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.
Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:
Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:
Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:
Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:
Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.
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How to write a thesis statement, what is a thesis statement.
Almost all of us—even if we don’t do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement.
Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement?
- to test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two
- to better organize and develop your argument
- to provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument
In general, your thesis statement will accomplish these goals if you think of the thesis as the answer to the question your paper explores.
How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement?
Here are some helpful hints to get you started. You can either scroll down or select a link to a specific topic.
How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One
How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned
Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. Your first step, then, is to distill the assignment into a specific question. For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the local school board explaining the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class,” turn the request into a question like, “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” After you’ve chosen the question your essay will answer, compose one or two complete sentences answering that question.
Q: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” A: “The potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class are . . .”
A: “Using computers in a fourth-grade class promises to improve . . .”
The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.
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How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned
Even if your assignment doesn’t ask a specific question, your thesis statement still needs to answer a question about the issue you’d like to explore. In this situation, your job is to figure out what question you’d like to write about.
A good thesis statement will usually include the following four attributes:
- take on a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree
- deal with a subject that can be adequately treated given the nature of the assignment
- express one main idea
- assert your conclusions about a subject
Let’s see how to generate a thesis statement for a social policy paper.
Brainstorm the topic . Let’s say that your class focuses upon the problems posed by changes in the dietary habits of Americans. You find that you are interested in the amount of sugar Americans consume.
You start out with a thesis statement like this:
Sugar consumption.
This fragment isn’t a thesis statement. Instead, it simply indicates a general subject. Furthermore, your reader doesn’t know what you want to say about sugar consumption.
Narrow the topic . Your readings about the topic, however, have led you to the conclusion that elementary school children are consuming far more sugar than is healthy.
You change your thesis to look like this:
Reducing sugar consumption by elementary school children.
This fragment not only announces your subject, but it focuses on one segment of the population: elementary school children. Furthermore, it raises a subject upon which reasonable people could disagree, because while most people might agree that children consume more sugar than they used to, not everyone would agree on what should be done or who should do it. You should note that this fragment is not a thesis statement because your reader doesn’t know your conclusions on the topic.
Take a position on the topic. After reflecting on the topic a little while longer, you decide that what you really want to say about this topic is that something should be done to reduce the amount of sugar these children consume.
You revise your thesis statement to look like this:
More attention should be paid to the food and beverage choices available to elementary school children.
This statement asserts your position, but the terms more attention and food and beverage choices are vague.
Use specific language . You decide to explain what you mean about food and beverage choices , so you write:
Experts estimate that half of elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar.
This statement is specific, but it isn’t a thesis. It merely reports a statistic instead of making an assertion.
Make an assertion based on clearly stated support. You finally revise your thesis statement one more time to look like this:
Because half of all American elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace the beverages in soda machines with healthy alternatives.
Notice how the thesis answers the question, “What should be done to reduce sugar consumption by children, and who should do it?” When you started thinking about the paper, you may not have had a specific question in mind, but as you became more involved in the topic, your ideas became more specific. Your thesis changed to reflect your new insights.
How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One
1. a strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand..
Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject. For example, if you are writing a paper for a class on fitness, you might be asked to choose a popular weight-loss product to evaluate. Here are two thesis statements:
There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.
This is a weak thesis statement. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase negative and positive aspects is vague.
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.
This is a strong thesis because it takes a stand, and because it's specific.
2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.
Your thesis should indicate the point of the discussion. If your assignment is to write a paper on kinship systems, using your own family as an example, you might come up with either of these two thesis statements:
My family is an extended family.
This is a weak thesis because it merely states an observation. Your reader won’t be able to tell the point of the statement, and will probably stop reading.
While most American families would view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the nuclear family structure, many Iranian families, like my own, believe that these marriages help reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.
This is a strong thesis because it shows how your experience contradicts a widely-accepted view. A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial. Readers will be interested in reading the rest of the essay to see how you support your point.
3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.
Readers need to be able to see that your paper has one main point. If your thesis statement expresses more than one idea, then you might confuse your readers about the subject of your paper. For example:
Companies need to exploit the marketing potential of the Internet, and Web pages can provide both advertising and customer support.
This is a weak thesis statement because the reader can’t decide whether the paper is about marketing on the Internet or Web pages. To revise the thesis, the relationship between the two ideas needs to become more clear. One way to revise the thesis would be to write:
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.
This is a strong thesis because it shows that the two ideas are related. Hint: a great many clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because , since , so , although , unless , and however .
4. A strong thesis statement is specific.
A thesis statement should show exactly what your paper will be about, and will help you keep your paper to a manageable topic. For example, if you're writing a seven-to-ten page paper on hunger, you might say:
World hunger has many causes and effects.
