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- How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples
Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .
Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.
You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:
- Start with a question
- Write your initial answer
- 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, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.
A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.
The best thesis statements are:
- Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
- Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
- Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.
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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.
You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.
You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?
For example, you might ask:
After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .
Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.
In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.
The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.
In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.
The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.
A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:
- Why you hold this position
- What they’ll learn from your essay
- The key points of your argument or narrative
The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.
These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.
Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:
- In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
- In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:
- It gives your writing direction and focus.
- It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.
Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :
- Ask a question about your topic .
- Write your initial answer.
- Develop your answer by including reasons.
- Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.
The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .
Cite this Scribbr article
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McCombes, S. (2023, August 15). How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 30, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/thesis-statement/
Is this article helpful?
Shona McCombes
Other students also liked, how to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples.
I'm still unsure of the difference of an essay structure or plan, and the thesis statement, or claim. Aren't they the same?

Jack Caulfield (Scribbr Team)
Hi Samhita,
A thesis statement is a sentence or two in your essay or paper that expresses the main argument you intend to get across in the text. It's a way of getting across your ideas to the reader in the text itself.
Meanwhile, an essay outline is more something for yourself, to help you plan out your structure before you start writing or to show your instructor that you have a clear structure in mind. It's not something that you include in the final text, but an earlier stage in the writing process.
Still have questions?
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Thesis Statement About Family
There are many different types of families, and each one has its own way of functioning. The family is the basic unit of society, and as such, it is important to understand how it works.
The family system thesis is a theory that suggests that the family is the basic unit of society, and that it plays a vital role in socializing children. According to this theory, the family is responsible for providing love, support, and structure to its members. Additionally, the family is believed to be responsible for transmitting values and beliefs to its members.
This theory has been used to explain many different phenomena, including child abuse and neglect. It has also been used to explain why some parenting styles are more effective than others. Additionally, the family system thesis can help to explain why some families are more successful than others.
Overall, the family system thesis is a theory that can help to explain many different aspects of family life. It is important to remember, however, that every family is different, and that this theory should not be used to judge or compare families. Instead, it should be used as a tool to better understand how families work and what their role is in society.
Families are dynamic and interdependent networks in today’s world. The children’s developmental processes are influenced by the family system’s operation. A family’s structure, on the other hand, does not determine whether it is a healthy family system. There are single parents, stepfathers, divorced parents, remarried parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles among today’s families.
The family system thesis posits that all families are systems, and each family system has its own unique structure and function. The family system thesis states that the family is the basic unit of society. The family is a social institution that plays a vital role in the socialization of children. The family is also the primary source of love, support, and care for its members.The family system thesis further states that the family is a key factor in the development and well-being of its members.
The family provides love, support, security, and stability to its members. It also helps to socialize children and prepare them for adulthood. In addition, the family promotes the physical, psychological, and emotional health of its members.
The family system thesis has important implications for child development and family functioning. It suggests that the family is a crucial factor in the development of children. It also suggests that the family plays a vital role in the well-being of its members. The family system thesis has important implications for social policy and practice. It suggests that policies and programs should focus on strengthening families and supporting their functioning.
By meeting each family member’s needs and encouraging good communication, they can all help to maintain a healthy family system (Jamiolkowski, 2008). A child’s physical and emotional health are both harmed by an unhealthy family structure. An ill family arrangement has both negative and permanent consequences on a youngster’s brain and social development.
It can lead to physical and emotional problems in children such as anxiety, depression, attachment issues, and eating disorders (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
There are many different types of families, and each family has its own way of functioning. The type of family system a child grows up in can have a big impact on their development. There are four main types of family systems: nuclear families, extended families, single-parent families, and blended families.
Nuclear families are the most common type of family in the United States. A nuclear family is typically composed of a mother, father, and their children. In some cases, grandparents may also be part of the nuclear family (Jamiolkowski, 2008). Nuclear families usually live in the same house and have a close relationship.
