what is the basic formula for a thesis statement

How to Write a Thesis Statement That Your Professor Will Love

If you’re wondering how to write a thesis statement without getting into a complete muddle, check out our incredibly simple thesis statement template to craft an amazing thesis statement. Simply fill in the blanks, and you’re done.

When it comes to perfecting the dark art of thesis statements, there’s good news and bad news:

The bad news: Your thesis statement may well be the single, most important sentence in your essay, so you can’t mess it up.

The good news: It’s actually really, really easy to write a great thesis statement without wasting too many brain cells.

Luckily, despite what you may have been told, writing a thesis statement is actually incredibly easy. You can read more here: thesis statement help .

And we’re about to share a simple trick that will help you nail your statement every single time.

But before we get to the only thesis statement you’ll ever need, let’s take a look at the basics so you can better understand: is this a thesis statement ?

What is a Thesis Statement?

• A single sentence located at the end of your introduction.
• Tells the reader what your opinion is and what the paper is going to prove.
• Directs your reader to the main pieces of evidence you will explore.

If you want to learn more, check out Purdue’s guide to thesis statements .

You may also wish to check out our guide to rewriting your thesis .

If you’re ready to get started on crafting the perfect statement, read on.

Alternatively, if you want to get a little help from AI, take a look at our free thesis statement generator .

Thesis Statements That Suck

Announcing something.

I’m going to describe Shakespeare’s love life. This essay will examine the life of a politician.

What’s so wrong?

These thesis statements provide the reader with an idea about what the essay, dissertation or thesis will discuss, but don’t actually put anything on the line. There’s nothing at stake, no specific issue to be resolved and absolutely nothing to make the reader want to learn more. Many of the theses and essays we come across as part of our student proofreading services contain this basic mistake.

Stating the obvious

Shakespeare wrote a lot about love. Politicians work long hours.

If very few people are actually likely to disagree with the issues you discuss in your essay, what’s the point in wasting your time analyzing them? Your thesis statement needs to make a claim that someone may disagree with. You will then spend your essay arguing why your claim is true. Check out our guide to writing argumentative essays for more deets.

Asking a question

Did Shakespeare ever get married? Why are politicians paid so much?

What’s so wrong?

To write a good thesis, you need to ensure your thesis statement clearly states your position and the purpose of the essay as opposed to simply posing a question. The questions above are weak and do not give your reader any idea about what you intend to prove in your paper.

So, now we know what a poor statement looks like, how do you write a fabulous one?

The Only Thesis Statement Template You Will Ever Need

Simply fill in the blanks of this thesis statement template in relation to the topic of your essay and what you intend to prove, and you’re done.

By examining <claim one>, <claim two> and <claim three> it is clear that <opinion>.

See it in action:

By examining politicians’ long working hours, depth of responsibility, and the important role they play in the social and economic wellbeing of the country, it is clear that they are not overpaid.

We’re done.

Yep. It really is that easy.

And to make your life even easier, we’ve crammed all this great info into a free printable PDF. Print the poster out and refer to it when you’re in the process of crafting your next thesis statement.

Don’t forget to proofread your thesis statement!

Download this Fill-in-the-Blank  Formula  by clicking on the image below.

How to Write a Thesis Statement

You can place our thesis statement template on your webpage free of charge. Simply copy and paste the code below.

<a href=”https://www.vappingo.com/word-blog/how-to-write-a-thesis-statement/”><img src=”https://www.vappingo.com/word-blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Thesis-statement-poster.jpg” alt=”How to write a thesis statement”/></a>[Infographic provided by <a href=”https://www.vappingo.com”><em>proofreading</em></a>]

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Thesis Statement Checklist

Still not sure if your thesis statement is fantastic enough? Use our thesis statement checklist to make sure you have written a good thesis:

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

25 Thesis Statement Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

Read More: What is the American Dream?

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

Read More: Learn about Urbanization

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

Read More: Do we have Free Will?

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

Read More: Soft Skills Examples

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

Read More: Moral Panic Examples

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Read More: Mass Media Examples

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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What Is The Formula For A Thesis Statement & 10 Standout Examples?

Declan Gessel

May 13, 2024

Crafting a solid thesis statement is essential when composing an academic paper. It provides a roadmap for the reader and helps maintain focus throughout the essay. The formula for a thesis statement should be selected carefully and woven into the essay's introduction. Knowing how to write an essay will help you develop a strong and effective thesis statement. This blog post will discuss how to craft a thesis statement that is both informative and engaging. Through some simple steps, you can develop a thesis that will grab your reader's attention and keep them engaged in your essay.