This is a weak thesis statement for two major reasons. First, world hunger can’t be discussed thoroughly in seven to ten pages. Second, many causes and effects is vague. You should be able to identify specific causes and effects. A revised thesis might look like this:
Hunger persists in Glandelinia because jobs are scarce and farming in the infertile soil is rarely profitable.
This is a strong thesis statement because it narrows the subject to a more specific and manageable topic, and it also identifies the specific causes for the existence of hunger.
Produced by Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Thesis and Purpose Statements
Use the guidelines below to learn the differences between thesis and purpose statements.
In the first stages of writing, thesis or purpose statements are usually rough or ill-formed and are useful primarily as planning tools.
A thesis statement or purpose statement will emerge as you think and write about a topic. The statement can be restricted or clarified and eventually worked into an introduction.
As you revise your paper, try to phrase your thesis or purpose statement in a precise way so that it matches the content and organization of your paper.
Thesis statements
A thesis statement is a sentence that makes an assertion about a topic and predicts how the topic will be developed. It does not simply announce a topic: it says something about the topic.
Good: X has made a significant impact on the teenage population due to its . . . Bad: In this paper, I will discuss X.
A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of the paper. It summarizes the conclusions that the writer has reached about the topic.
A thesis statement is generally located near the end of the introduction. Sometimes in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or an entire paragraph.
A thesis statement is focused and specific enough to be proven within the boundaries of the paper. Key words (nouns and verbs) should be specific, accurate, and indicative of the range of research, thrust of the argument or analysis, and the organization of supporting information.
Purpose statements
A purpose statement announces the purpose, scope, and direction of the paper. It tells the reader what to expect in a paper and what the specific focus will be.
Common beginnings include:
“This paper examines . . .,” “The aim of this paper is to . . .,” and “The purpose of this essay is to . . .”
A purpose statement makes a promise to the reader about the development of the argument but does not preview the particular conclusions that the writer has drawn.
A purpose statement usually appears toward the end of the introduction. The purpose statement may be expressed in several sentences or even an entire paragraph.
A purpose statement is specific enough to satisfy the requirements of the assignment. Purpose statements are common in research papers in some academic disciplines, while in other disciplines they are considered too blunt or direct. If you are unsure about using a purpose statement, ask your instructor.
This paper will examine the ecological destruction of the Sahel preceding the drought and the causes of this disintegration of the land. The focus will be on the economic, political, and social relationships which brought about the environmental problems in the Sahel.
Sample purpose and thesis statements
The following example combines a purpose statement and a thesis statement (bold).
The goal of this paper is to examine the effects of Chile’s agrarian reform on the lives of rural peasants. The nature of the topic dictates the use of both a chronological and a comparative analysis of peasant lives at various points during the reform period. . . The Chilean reform example provides evidence that land distribution is an essential component of both the improvement of peasant conditions and the development of a democratic society. More extensive and enduring reforms would likely have allowed Chile the opportunity to further expand these horizons.
For more tips about writing thesis statements, take a look at our new handout on Developing a Thesis Statement.

Writing Process and Structure
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Getting Started with Your Paper
Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses
Generating Ideas for Your Paper
Creating an Argument
Thesis vs. Purpose Statements
Developing a Thesis Statement
Architecture of Arguments
Working with Sources
Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources
Using Literary Quotations
Citing Sources in Your Paper
Drafting Your Paper
Introductions
Paragraphing
Developing Strategic Transitions
Conclusions
Revising Your Paper
Peer Reviews
Reverse Outlines
Revising an Argumentative Paper
Revision Strategies for Longer Projects
Finishing Your Paper
Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist
How to Proofread your Paper
Writing Collaboratively
Collaborative and Group Writing
Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Parts of a Paper / How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement
How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement
A thesis can be found in many places—a debate speech, a lawyer’s closing argument, even an advertisement. But the most common place for a thesis statement (and probably why you’re reading this article) is in an essay.
Whether you’re writing an argumentative paper, an informative essay, or a compare/contrast statement, you need a thesis. Without a thesis, your argument falls flat and your information is unfocused. Since a thesis is so important, it’s probably a good idea to look at some tips on how to put together a strong one.
Guide Overview
What is a “thesis statement” anyway.
- 2 categories of thesis statements: informative and persuasive
- 2 styles of thesis statements
- Formula for a strong argumentative thesis
- The qualities of a solid thesis statement (video)
You may have heard of something called a “thesis.” It’s what seniors commonly refer to as their final paper before graduation. That’s not what we’re talking about here. That type of thesis is a long, well-written paper that takes years to piece together.