Extended families are larger than nuclear families and typically include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Extended family members often live close to each other and help support each other. In some cultures, extended family members may even live in the same house (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
Single-parent families are becoming more common in the United States. In a single-parent family, there is only one parent raising the children. The other parent is either not present or not involved in the child’s life. Single-parent families can be either nuclear or extended families (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
Blended families are created when two people with children from previous relationships get married or start a relationship. The children from both families become step-siblings. Blended families often have to work hard to create a new family system that works for everyone (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
No matter what type of family system a child grows up in, there are certain things that all families need in order to function well. Families need love, support, communication, and respect. They also need to be able to solve problems and deal with conflict in a healthy way. When families have these things, they are more likely to be happy and functional.
A healthy family system is a family unit in which each person’s requirements are met. These needs include safety, security, survival, love and belonging, as well as self-esteem and developmental abilities. The members of a healthy family structure share an affection for one another, respect one another, and follow certain rules to safeguard and improve the welfare of each member (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
A dysfunctional family system is a family unit in which the needs of the members are not being met. In these families, there is often conflict, violence, and/or abuse. The members of dysfunctional families may not have a close relationship with one another and may not show respect for one another. There may also be a lack of rules or boundary violations within the family (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
There are many reasons why families become dysfunctional. One reason may be because of child abuse. Child abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It can also include neglect, which is when a parent fails to provide for their child’s basic needs. Child abuse can have lasting effects on a child’s development, and can even lead to problems in adulthood (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
Another reason why families may become dysfunctional is due to parenting styles. Parenting styles are the ways in which parents interact with and raise their children. There are four main types of parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved, and authoritative.
Authoritarian parents are very strict and have high expectations for their children. Permissive parents are more lenient and do not have as many rules or expectations for their children. Uninvolved parents are generally uninterested in their children’s lives and do not provide much support. Authoritative parents are supportive and have high expectations for their children (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
Families can also become dysfunctional due to substance abuse. Substance abuse is a major problem in many families and can lead to a number of problems, such as financial difficulties, job loss, and legal issues. It can also cause strain on relationships and lead to conflict within the family (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
There are many ways to help dysfunctional families get back on track. Family therapy is one way to help families make changes and improve communication. Parent education classes can also be helpful for parents who want to learn more about how to effectively parent their children. Individual counseling may also be beneficial for family members who are struggling with personal issues (Jamiolkowski, 2008).
No matter what the reason is for a family’s dysfunction, it is important to seek help if you are struggling. There are many resources available to help families make changes and get back on track. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
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Essay about Family Values & Traditions: Prompts + Examples

A family values essay (or a family traditions essay) is a type of written assignment. It covers such topics as family traditions, customs, family history, and values. It is usually assigned to those who study sociology, culture, anthropology, and creative writing.
In this article, you will find:
- 150 family values essay topics
- Outline structure
- Thesis statement examples
- “Family values” essay sample
- “Family traditions” essay sample
- “What does family mean to you?” essay sample.
Learn how to write your college essay about family with our guide.
- 👪 What Is a Family Values Essay about?
- 💡 Topic Ideas
- 📑 Outlining Your Essay️
- 🏠️ Family Values: Essay Example
- 🎃 Family Traditions: Essay Example
- 😍 What Does Family Mean to You: Essay Example

👪 Family Values Essay: What Is It about?
What are family values.
Family values are usually associated with a traditional family. In western culture, it is called “ a nuclear family .”
A nuclear family represents a family with a husband, wife, and children living together.
The nuclear family became common in the 1960s – 1970s . That happened because of the post-war economic boom and the health service upgrade. That allowed elder relatives to live separately from their children.
These days, the nuclear family is no longer the most common type of family . There are various forms of families:
- Single-parent families
- Non-married parents
- Blended families
- Couples with no children
- Foster parents, etc.
How did the nuclear family become so wide-spread?