Table of Contents

What exactly is a thesis statement, key elements of a strong thesis statement, how to choose the right formula for a thesis statement, 10 standout thesis statement examples, weak thesis statements: examples and how to fix them, write smarter with jotbot — start writing for free today.

Have you ever started writing an essay and felt lost halfway through? A strong essay, much like a building, needs a solid foundation. This foundation is your thesis statement, a single sentence that acts as the roadmap for your entire argument. Before diving into the specifics of what makes a great thesis statement, let's take a quick step back and look at the bigger picture: the essay itself. 

Defining a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a single sentence that summarizes the main argument of your essay. It serves as a roadmap for your reader, outlining the key points you will discuss. In addition to this, a solid thesis statement tells your reader what to expect in your essay. It previews the key points you'll explore and provides a guiding light through your arguments.

Finding the Thesis Statement

A thesis statement will find its place at the conclusion of your introduction. This placement serves two purposes: it introduces your reader to the main point you'll be exploring throughout the essay , giving them context for the information to come.It acts as a roadmap, outlining the key points you'll discuss and the direction your argument will take. In essence, a thesis statement sets the stage for the rest of your essay.

Related Reading

• Argumentative Essay • Essay Format • Expository Essay • Essay Outline • How To Write A Conclusion For An Essay • Transition Sentences • Narrative Essay • Rhetorical Analysis Essay • Persuasive Essay

A strong thesis statement indicates the approach or method of analysis that will be used in the essay. For example, stating that the essay will analyze the topic through a cause-and-effect approach, comparison/contrast, or argumentation gives the reader a clear idea of what to expect.

Mentioning Key Points to be Covered

The thesis statement should provide a preview of the main points that will be discussed in the essay. This way, the reader knows what to anticipate and the structure of the essay becomes clear from the start.

Considering Audience Expectations

A strong thesis statement should be tailored to meet the expectations of the audience. It should give the reader a sense of what they can learn from the essay, making it more engaging and likely to hold their interest throughout. By considering the needs and expectations of the audience, the writer can ensure that the thesis statement will resonate with readers.

• Words To Start A Paragraph • Essay Structure • Types Of Essays • How To Write A Narrative Essay • Synthesis Essay • Descriptive Essay • How To Start Off An Essay • How To Write An Analytical Essay • Write Me A Paragraph • How To Write A Synthesis Essay

When writing an essay, using a formula to craft your thesis statement can be invaluable for creating a solid base for your argument. A formula offers a clear layout for constructing an effective thesis statement, guiding you through the process step by step. This structured approach ensures that your thesis statement meets essential criteria, such as focus, clarity, argumentative nature, and specificity.

Key Elements of a Formula for a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement should focus on a specific area of the topic, providing clarity to the reader about the main argument of the essay . It should also be argumentative, presenting a claim that can be debated or argued. Specificity in a thesis statement is crucial; it should be concise and directly address the main topic. A formula helps ensure your thesis statement meets these key elements, guiding you to create a strong statement that sets the tone for your essay.

Benefits of Using a Formula for Your Thesis Statement

A formula not only provides a structured approach to crafting your thesis statement but also aids in maintaining a clear and cohesive direction for your essay. By following a formula, you can ensure that your thesis statement is well-defined, making it easier for the reader to understand your argument. This approach can save you time and effort by streamlining the essay-writing process and improving the overall quality of your work.

Adapting Your Writing Approach with the Thesis Statement

While a formula provides a solid foundation, crafting an impactful thesis statement often requires some flexibility. Different essay types and audiences may call for slightly different approaches to your thesis statement. For instance, in an argumentative essay, your thesis statement should clearly state your position on the issue. In an analytical essay, the thesis should present the main point of analysis. In a compare/contrast essay, the thesis should highlight key similarities or differences. It's essential to understand the requirements of your specific essay type to tailor your thesis statement effectively.

Considering Different Essay Types Affects Your Thesis Statement

The type of essay you are writing significantly influences the structure and content of your thesis statement. For an argumentative essay, your thesis should clearly state your position on the issue. In an analytical essay, the thesis should present the main point of analysis. In contrast, a compare/contrast essay's thesis should highlight key similarities or differences. Always ensure your thesis statement aligns with the essay's type to effectively convey your argument to the reader.

