A thesis statement is a sentence (or two) that states what you are going to do in your essay. It is a kind of asignpost – something that tells you where to go- or a map that shows the reader what direction your essay will take. It usually comes at the end of the Introduction.
In this essay, I will outline the arguments for and against sex education in schools.
In this essay, I will examine some reasons for the growth of the tourism industry.
You can also leave out “I.”
This essay looks at ideas in favour of and against early marriage.
This essay will discuss the benefits of having universal free health care.
Signpost your essay
Sometimes the reader can tell how many parts or which paragraphs will follow the thesis statement.
I am going to analyse the effects of drugs on the individual, the family, and society.
In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be three parts – one on the effects of drugs on the individual, one part with the effects on the family, and another with the effects on society.
Be Strong
Sometimes you don’t need a “will” or “going to”. Your thesis statement is so strong that it is clear what your opinion is.
Beating children brutalizes parents, damages the parent-child relationship, and is completely unnecessary.
In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be three parts – one on the effects of corporal punishment on parents, one part with the effects relationship, and another which claims that beating is not needed.
Thesis sentence vocabulary
analyze, look at, examine, discuss, outline, consider, describe, focus on, decide
Examples:
This essay will examine the reasons for the high divorce rate in our society.
I will outline some of my objections to arranged marriages.
In this essay I will focus on three problems caused by corruption.
I will discuss whether large families are better than smaller ones.
This essay will consider the benefits of space exploration for the economy, for scientific development, and for the future of humanity.
What do you want to do now?
- Look at Introductions
- Look at information about layouts (recommended)
- Look at the Body of an essay
- Look at Conclusions