Whether called upon to write a newspaper article, a press release, a business report, a product description, a scientific analysis, an essay, or just about any other kind of non-fiction writing, the writer must put the focus of the writing into one clear sentence that encapsulates that focus. That very important sentence is called the thesis statement.
Thesis Statements Vary
The content and the form of the thesis statement varies, depending on the purpose and contents of the written piece.
The above sentence is the Thesis Statement for this entire article. Everything else in this article should relate to that idea. Nothing in this article should be outside of that statement. The main idea of this article is this:
Thesis statements vary, depending on the purpose and content of the written piece. From now on, the reader should expect and notice the development and explanation of that idea.
What Every Thesis Statement Contains
Every thesis statement contains two parts: A subject and a predicate. The subject is neutral. In the paragraph you are reading right now, the thesis statement is the first statement: Every thesis statement contains two parts: a subject and a predicate.
The subject of this thesis statement is: Every thesis statement.
That subject is neutral. Nothing is claimed about it. It's simply a topic, a subject to explore.
The predicate is: contains two parts: a subject and a predicate.
This predicate is not neutral. The predicate is a claim. It is an assertion which requires explaining, clarifying, developing, defending and substantiating.
- Limit the Subject and Focus the Predicate
A thesis statement is only good if it contains a limited subject and a focused predicate. For example, let's say the subject of an essay or article is Dogs. Dogs is very general. To be a good subject for a thesis, the writer must be less general: which dogs? What kind of dogs?
- More limited subject: Pit bulls
So far, the writer has a limited subject. Now what is the writer going to assert, or claim, about Pit Bulls?
There are hundreds of opinions about Pit Bulls. Any one of those assertions can begin the predicate for the thesis:
- Pit Bulls should not be allowed in apartment complexes.
- Pit Bulls can be as gentle as any other dog, if socialized properly.
- Pit Bulls are born to fight and kill.
- Pit Bulls cause more problems for owners than most other breeds.
In each thesis above, all the words after the subject—Pit Bulls—comprise or make up the predicate of a good thesis statement. The writer should write on the statement that makes the most sense to him, and about which he has the most information, facts, and examples.
Thesis Statements in Argument Essays
In an argumentative essay, the thesis statement contains the claim, opinion, or point of view the writer is trying to substantiate throughout the rest of the essay. A thesis statement for an argumentative essay is debateable and controversial. It is a statement of this particular writer's opinion on a subject about which more than one possible claim or point of view may be valid. Each of the statements about Pit Bulls, above, would be a workable thesis for an argumentative essay.
Thesis Statement for Articles or Essays that Explain or Inform
But not all essays or articles are arguments, meant to persuade another person toward a particular point of view or opinion. Some essays are simply meant to inform or enlighten. Even those essays need a thesis statement.
In essays or articles that are not defending a particular opinion, the thesis statement prepares the reader for what will follow. The thesis statement contains a summation, general outline or overview of the contents of the rest of the essay.
For example, let's say the writer is still writing on the general subject, DOGS.
But now the writer simply wants to impart helpful information on how to live with and care for a very old dog. No argument is necessary. Instead, the writer needs to lay out what the essay or article will contain, to set up the parameters for the content—and then stick to those parameters!
Example of Thesis Statement for Informational Essay
Very old dogs—also called geriatric dogs—require patience, adaptive activities, and lots of love.
The subject is: very old dogs, also called geriatric dogs
The predicate is: require patience, adaptive activities, and lots of love.
The rest of this essay will clarify, specify, exemplify and develop the three parts of the predicate.
A solid thesis statement is a map, or guide, for both the writer and the reader. A limited and focused thesis statement keeps the writer on track and the reader oriented. Everyone wins, and the writing-reading relationship is mutually satisfying.
Related Article by this author: Writing the Descriptive Essay
Leah Abramovitz - Laura Bernell, Professional Writer since 1984; Community College Adjunct English Instructor since 1982.