Tailoring Your Thesis to Different Audiences

Considering your audience's needs and expectations is essential when crafting your thesis statement. Tailoring your thesis statement to your audience can enhance clarity and engagement. For an academic audience, a formal and analytical approach might be suitable. On the other hand, for a general audience, a clearer and more accessible approach might be preferable. Understanding your audience helps you create a thesis statement that resonates with readers, making your argument more persuasive and engaging. Write smarter, not harder with Jotbot. Start writing for free with Jotbot today — sign in with Google and get started in seconds.

1. The impact of video games on violence

While video games can provide entertainment and cognitive benefits, excessive violent video game exposure can contribute to aggressive behavior in young people. (Focuses on a debatable claim and mentions specific age group)

2. The effectiveness of social media advertising

Although social media advertising offers targeted reach to potential customers, its effectiveness depends heavily on creating engaging and relevant content. (Highlights a key advantage and a crucial factor for success)

3. The benefits of learning a second language

Mastering a second language not only unlocks new cultural experiences but also enhances cognitive skills and improves job prospects. (Mentions multiple benefits)

4. The importance of recycling in a sustainable future

To achieve a more sustainable future, widespread adoption of effective recycling programs is crucial for reducing waste and conserving resources. (Focuses on a specific solution)

5. The historical significance of the printing press

The invention of the printing press revolutionized communication and knowledge dissemination, playing a pivotal role in shaping the course of history. (Connects the invention to its broader impact)

6. The influence of nature on creativity

Spending time immersed in nature can spark creative thinking and enhance problem-solving abilities. (Highlights a specific benefit of spending time in nature)

7. The pros and cons of online learning

While online learning platforms offer flexibility and accessibility, they can also present challenges in terms of student engagement and fostering a sense of community. (Highlights both positive and negative aspects)

8. The evolving role of artificial intelligence in society

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming various industries, presenting both exciting opportunities and potential challenges that require careful consideration. (Focuses on the multifaceted impact of AI)

9. The importance of a healthy work-life balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for preventing burnout, improving productivity, and promoting overall well-being. (Highlights the benefits of a balanced approach)

10. The power of storytelling in education

Storytelling can be a powerful tool in education, engaging students, enhancing their understanding of complex concepts, and fostering a love for learning. (Focuses on a specific educational strategy and its benefits)

Importance of Crafting Strong Thesis Statements

These examples showcase different approaches to crafting strong thesis statements for essays. Each thesis statement has a distinct focus, whether it's a debatable claim, mentioning specific benefits, or emphasizing solutions. 

Regardless of the approach, all these thesis statements share key elements such as clarity, specificity, and focus, guiding your essay effectively. Crafting a powerful thesis statement is crucial in aligning the direction of your essay and providing a clear roadmap for both you as the writer and your readers.

First, they're too broad

A thesis statement shouldn't be a general statement about the topic. 

For Example: "Social media is important." (This is too broad and doesn't provide a specific argument)

Another common weakness in thesis statements is that it is unclear

The reader shouldn't be left guessing what the main point is. 

Another Example: "There are both positive and negative effects of social media." (This lacks clarity on the specific focus) A thesis statement shouldn't present a fact, but instead, a debatable claim. 

Example: "Social media allows people to connect with friends and family." (This is a fact, not a debatable claim) A thesis statement shouldn't be completely separate from the points you'll discuss. 

Example: "I'm going to write about social media." (This doesn't offer an argument or specific direction)

Improving Weak Thesis Statements: Examples and How to Fix Them

The impact of social media on teenagers.

Weak Thesis

Social media can be a useful tool. (Too broad and lacks a specific argument) 

While social media platforms offer valuable communication tools, their excessive use can negatively impact the development of social skills in teenagers. (Focuses on a debatable claim and mentions a specific age group)

The role of technology in education. 

Technology is changing the way we learn. (Unclear and lacks specifics)

How to fix it

Interactive learning platforms can enhance student engagement and knowledge retention in science classrooms, but they should not replace traditional teacher-led instruction entirely. (Provides a specific approach and mentions limitations)

Tips for Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

Keep your thesis statement concise and to the point. A thesis statement usually appears near the end of the introduction to provide a roadmap of what's to come. 

The Importance of Revising Your Thesis Statement

Ensuring that your thesis statement is clear and focused is essential to guide the reader through your essay effectively. By revising and improving it, you set yourself up for a strong, well-structured paper that will effectively communicate your main point. Overcome these common weaknesses in thesis statements and watch your essays improve drastically.

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Jotbot's AI essay writer can help users generate entire essays based on the provided prompts or topics. This can be a valuable tool for those seeking assistance with their writing projects or looking to improve their writing skills. By leveraging Jotbot's AI capabilities, you can write smarter, not harder, and enhance your writing productivity. 

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