The nuclear family culture was mostly spread in western cultures. According to many historians, it was because of the Christian beliefs .
However, many people believe that Christianity was not the only reason. The industrial revolution also played a significant role.
Nowadays, the understanding of the term varies from person to person. It depends on their religious , personal, or cultural beliefs.
Family Values List
Cultural background plays a significant role in every family’s values. However, each family has its own customs and traditions as well.

Some common types of family values include:
- Some moral values are:
- Having a sense of justice
- Being honest
- Being respectful to others
- Being patient
- Being responsible
- Having courage
- Some social values are:
- Participating in teamwork
- Being generous
- Volunteering
- Being respectful
- Featuring dignity
- Demonstrating humanity
- Some work values include:
- Saving salary
- Prioritizing education
- Doing your best at work
- Maintaining respectful relationships with coworkers/ classmates
- Some religious values are:
- Being caring
- Willing to learn
- Treating others with respect
- Being modest
- Some recreational values are:
- Family game nights
- Family vacations
- Family meals
- Some political values are:
- Being patriotic
- Being tolerant
- Following the law
- Being open-minded
💡 150 Family Values Essay Topics
If you find it challenging to choose a family values topic for your essay, here is the list of 150 topics.
- Social family values and their impact on children.
- Divorce: Psychological Effects on Children .
- Do family values define your personality?
- Toys, games, and gender socialization.
- The correlation between teamwork and your upbringing.
- Family Structure and Its Effects on Children .
- What does honesty have to do with social values?
- Solution Focused Therapy in Marriage and Family .
- The importance of being respectful to others.
- Parent-Child Relationships and Parental Authority .
- Political family values and their impact on children.
- Postpartum Depression Effect on Children Development .
- The importance of patriotism.
- Social factors and family issues.
- Is being open-minded crucial in modern society ?
- Modern Society: American Family Values .
- What role does tolerance play in modern society?
- Does hard work identify your success?
- Family involvement impact on student achievement.
- Religious family values and their impact on children.
- Native American Women Raising Children off the Reservation .
- What does spiritual learning correlate with family values?
- Modest relations and their importance.
- The role of parental involvement.
- What is violence , and why is it damaging?
- Myths of the Gifted Children .
- Work family values and their impact on children.
- When Should Children Start School?
- Does salary saving help your family?
- Family as a System and Systems Theory .
- Why should education be a priority?
- Child-free families and their values.
- Family violence effects on family members.
- Why is doing your best work important for your family?
- School-Family-Community Partnership Policies .
- Moral values and their impact on children.
- Does being trustworthy affect your family values?
- Gender Inequality in the Study of the Family .
- Can you add your value to the world?
- Your responsibility and your family.
- Family in the US culture and society.
- Recreational family values and their impact.
- Balancing a Career and Family Life for Women .
- Family vacations and their effects on relationships.
- Family meal and its impact on family traditions.
- Children Play: Ingredient Needed in Children’s Learning .
- Family prayer in religious families.
- Family changes in American and African cultures.
- Hugs impact on family ties.
- Are bedtime stories important for children?
- How Video Games Affect Children .
- Do family game nights affect family bonding?
- Divorce Remarriage and Children Questions .
- What is the difference between tradition and heritage culture ?
- How Autistic Children Develop and Learn?
- The true meaning of family values.
- Egypt families in changed and traditional forms.
- Does culture affect family values?
- Are family values a part of heritage?
- The Development of Secure and Insecure Attachments in Children .
- Does supporting family traditions impact character traits?
- Parents’ Accountability for Children’s Actions .
- Does your country’s history affect your family’s values?
- Do family traditions help with solving your family problems?
- Impact of Domestic Violence on Children in the Classroom .
- Does having business with your family affect your bonding?
- Family as a social institution.
- Different weekly family connections ideas and their impact.
- Different monthly family connections ideas and their impact.