Instead, we’re talking about a single sentence that ties together the main idea of any argument . In the context of student essays, it’s a statement that summarizes your topic and declares your position on it. This sentence can tell a reader whether your essay is something they want to read.
2 Categories of Thesis Statements: Informative and Persuasive
Just as there are different types of essays, there are different types of thesis statements. The thesis should match the essay.
For example, with an informative essay, you should compose an informative thesis (rather than argumentative). You want to declare your intentions in this essay and guide the reader to the conclusion that you reach.
To make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you must procure the ingredients, find a knife, and spread the condiments.
This thesis showed the reader the topic (a type of sandwich) and the direction the essay will take (describing how the sandwich is made).
Most other types of essays, whether compare/contrast, argumentative, or narrative, have thesis statements that take a position and argue it. In other words, unless your purpose is simply to inform, your thesis is considered persuasive. A persuasive thesis usually contains an opinion and the reason why your opinion is true.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the best type of sandwich because they are versatile, easy to make, and taste good.
In this persuasive thesis statement, you see that I state my opinion (the best type of sandwich), which means I have chosen a stance. Next, I explain that my opinion is correct with several key reasons. This persuasive type of thesis can be used in any essay that contains the writer’s opinion, including, as I mentioned above, compare/contrast essays, narrative essays, and so on.
2 Styles of Thesis Statements
Just as there are two different types of thesis statements (informative and persuasive), there are two basic styles you can use.
The first style uses a list of two or more points . This style of thesis is perfect for a brief essay that contains only two or three body paragraphs. This basic five-paragraph essay is typical of middle and high school assignments.
C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series is one of the richest works of the 20th century because it offers an escape from reality, teaches readers to have faith even when they don’t understand, and contains a host of vibrant characters.
In the above persuasive thesis, you can see my opinion about Narnia followed by three clear reasons. This thesis is perfect for setting up a tidy five-paragraph essay.
In college, five paragraph essays become few and far between as essay length gets longer. Can you imagine having only five paragraphs in a six-page paper? For a longer essay, you need a thesis statement that is more versatile. Instead of listing two or three distinct points, a thesis can list one overarching point that all body paragraphs tie into.
Good vs. evil is the main theme of Lewis’s Narnia series, as is made clear through the struggles the main characters face in each book.
In this thesis, I have made a claim about the theme in Narnia followed by my reasoning. The broader scope of this thesis allows me to write about each of the series’ seven novels. I am no longer limited in how many body paragraphs I can logically use.
Formula for a Strong Argumentative Thesis
One thing I find that is helpful for students is having a clear template. While students rarely end up with a thesis that follows this exact wording, the following template creates a good starting point:
___________ is true because of ___________, ___________, and ___________.
Conversely, the formula for a thesis with only one point might follow this template:
___________________ is true because of _____________________.
Students usually end up using different terminology than simply “because,” but having a template is always helpful to get the creative juices flowing.
The Qualities of a Solid Thesis Statement
When composing a thesis, you must consider not only the format, but other qualities like length, position in the essay, and how strong the argument is.
Length: A thesis statement can be short or long, depending on how many points it mentions. Typically, however, it is only one concise sentence. It does contain at least two clauses, usually an independent clause (the opinion) and a dependent clause (the reasons). You probably should aim for a single sentence that is at least two lines, or about 30 to 40 words long.
Position: A thesis statement always belongs at the beginning of an essay. This is because it is a sentence that tells the reader what the writer is going to discuss. Teachers will have different preferences for the precise location of the thesis, but a good rule of thumb is in the introduction paragraph, within the last two or three sentences.
Strength: Finally, for a persuasive thesis to be strong, it needs to be arguable. This means that the statement is not obvious, and it is not something that everyone agrees is true.
Example of weak thesis:
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are easy to make because it just takes three ingredients.
Most people would agree that PB&J is one of the easiest sandwiches in the American lunch repertoire.
Example of a stronger thesis:
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are fun to eat because they always slide around.
This is more arguable because there are plenty of folks who might think a PB&J is messy or slimy rather than fun.
Composing a thesis statement does take a bit more thought than many other parts of an essay. However, because a thesis statement can contain an entire argument in just a few words, it is worth taking the extra time to compose this sentence. It can direct your research and your argument so that your essay is tight, focused, and makes readers think.
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Writing a paper.
- Academic Essay
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- College Admissions Essay
- Expository Essay
- Persuasive Essay
- Research Paper
- Thesis Statement
- Writing a Conclusion
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How to Write a Thesis for a Research Paper
09 Nov 2021
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Thesis statement for a research paper, guidelines for writing a thesis statement, thesis statement example.
