BK Writing Lab

Writing a Strong Thesis Statement
Paul DiGeorgio, Ph.D.

 

Qualities of a strong thesis statement: precise, opinionated, succinct/focused, inconspicuous, declarative, unique, and provable.

Examples: 

In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit.

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.

America's anti-pollution efforts should focus on privately owned vehicles because it would allow most citizens to contribute to national efforts and care about the outcome.

Qualities of a poor thesis statement: too broad, factual, vague, rambling/unfocused, obvious, interrogative, generic, or unprovable.

Examples: 

The triathlon was first included in the Summer Olympics in 2000.

Since the beginning of time, Brazil has experienced many sociopolitical changes.

The North and South each fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were shared and others of which were different.

Given the history of complaints lodged against Campus Property Management, it is only fair, at least in my opinion, that a full and complete investigation be launched to provide clear proof that the aforementioned company is either guilty, innocent or both.

 

If you have any questions, send us an email at bkwritinglab@bishopkennyhs.org!

 

Image Credit: Certification by Pham Duy Phuong Hung from the Noun Project

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