- The importance of your family’s daily rituals.
- Group and Family Therapies: Similarities and Differences .
- Holiday family gatherings as an instrument of family bonding.
- Should a family have separate family budgets ?
- Parental non-engagement in education.
- Globalization and its impact on family values.
- The difference between small town and big city family values.
- Divorce and how it affects the children.
- Child’s play observation and parent interview.
- Family fights and their impact on the family atmosphere.
- Why are personal boundaries important?
- Single-parent family values.
- Gender Differences in Caring About Children .
- Does being an only child affect one’s empathy ?
- Grandparents’ involvement in children upbringing.
- Use of Social Networks by Underage Children .
- Same-sex marriage and its contribution to family values.
- Does surrogacy correspond to family values?
- Are women better parents than men?
- Does the age gap between children affect their relationship?
- Does having pets affect family bonding?
- Parenting Gifted Children Successfully Score .
- Having a hobby together and its impact.
- Discuss living separately from your family.
- Shopping together with your family and its impact on your family values.
- Movie nights as a family tradition.
- Parents’ perception of their children’s disability.
- Does being in the same class affect children’s relationships ?
- Does sharing a room with your siblings affect your relationship?
- Raising Awareness on the Importance of Preschool Education Among Parents .
- Pros and cons of having a nanny.
- Do gadgets affect your children’s social values?
- The Role of Parents in Underage Alcohol Use and Abuse .
- Pros and cons of homeschooling .
- Limiting children’s Internet usage time and their personal boundaries.
- Is having an heirloom important?
- Divorce influence on children’s mental health.
- Is daycare beneficial?
- Should your parents-in-law be involved in your family?
- Children’s Foster Care and Associated Problems .
- Pets’ death and its impact on children’s social values.
- Clinical Map of Family Therapy .
- Passing of a relative and its impact on the family.
- How Do Parents See the Influence of Social Media Advertisements on Their Children ?
- Relationship within a family with an adopted child.
- Discuss naming your child after grandparents.
- The Effects of Post-Divorce Relationships on Children.
- Discuss the issue of spoiling children.
- Discuss nuclear family values.
- Parental Involvement in Second Language Learning .
- Children’s toys and their impact on children’s values.
- Discuss the children’s rivalry phenomenon.
- Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act History .
- Relationship between parents and its impact on children.
- Lockdown and its impact on family values.
- Financial status and children’s social values.
- Do parents’ addictions affect children?
- Corporal punishment and its effects on children.
- Discuss step-parents’ relationship with children.
- Severe diseases in the family and their impact.
- Developing Family Relationship Skills to Prevent Substance Abuse Among Youth Population .
- Arranged marriages and their family values.
- Discuss the age gap in marriages.
- The Effects of Parental Involvement on Student Achievement .
- International families and their values.
- Early marriages and their family values.
- Parental Divorce Impact on Children’s Academic Success .
- Discuss parenting and family structure after divorce .
- Mental Illness in Children and Its Effects on Parents .
- Discuss family roles and duties.
- Healthy habits and their importance in the family.
- Growing-up Family Experience and the Interpretive Style in Childhood Social Anxiety .
- Discuss different family practices.
- Dealing With Parents: Schools Problem .
- Ancestors worship as a family value.
- The importance of family speech.
- Does the Sexual Orientation of Parents Matter?
- Mutual respect as a core of a traditional family.
- Experiential Family Psychotherapy .
- Should the law protect the family values?
- Family as a basic unit of society.
Couldn’t find the perfect topic for your paper? Use our essay topic generator !
📑 Family Values Essay Outline
The family values essay consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion. You can write your essay in five paragraphs:
- One introductory paragraph
- Three body paragraphs
- One conclusion paragraph.
Family values or family history essay are usually no more than 1000 words long.
What do you write in each of them?
Learn more on the topic from our article that describes outline-making rules .