If you write a research paper, you should remember to create a thesis statement. This is a special part of the essay where you write the main objective of your work. It should not be your opinion or just a fact. The thesis consists of a statement and common arguments. First, you should look through the information you have found about the topic, and an opinion should be placed within the introduction. The best way to compose a hypothesis is in the last two or three sentences of the introduction. Moreover, all of these causes should be used as evidence of your opinion and be explained within the body of your research paper.

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You should remember that the hypothesis is the part of an essay when the reader decides if he or she will read the essay. This is not a problem if you cannot compose a hypothesis the first time. If you have some trouble with writing a hypothesis statement, you should follow a few steps to make it easier. You should convince the reader that your essay is worth for reading because it provides new information and fresh ideas. Therefore, the statement should be reliable, and the arguments should be brief and engaging. When you compose a research paper, you should concentrate on the results of your work and the reasons for the research. The common scheme for an online thesis statement generator looks like the following:
This is something, because of the first argument, the second argument, and the third argument.
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Substantial empirical data will allow you to make evidence-based conclusions. With these conclusions, you'll be able to determine the causes and reasons related to your hypothesis. The utmost important part of the research paper is a well-written thesis statement within the introduction. You should write down all your thoughts which come to your mind as some of them could be pertinent to your paper, and you weren't to risk losing them. There is a rule of thumb to place a hypothesis statement, and the reader waits to see the opinion in the introduction section .
In conclusion, you should follow these steps while writing a research paper hypothesis statement:
- Review all information.
- Formulate the facts and reasons which caused it.
- Rewrite the hypothesis in as many ways as you need to get the best results.
- Focus on the results which you have obtained after conducting research.
- Write about the reasons which you can use as evidence to support your opinion.
- Place a thesis statement within the introduction.
To create a well-crafted and well-researched thesis for your research paper, many students choose to seek help from an essay writing service . With the assistance of experienced writers, you can save time and energy in the process of crafting a thesis statement. These professionals can provide guidance on how to structure your research paper and can help ensure that it is effective in conveying your research objectives.
This simple guide will help you to compose the best thesis statement. Following these few steps, you will be able to develop writing an opinion faster. You should compose it in a few ways, try to make your hypothesis better, and rewrite it. This way will help you get the best result.
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If you still have some doubts about how to compose a thesis statement you can find an example here:
After graduating from high school, students need a gap year because this leads to better socialization, and students become better informed of what they want to do in life.
The sentence about high school and students is just a fact and the rest of the sentence after states the reasons. In such a situation, the writer should explain in the body of the research paper why this leads to socialization and awareness.
The thesis statement is arguably the most important part of any research paper, even though it is just one sentence. In order to write a proper statement, you need to understand what you are writing about and what you are aiming at with your paper. Basically, the thesis statement is where you tell your audience what is the core idea of your paper and make the readers understand why it is important.
- General Guidelines
When writing a research paper, a thesis should not be the first thing you need to care about. To begin with, you need to start your research, collect data, analyze the information you have, and actually write your research paper; you can find more here . Only after you’ve compiled all the information, you can move to create a powerful statement.
- Place it Right
Ideally, your thesis has to be no longer than one sentence. If it is longer, it means you did not craft a proper statement and that it needs some improvement. It has to be precise and completely on point so that when your readers see it, they know exactly what is going on and what you are about to prove.
To craft a proper thesis statement, you need to understand what you are going to argue in your research paper. It is best to write a statement only after you’ve finished your initial research and have all the information gathered. That is how you can make your thesis really strong and all-encompassing.
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How To Write A Thesis Statement For A Research Paper

The heart of every research paper is the thesis statement. It is the first thing anyone reading research papers checks, as it gives a reader prior information about the research paper. The thesis statement usually gives short and precise information on the research paper. For a well-written research paper, the thesis statement serves an important purpose.
While the thesis for research paper is important in any research paper, most people find it challenging to develop a compelling thesis statement for their research paper. To help students and researchers, this article provides detailed and helpful information on how to write a research paper thesis statement.
- 1. What is a Thesis Statement?
- 2. Do Research Papers Have a Thesis?
- 3. Important Things to Note in Writing a Good Thesis for a Research Paper
- 4. Step By Step Guide for Writing a Thesis Statement
- 5. Characteristics of a Good Thesis Statement
- 6. Notable Research Paper Thesis Statement Examples
- 7. Thesis Topic 1: The Challenges of Mandatory Online Learning on College Students During COVID
- 8. Thesis Topic 2: The Provision of Educational and Learning Resources for Low-Income Students
- 9. Thesis Topic 3: The Prevalence of Internet and Cyberbullying and the Need for Government Legislation Against It
What is a Thesis Statement?
Researchers have described the thesis statement as the foundational stage of any well-written research paper. The thesis statement provides firsthand information and argument of what is contained in a research paper.
