What is a Thesis Statement – Definition

Written by

Shanna Peeples

August 12, 2023

6 min read

It is very easy to get lost in the task if you don’t know what a thesis statement is and how to complete it properly. It greatly differs from any other assignment you may have, as it requires lots of concentration and an ability to provide information in a limited number of words.

If you want to get a clear picture of a thesis statement definition, you should pay attention to the opening paragraph of any assignment. If it is a properly written task, you will surely find a thesis statement there, as it aims to grab the attention of the reader, and provide the main idea of your work and its key features. However, it is impossible to write a proper argument before completing research, as you need to base it on the information you collect.

How to Write a Good Thesis Statement

If you want to learn how to write a good thesis statement, here are some tips which may be of great use:

• A proper essay always creates discussion. It is not interesting to base the whole work on the things which are clear and obvious. Try to find a provocative and challenging topic which may stir discussion and different points of view;
• Always choose a topic that will suit your class or audience. It should be adequate and interesting;
• Remain focused. The best way to grab the attention of the reader is to concentrate on the details instead of talking about everything at once;
• Be flexible. Remember that sometimes you may change your opinion throughout the process, and it is absolutely okay. Don’t hesitate to change your essay in such a case;
• Use details. Your argument should be a sort of a map, which will guide the reader through your paper, so don’t forget about using names, dates and other important details;
• Pass the ‘So what?’ test, which means that you need not only to select a challenging topic but also use lively language to hold the attention of the target audience.

In order to deliver a great essay, you need to avoid vague language, like ‘it seems’ and so on. Your ideas should be backed with credible arguments and sources, not with your assumptions. Always try to avoid the first person, which makes any thesis statement less academic and professional. By using all of this advice, you will surely learn how to write a thesis statement and catch the attention of any audience.

Order an Exclusive Paper of Top Standard

100% Originality Assured. Only Qualified Specialists

Top Quality

96% customers' satisfaction rate

400+ Native Writers

with minimum Master's degree

Discounts & Bonuses

5% discount with FIRST5 code

Order Now

Thesis statement Examples

Every day, students have to face lots of tasks and they simply don’t have enough energy or time to complete a proper thesis statement or any other written assignment. That is why some of them ask other students for help or download thesis statement examples online to make sure they are doing everything right.

However, you need to remember that a thesis statement template should only be used as an example, because any professor will easily find out that it wasn’t you who wrote the essay if you decide to copy a sample online. In all other cases, such examples can be of great help and will give you a chance to learn more about the structure of the assignment, the main requirements and the formatting style and structure.

Thesis Statement Format

You need to remember that your professor may have specific requirements and you should first ask for any guidelines he has to provide. If none, here is a common list of format requirements which are used in most colleges across the world:

• Fonts and publishing. You should always remember that the main thing to stand out in your thesis statement is the idea itself, its originality and importance, so try to avoid too many headers and titles. They may visually create too much fuss. Try to limit the usage of italics or bold print. The most popular and accepted fonts are Times Roman 12/14, Geneva 12, Helvetica 12. LaTeX is also acceptable;
• Paper size. A usual paper format is 8,5 x 11 inches, however it may differ for art or architecture students, depending on the assignment itself;
• Spacing. Always use double spacing. Single space can be used only with footnotes, bibliography entries, table captions and long quotations;
• Title page. Remember that any title page should contain the name of your establishment, title, your name and degree. It is better to consult your professor, as almost every college has specific requirements, which may vary significantly;
• Margins should be 1 – ½ inches on the left and 1 inch on the top, bottom and right. Try to follow this structure to make your argument clear and aesthetically pleasant.

Writing thesis statement is not as difficult as it may seem and if you pay enough attention to the details, you will be able to complete the task in the best possible way and attract the attention of the reader by providing a catchy and engaging argument.

Thesis statement topics

Do not know how to choose a thesis statement topic? Follow some useful tips or check our list of thesis statement ideas. First of all, make notes and write down everything that comes to your head. Sort out the best ideas or simply opt for our list:

1. New Haven: Perceptions of Safety and Stability of Residents
2. How should newly pregnant behave and establish themselves in society?
3. A Qualitative Analysis: the attitude of seniors toward primary medical care.
4. Find the links: define the connection between health, urban migration and other social parameters among gays in NYC.
5. Rosebud Reservation highlights its sex education approach in addition to reproductive thinking.
6. A positive influence of farm-based program implementation: A 4-year study in New Haven
7. The effect of vegetables and food prescription programs assigned to Navajo Nation in addition to produce purchasing.
8. Doctor-Patient Communication and HPV Knowledge: Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)
9. The problem of providing psychiatric treatment to high-risk families
10. The sociological definition of on effective HIV treatment among the Peruvian population of men in sexual relations with the same–sex individuals.
11. The study of US-based young adults suffering from mental illnesses.
12. The possibility of reproductive and healthy problems that pregnant adolescents may face.