Thesis Statement about Family Values
The thesis statement is the main idea of your essay. It should be the last sentence of the introduction paragraph .
Why is a thesis statement essential?
It gives the reader an idea of what your essay is about.
The thesis statement should not just state your opinion but rather be argumentative. For the five-paragraph family values essay, you can express one point in your thesis statement.
Let’s take a look at good and bad thesis statement about family values templates.
Need a well-formulated thesis statement? You are welcome to use our thesis-making tool !
🏠️ Family Values Essay: Example & Writing Prompts
So, what do you write in your family values essay?
Start with choosing your topic. For this type of essay, it can be the following:
- Your reflection about your family’s values
- The most common family values in your country
- Your opinion on family values.
Let’s say you want to write about your family values. What do you include in your essay?
First, introduce family values definition and write your thesis statement.
Then, in the body part, write about your family’s values and their impact on you (one for each paragraph).
Finally, sum up your essay.
Family Values Essay Sample: 250 Words
🎃 family traditions essay: example & writing prompts.
Family traditions essay covers such topics as the following:
- Family traditions in the USA (in England, in Spain, in Pakistan, etc.)
- Traditions in my family
- The importance of family traditions for children.
- My favorite family traditions
After you decide on your essay topic, make an outline.
For the introduction part, make sure to introduce the traditions that you are going to write about. You can also mention the definition of traditions.
In the body part, introduce one tradition for each paragraph. Make sure to elaborate on why they are essential for you and your family.
Finally, sum up your essay in the conclusion part.
Family Traditions Essay Sample: 250 Words
😍 what does family mean to you essay: example & writing prompts.
The family definition essay covers your opinion on family and its importance for you.
Some of the questions that can help you define your topic:
- How has your family shaped your character?
- How can you describe your upbringing?
In the introduction part, you can briefly cover the importance of family in modern society. Then make sure to state your thesis.
As for the body parts, you can highlight three main ideas of your essay (one for each paragraph).
Finally, sum up your essay in the conclusion part. Remember that you can restate your thesis statement here.
What Does Family Mean to You Essay Sample: 250 Words
Now you have learned how to write your family values essay. What values have you got from your family? Let us know in the comments below!
❓ Family Values FAQ
Family values are the principles, traditions, and beliefs that are upheld in a family. They depend on family’s cultural, religious, and geographical background. They might be moral values, social values, work values, political values, recreational values, religious values, etc. These values are usually passed on to younger generations and may vary from family to family.
Why are family values important?
Family values are important because they have a strong impact on children’s upbringing. These values might influence children’s behavior, personality, attitude, and character traits. These can affect how the children are going to build their own families in the future.
What are Christian family values?
Some Christian family values are the following: 1. Sense of justice 2. Being thankful 3. Having wisdom 4. Being compassion 5. Willing to learn 6. Treating others with respect 7. Modesty
What are traditional family values?
Each family has its own values. However, they do have a lot of resemblances. Some traditional family values are the following: 1. Having responsibilities to your family 2. Being respectful to your family members 3. Not hurting your family members 4. Compromising

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A child’s family and home environment has a strong impact on his/her language and literacy development and educational achievement. This impact is stronger during the child’s early years but continues throughout their school years. Many background variables affect the impact of the family and home environment (such as
The family system thesis has important implications for child development and family functioning. It suggests that the family is a crucial factor in the development of children. It also suggests that the family plays a vital role in the well-being of its members. The family system thesis has important implications for social policy and practice.
1. Introduction. Family is very important part of our everyday life. It helps us in improving our personality. It also helps us in shaping our life. It teaches us the value of love, affection, care, truthfulness and self-confidence and provides us tools and suggestions which are necessary to get success in life.
Thesis Statement about Family Values. The thesis statement is the main idea of your essay. It should be the last sentence of the introduction paragraph. Why is a thesis statement essential? It gives the reader an idea of what your essay is about. The thesis statement should not just state your opinion but rather be argumentative.