The tone is usually precise and declarative, touching across all the core areas of the research paper. Your thesis statement should incorporate all the highlighted keywords in your research paper. Thesis statements are not generic; they are specific, as the purpose is to give readers a clear understanding of what to expect from the rest of the research paper.
Whether you are writing a research paper as a term paper, or as your undergraduate dissertation, a thesis statement is essential in the writing process. It provides foundational knowledge of what the research paper will be shaped around.
The thesis statement appears at the top of the research paper. It should be the first thing any reader notices when they read through a research paper. It usually comes immediately after the research title.
Do Research Papers Have a Thesis?
Yes, they do. Oftentimes, many undergraduate students new to research writing ask whether or not a research paper has a thesis. The simple answer is yes. Every research paper must have a thesis.
The thesis statement is the most important part when writing your research paper. It provides information on the research, it also serves as a research writing guide, outlining the relevant areas to touch across in the body of the research.
In the structure of a research paper, the thesis statement is essential. Without it, a research paper will be considered incomplete. Although there is no single way to conduct research, writing research usually has an acceptable structure. A research paper structure should contain:
Thesis statement Literature review Research methodology Result and findings Discussion Conclusions Reference
The above is the basic structure of a good research paper, and in it, there must always be a detailed thesis statement. On the other hand, you can pay for thesis and never worry about all those points.
Important Things to Note in Writing a Good Thesis for a Research Paper
When it comes to research writing, one of the challenges college and university students still face is the problem of how to write a good thesis statement for their research paper. Anyone can write a thesis statement, but it takes a lot of effort and training to learn how to write a good thesis for a research paper.
Definitely, writing a research paper is not easy and writing a good thesis statement is certainly not easy either. There are important things to note on how to write a thesis for a research paper. Some of them include:
It Should be Concise : Your thesis statement has to be concise; this involves the ability to communicate knowledge about your research topic in a few words. Your thesis should not contain unnecessary words or sentences. Make it as brief as possible; this helps prioritize the main information conveyed. Use Clear Grammar : Clear grammar is essential in any form of writing, and it certainly applies to your research paper thesis statement. Your grammar must be clear, rich, and convey information without difficulty. Thus, always use simple grammar when writing your thesis statement. Present a Strong Argument : The purpose of a thesis statement is to convey clear and specific thoughts about a research paper. Therefore, your thesis should convey that thought declaratively.
Step By Step Guide for Writing a Thesis Statement
Every piece of great research writing must follow a regular structural pattern. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a good thesis statement for your next research paper.
- Define Your Topic : Your thesis statement has to be definitive. It has to give a succinct definition of what your topic entails. Making it as definitive as possible will show that you have a good knowledge and understanding of what your research is all about. For example, if you have a topic like “The challenges of mandatory online education to college students,” your thesis statement should provide a detailed explanation of why mandatory online learning today has become a source of challenge for college students. You can begin this by first giving insight into what has given rise to mandatory online learning in the first place; this helps to give context as well as structure to your thesis statement.
- Avoid Vagueness : Most students often vaguely present their thesis statement that it becomes difficult for readers to pinpoint the intended purpose of the research. Your thesis statement should give readers clear information about your paper’s content. Avoid making the statement vague as this affects the understanding on the part of the readers. It has to be both precise and straight to the point. Making your points clear and straightforward will present you as informed in the subject matter and confident in your assertions. Also, a straightforward thesis statement immediately provides a clear picture of what the research is or isn’t about.
- Number of Sentences : Your thesis statement should not be bulky. Always make it as short as possible. Its purpose is to provide brief and detailed information on the rest of the paper. Therefore, it should be as short as possible. To achieve this, try as much as possible to limit it to a certain number of sentences. A well-formed thesis statement should not exceed two sentences. Or, in most cases, three.
- Answer the Research Question : Before starting a research paper, students and young researchers must always start with a gap analysis. The gap analysis details areas not covered by previous research in your study. Through these, a research problem is identified, and a research question will be formed. This question must be addressed in your thesis statement as well. For instance, in the research topic, “The challenges of mandatory online education to college students,” the research question automatically is, “why are mandatory online classes imposed on college students?” In your thesis statement, you should be able to address this question, giving insight on why mandatory online classes have taken over in-person classes and why it’s become a problem for college students.
- Practice : In any form of writing, practice makes perfection; this also applies to your thesis statement. Don’t be consumed by the idea of drafting an all-inclusive thesis statement in one try. Draft as many thesis statements as you can and gradually add all the relevant points that should be included in your essay.
