Writing a thesis
Answers to basic questions

You can teach the definition of a thesis statement in two minutes. To understand how writing a thesis impacts their own writing will take students a bit longer.

Correction: It will take much, much longer. Weeks or months longer.

Students must make a thesis in the process of developing several different essays before they grasp the function of a thesis.

While they are learning, they will grouse a lot.

Here are questions students ask and some answers that popped into my mind. Together, they provide a good overview to the subject of writing a thesis.

What is a thesis statement?

• A thesis statement is a single-sentence summary of the main idea of a piece of writing.

• The parts of a thesis are the topic and assertion.

• A thesis makes a defined research topic.

How do I make a thesis?

• A thesis is often included in a writing prompt; if it is, copy it.

• If a thesis isn't included in the writing prompt, take the topic from the writing prompt and add the first sensible assertion about the topic that comes to mind.

What makes a good thesis statement?

• It is one complete, concise, declarative sentence.

• It is phrased clearly, in active voice, and debatable terms.

When should I write a thesis?

• Good writers write a working thesis almost as soon as they get a writing assignment.

• If your first working thesis doesn't pan out, write another. Writing thesis statements takes much less time than writing entire papers.

• Smooth the working thesis into presentable form when you compose your essay.
  

What kinds of papers need a thesis?

All nonfiction writing needs a thesis. Specifically . . .

• Persuasive essays and all types of essays adapted from that format must support a thesis.

• Narrative essays and all types of essays adapted from that format must support a thesis.

• Essay question responses need a thesis.

• Research/term papers must have a thesis.

• Teams working on collaborative writing projects need a thesis.

Where should I place the thesis in the essay?

In writing following the persuasive essay pattern (thesis and support), place the thesis at the end of the introduction, just before the first body paragraph.

If you want your students to become competent writers with minimal misery for both of you, start beginning writers out writing about thesis sentences rather than about topics.

4 more teaching tips

• Give authentic writing prompts, including some with the thesis specified.

• Discuss the thesis when you teach reading comprehension and grammar as well as when you talk about writing.

• Model thesis statement use in class discussion.

• Give students many opportunities for writing a thesis as part of the writing process each year.