How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the most important sentence in an academic paper. It is the “controlling idea” or “main argument” that your entire paper is built to support. Without a clear thesis, your paper lacks focus.

This guide is your resource for how to write a thesis statement. We provide a 5-step process to move from a general topic to an arguable, specific claim.

This process begins *after* you have a general topic. If you are still exploring ideas, visit our hub on how to choose a research paper topic.

What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a single, declarative sentence (or two) that presents your main argument. It is typically at the end of your introduction. It does two things:

1. It tells the reader your specific claim.
2. It provides a “roadmap” for your paper, previewing the main points you will use to support that claim.

As research on scientific argument highlights, a strong claim is the “fulcrum” upon which the entire structure of the paper rests. Your thesis is that fulcrum.

The 3 Core Attributes of a Strong Thesis

• 1. It is Arguable: It must be a claim that people can reasonably disagree with. A fact is not a thesis.
• 2. It is Specific: It is not a broad, vague statement. It focuses on a single, narrow aspect of your topic.
• 3. It is a Guide: It previews the main points of your paper, giving the reader a clear idea of your essay’s structure.

Topic vs. Research Question vs. Thesis

These three components are the logical progression of any research project.

• Topic (Broad): “Social Media and Mental Health”
• Research Question (Focused): “What is the impact of daily Instagram use on body image in teenage girls?”
• Thesis Statement (The Answer): “This paper argues that daily Instagram use among teenage girls is correlated with increased body dissatisfaction, primarily through exposure to algorithmically-driven, idealized imagery.”

How to Write a Thesis Statement: A 5-Step Process

A strong thesis is not written in one try. It is refined. Follow this 5-step process.

You cannot write a thesis (an answer) without a question. Start with a focused research question that your paper will explore. For help, see our guide on how to narrow a research topic.

Write a simple, declarative sentence that answers your question. This is your “working thesis.” It gives you direction.

• Question: “Does remote work increase productivity?”
• Working Thesis: “Remote work is good for companies.”

Conduct your research. Look for evidence that supports or refutes your working thesis. Your research will complicate your answer. This is the start of a strong, nuanced argument. For help with this step, see our guide on finding credible sources.

Now, refine your working thesis based on your evidence. Add your main points and the “why” (the “so what?”).

• Weak: “Remote work is good for companies.”
• Strong: “While remote work offers cost benefits, this paper argues that it ultimately hinders long-term innovation by eroding spontaneous collaboration and weakening corporate culture.”

Ask two final questions:

1. Can someone disagree with this? (If not, it’s a fact, not an argument).
2. So what? (If you can’t answer why this argument matters, it’s not significant).

Academic research on the writing process shows that this “so what” question is a key part of “writing as thinking,” pushing your argument from summary to analysis.

Thesis Statement Examples (Weak vs. Strong)

Learn by example. Here are weak theses and their strong revisions.

Example 1: Analytical Essay

• Weak (A Fact): “The Great Gatsby is a book about the 1920s.”
• Strong (An Argument): “This paper argues that The Great Gatsby uses the symbol of the ‘green light’ to critique the American Dream, revealing it as an unattainable illusion.”

For help with this type of paper, see our literature analysis services.

Example 2: Argumentative Essay

• Weak (A Vague Statement): “Social media is bad for society.”
• Strong (A Specific Claim): “Stricter government regulation of social media platforms is necessary to combat the spread of misinformation and protect adolescent mental health.”

This is a key component of our academic critique writing.

Example 3: Expository Essay

• Weak (A List): “This paper will discuss the causes of the French Revolution.”
• Strong (A Focused Claim): “The French Revolution was not caused by a single event, but by a ‘perfect storm’ of systemic economic inequality, widespread famine, and the spread of Enlightenment ideals.”

Common Thesis Statement Pitfalls

Avoid these common mistakes that weaken your paper.