Characteristics of a Good Thesis Statement
Even with a how-to guide on writing a good thesis statement, there are other things to note about a good thesis statement. There are certain things contained in a good and well-written thesis statement, and some of them include:
- It Must be Specific : It is not a well-written thesis statement if it is not specific. A good thesis statement indicates clearly what the research will be all about. Avoid vague or broad statements in your thesis. Your thesis must maintain a particular context and your knowledge built around that context. In the research topic, “The challenges of mandatory online education on college students,” your thesis should revolve around how making online classes mandatory now affects college students. Taking your thesis statement beyond this affects the message of your thesis. To achieve specificity in your research, always narrow down your point to concentrate solely on your research topic.
- Present a Solid and Convincing Argument : Narrowing down your thesis statement to focus on your research topic helps you to build a solid argument around that topic. Leaving room for vagueness in the statement stops your thesis from building a strong argument. To create a thesis with a solid argument, focus on being specific in your thesis statement.
- Should be Engaging : A good thesis statement has to be effective and engaging. It attracts the interest of readers and keeps them reading. Ultimately, a great one should have the ability to hook readers’ interest.
- Topic-related : Your thesis statement should only revolve around your research topic. Avoid touching areas that are not related to your research topic. If your topic is, the challenges of imposing online learning on college students, your thesis should only address how mandatory online classes affect college students.
Notable Research Paper Thesis Statement Examples
An important point to note is that a good research topic births a good thesis statement. After you have successfully chosen a research topic, the next thing on your to-do list is to prepare your thesis statement. Below, we have provided you with a list of some research paper thesis examples to guide you in writing your own.
Thesis Topic 1: The Challenges of Mandatory Online Learning on College Students During COVID
An example of the thesis statement you can form from the above topic could look like :
“The advent of Covid-19 has brought about a global strain in many sectors, that its impact is also largely palpable in the educational sector where it has been recorded to have disrupted an existing traditional mode of learning, causing schools to consider other modes of learning such that many learning institutions now regard virtual learning as a viable solution. However, studies show that college students are becoming tired of online learning during a pandemic, which has been pointed as causing a significant strain on students’ learning abilities. This study explores how online learning (which used to be a student’s delight Pre-COVID) has become a hectic learning style especially for college students and how this is largely reliant on the pandemic”.
Thesis Topic 2: The Provision of Educational and Learning Resources for Low-Income Students
A thesis statement for a topic like this will look like this :
“Educational inequality has become prevalent in our society today. One of the challenges children face from low-income homes is the inaccessibility of educational and learning tools, which poses a serious problem for students in this category to have equal access to education and learning like their fellow counterparts. Against the backdrop of this major educational disparity is also a government with little-to-no provision made to create solutions to this rising educational challenge. This study examines the challenges of low-income homes, how this affects their ability to meet the educational demands of their children, and the government’s role in making certain educational and learning materials accessible to the wider public”.
Thesis Topic 3: The Prevalence of Internet and Cyberbullying and the Need for Government Legislation Against It
“With the growth of technology and with more and more people gaining access to smartphones as well as the availability of several social media spaces for public engagement, cyberspace has become a favorable playing ground for several cyberbullying activities. With this, cyberbullying is gaining ground, gradually getting out of hand, with more and more people falling victim to cyber bullies daily; this has become an issue of general interest—the need to address the growing unsafety on the internet propagated by online trolls. With almost no successful strategy to handle this, the issue can be curbed through the implementation of government legislation. This study examines the prevalence of cyberbullying, its effect on individuals, and the role the government can play in ensuring that internet safety can be restored”.
Solution To Your Thesis Problem
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One of the most common questions we receive at the Writing Center is “what am I supposed to do in my conclusion?” This is a difficult question to answer because there’s no one right answer to what belongs in a conclusion. How you conclude your paper will depend on where you started—and where you traveled. It will also depend on the conventions and expectations of the discipline in which you are writing. For example, while the conclusion to a STEM paper could focus on questions for further study, the conclusion of a literature paper could include a quotation from your central text that can now be understood differently in light of what has been discussed in the paper. You should consult your instructor about expectations for conclusions in a particular discipline.
With that in mind, here are some general guidelines you might find helpful to use as you think about your conclusion.
Begin with the “what”
In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.
So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”
In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”
Highlight the “so what”
At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.
In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”
She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”
Leave your readers with the “now what”
After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.
In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”
To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:
- What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?
- What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?
- Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?
- What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?
- What larger context might my argument be a part of?
What to avoid in your conclusion
- a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.
- a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.
- an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.
- fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
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- How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Steps & Examples
How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Steps & Examples
Published on May 6, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023.
A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested by scientific research. If you want to test a relationship between two or more variables, you need to write hypotheses before you start your experiment or data collection .
Example: Hypothesis
Daily apple consumption leads to fewer doctor’s visits.
Table of contents
What is a hypothesis, developing a hypothesis (with example), hypothesis examples, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing hypotheses.
A hypothesis states your predictions about what your research will find. It is a tentative answer to your research question that has not yet been tested. For some research projects, you might have to write several hypotheses that address different aspects of your research question.
A hypothesis is not just a guess – it should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which means you can support or refute it through scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations and statistical analysis of data).
Variables in hypotheses
Hypotheses propose a relationship between two or more types of variables .
- An independent variable is something the researcher changes or controls.
- A dependent variable is something the researcher observes and measures.
If there are any control variables , extraneous variables , or confounding variables , be sure to jot those down as you go to minimize the chances that research bias will affect your results.
In this example, the independent variable is exposure to the sun – the assumed cause . The dependent variable is the level of happiness – the assumed effect .
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Step 1. Ask a question
Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to answer. The question should be focused, specific, and researchable within the constraints of your project.
Step 2. Do some preliminary research
Your initial answer to the question should be based on what is already known about the topic. Look for theories and previous studies to help you form educated assumptions about what your research will find.
At this stage, you might construct a conceptual framework to ensure that you’re embarking on a relevant topic . This can also help you identify which variables you will study and what you think the relationships are between them. Sometimes, you’ll have to operationalize more complex constructs.
Step 3. Formulate your hypothesis
Now you should have some idea of what you expect to find. Write your initial answer to the question in a clear, concise sentence.
4. Refine your hypothesis
You need to make sure your hypothesis is specific and testable. There are various ways of phrasing a hypothesis, but all the terms you use should have clear definitions, and the hypothesis should contain:
- The relevant variables
- The specific group being studied
- The predicted outcome of the experiment or analysis
5. Phrase your hypothesis in three ways
To identify the variables, you can write a simple prediction in if…then form. The first part of the sentence states the independent variable and the second part states the dependent variable.
In academic research, hypotheses are more commonly phrased in terms of correlations or effects, where you directly state the predicted relationship between variables.
If you are comparing two groups, the hypothesis can state what difference you expect to find between them.
6. Write a null hypothesis
If your research involves statistical hypothesis testing , you will also have to write a null hypothesis . The null hypothesis is the default position that there is no association between the variables. The null hypothesis is written as H 0 , while the alternative hypothesis is H 1 or H a .
- H 0 : The number of lectures attended by first-year students has no effect on their final exam scores.
- H 1 : The number of lectures attended by first-year students has a positive effect on their final exam scores.
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
- Sampling methods
- Simple random sampling
- Stratified sampling
- Cluster sampling
- Likert scales
- Reproducibility
Statistics
- Null hypothesis
- Statistical power
- Probability distribution
- Effect size
- Poisson distribution
Research bias
- Optimism bias
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- Implicit bias
- Hawthorne effect
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- Explicit bias
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A hypothesis is not just a guess — it should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which means you can support or refute it through scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations and statistical analysis of data).
Null and alternative hypotheses are used in statistical hypothesis testing . The null hypothesis of a test always predicts no effect or no relationship between variables, while the alternative hypothesis states your research prediction of an effect or relationship.
Hypothesis testing is a formal procedure for investigating our ideas about the world using statistics. It is used by scientists to test specific predictions, called hypotheses , by calculating how likely it is that a pattern or relationship between variables could have arisen by chance.
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McCombes, S. (2023, August 15). How to Write a Strong Hypothesis | Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/hypothesis/
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Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC): management information
Management information on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in education settings.
Applies to England
Number of education settings with confirmed raac and mitigations in place as of 30 august 2023.
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This management information is a snapshot of data and is subject to frequent changes as the results of surveys and mitigations are confirmed.
This management information report provides data on:
- the number of education settings confirmed to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete ( RAAC )
- the number of these settings with mitigations in place
- the number of these settings where mitigations are being put in place
Figures are as at 30 August 2023 and refer to state-funded schools, school nurseries and further education (FE) colleges in England.
The Department for Education contacted the bodies responsible for all state-funded schools, school nurseries and FE colleges in England in 2022 to ask whether they had any confirmed or suspected cases of RAAC in their buildings (or to confirm there was no suspicion of RAAC ) via a questionnaire. When a positive response was received on the presence of RAAC (either from the questionnaire or from DfE casework), this was confirmed by DfE -commissioned engineers. This is the number of settings with confirmed RAAC .
The number of settings with mitigations in place refers to cases where engineers confirmed that the risks resulting from RAAC were mitigated. Mitigations could include taking the space out of use, or installing structural propping so the space can continue to be used. Mitigations depend on a number of factors including type of building, building use and the extent of RAAC in the space. The number of settings where mitigations are being put in place refers to settings who have been contacted by the DfE to take spaces known to contain RAAC out of use if they have not already done so.
RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete which was used in schools, colleges and other building construction from the 1950s until the mid-1990s. We have been talking to settings in more detail about the potential risks of RAAC since 2018 when DfE published a warning note with the Local Government Association.
Further information can be found in the Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete: identification guidance and the Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete: guidance for responsible bodies and education settings with confirmed RAAC .
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Develop your answer Refine your thesis statement Table of contents What is a thesis statement? Placement of the thesis statement Step 1: Start with a question Step 2: Write your initial answer Step 3: Develop your answer Step 4: Refine your thesis statement Types of thesis statements Other interesting articles
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.
The thesis statement is made up of one or two sentences that concisely summarize the main points or arguments of a piece of writing, such as an academic essay or research paper thesis. The thesis statement fulfills various roles in a piece of writing, not the least of which is to directly address the research question.
Steps in Constructing a Thesis First, analyze your primary sources. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the author contradict himself or herself? Is a point made and later reversed? What are the deeper implications of the author's argument?
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.
Here are some examples of possible thesis statements for a student's analysis of the article "The Case Against Perfection" by Professor Michael Sandel. Descriptive thesis (not arguable)
General Writing Academic Writing Establishing Arguments Developing Strong Thesis Statements Developing Strong Thesis Statements The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim.
Download Word template Download Google Docs template Note Many departments and/or fields of study have specific structural guidelines for theses. When in doubt, ask your supervisor. Table of contents Thesis vs. thesis statement How to structure a thesis Title page Acknowledgements or preface Abstract Table of contents List of figures and tables
How to Write a Thesis Statement What is a Thesis Statement? Almost all of us—even if we don't do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement. Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement?
Develop a thesis statement Create a research paper outline Write a first draft of the research paper Write the introduction Write a compelling body of text Write the conclusion The second draft The revision process Research paper checklist Free lecture slides Understand the assignment
Home UW-Madison Writer's Handbook Writing Process and Structure | Section 3 Developing a Thesis Statement Developing a Thesis Statement Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you'll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one. Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements.
When drafting your thesis statement, avoid words like explore, investigate, learn, compile, summarize, and explain to describe the main purpose of your paper. These words imply a paper that summarizes or "reports," rather than synthesizing and analyzing. Instead of the terms above, try words like argue, critique, question, and interrogate.
Remember that the thesis statement is a kind of "mapping tool" that helps you organize your ideas, and it helps your reader follow your argument. After the topic sentence, include any evidence in this body paragraph, such as a quotation, statistic, or data point, that supports this first point. Explain what the evidence means. Show the reader ...
Before we get into details, here are the basic steps for how to write a thesis statement: Develop the best topic to cover in your paper Phrase your topic as a question-and-answer Add some polish We'll describe each other those steps in more detail below, but we wanted to share a quick guide.
the paper reveals that the original thesis statement is simply wrong, the writer must replace the statement with a new and valid one that good quality research supports.
Write with Grammarly What is a thesis statement in a research paper? A thesis statement is a single sentence in a research paper that plainly and succinctly explains the main point the research attempts to prove. For example, if you were researching the effects of exercise on stress, your thesis statement might be:
A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of the paper. It summarizes the conclusions that the writer has reached about the topic. A thesis statement is generally located near the end of the introduction. Sometimes in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or an entire ...
Guide Overview What is a "thesis statement" anyway? 2 categories of thesis statements: informative and persuasive 2 styles of thesis statements Formula for a strong argumentative thesis The qualities of a solid thesis statement (video) What is a "thesis statement" anyway? You may have heard of something called a "thesis."
In conclusion, you should follow these steps while writing a research paper hypothesis statement: Review all information. Formulate the facts and reasons which caused it. Rewrite the hypothesis in as many ways as you need to get the best results. Focus on the results which you have obtained after conducting research.
The thesis statement for a research paper is mostly like any other thesis statement, but it's a good idea to develop a working thesis statement for your research paper before you actually begin the heavy research. Keep in mind that you might still need to do some preliminary research in order to develop your ideas and a solid focus for your paper.
1. What is a Thesis Statement? 2. Do Research Papers Have a Thesis? 3. Important Things to Note in Writing a Good Thesis for a Research Paper 4. Step By Step Guide for Writing a Thesis Statement 5. Characteristics of a Good Thesis Statement 6. Notable Research Paper Thesis Statement Examples 7.
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In a short paper—even a research paper—you don't need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. ... This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have ...
Step 1. Ask a question. Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to answer. The question should be focused, specific, and researchable within the constraints of your project.
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