Which Is An Example Of A Well-written Thesis Statement?A. Susan B. Anthony Fought For The Rights Of Women And Enslaved People By Giving Speeches And Befriending Other Civil Rights Activists.B. Along With Elizabeth Stanton, Susan B. Anthony Fought For A
A well-written thesis statement is the backbone of any academic paper, providing a clear direction and focus for the entire essay. It is a concise statement that summarizes the main argument or claim of the paper, and it serves as a roadmap for the reader to follow. In this article, we will explore what makes a thesis statement effective and examine an example of a well-written thesis statement.
What is a Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly states the main argument or claim of a paper. It is usually located at the end of the introduction and serves as a guide for the rest of the essay. A good thesis statement should be specific, arguable, and relevant to the topic.
Key Characteristics of a Well-Written Thesis Statement
A well-written thesis statement should have the following characteristics:
- Specificity: A good thesis statement should be specific and clear, avoiding vague or general statements.
- Argumentative: A thesis statement should make a claim or argument that can be supported with evidence.
- Relevant: A thesis statement should be relevant to the topic and should not introduce new information that is not supported by the rest of the paper.
- Concise: A thesis statement should be concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary words or phrases.
Example of a Well-Written Thesis Statement
Let's examine the following thesis statement:
Along with Elizabeth Stanton, Susan B. Anthony fought for a woman's right to vote, using her speeches and writings to challenge the social norms of her time and pave the way for future generations of women's rights activists.
This thesis statement is an example of a well-written thesis statement because it:
- Is specific: The statement clearly states the main argument, which is that Susan B. Anthony fought for a woman's right to vote.
- Is argumentative: The statement makes a claim that can be supported with evidence, such as Anthony's speeches and writings.
- Is relevant: The statement is relevant to the topic of Susan B. Anthony's life and work.
- Is concise: The statement is concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary words or phrases.
Comparison with a Poorly Written Thesis Statement
Let's compare the well-written thesis statement with a poorly written one:
Susan B. Anthony was a woman who did some stuff.
This thesis statement is an example of a poorly written thesis statement because it:
- Is vague: The statement is too general and does not clearly state the main argument.
- Is not argumentative: The statement does not make a claim that can be supported with evidence.
- Is not relevant: The statement is not relevant to the topic of Susan B. Anthony's life and work.
- Is not concise: The statement is too long and includes unnecessary words.
Tips for Writing a Well-Written Thesis Statement
Here are some tips for writing a well-written thesis statement:
- Start with a clear topic: Before writing a thesis statement, make sure you have a clear topic in mind.
- Make a claim: A good thesis statement should make a claim or argument that can be supported with evidence.
- Use specific language: Avoid using vague or general language, and instead use specific language to make your argument.
- Keep it concise: A good thesis statement should be concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary words or phrases.
Conclusion
A well-written thesis statement is the backbone of any academic paper, providing a clear direction and focus for the entire essay. It is a concise statement that summarizes the main argument or claim of the paper, and it serves as a roadmap for the reader to follow. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can write a well-written thesis statement that will help you to succeed in your academic pursuits.
References
- American Historical Association. (2020). Writing a Thesis Statement. Retrieved from https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-mha/overseas-councils-and-affiliates/writing-a-thesis-statement
- Purdue Online Writing Lab. (2020). Writing a Thesis Statement. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/writing_a_thesis_statement.html
Frequently Asked Questions: Writing a Well-Written Thesis Statement ====================================================================
Writing a well-written thesis statement can be a challenging task, especially for students who are new to academic writing. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement.
Q: What is a thesis statement?
A: A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly states the main argument or claim of a paper. It is usually located at the end of the introduction and serves as a guide for the rest of the essay.
Q: What are the key characteristics of a well-written thesis statement?
A: A well-written thesis statement should be specific, argumentative, relevant, and concise. It should clearly state the main argument or claim of the paper and provide a roadmap for the reader to follow.
Q: How do I write a thesis statement?
A: To write a thesis statement, start by identifying the main topic of your paper. Then, make a claim or argument that can be supported with evidence. Use specific language to make your argument and keep it concise.
Q: What is the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?
A: A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly states the main argument or claim of a paper, while a topic sentence is a sentence that introduces the main topic of a paragraph. A thesis statement is usually located at the end of the introduction, while a topic sentence is usually located at the beginning of a paragraph.
Q: Can I change my thesis statement during the writing process?
A: Yes, it is possible to change your thesis statement during the writing process. In fact, it is not uncommon for writers to revise their thesis statement as they gather more information and develop their argument.
Q: How do I know if my thesis statement is effective?
A: To determine if your thesis statement is effective, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my thesis statement clear and concise?
- Does my thesis statement make a specific argument or claim?
- Is my thesis statement relevant to the topic of my paper?
- Does my thesis statement provide a roadmap for the reader to follow?
Q: Can I use a question as a thesis statement?
A: While it is possible to use a question as a thesis statement, it is not always the best approach. A thesis statement should be a statement that clearly states the main argument or claim of a paper, rather than a question that asks for more information.
Q: How do I avoid writing a thesis statement that is too broad or too narrow?
A: To avoid writing a thesis statement that is too broad or too narrow, make sure to clearly define the scope of your paper. A good thesis statement should be specific and focused, but not so narrow that it is impossible to support with evidence.
Q: Can I use a quote as a thesis statement?
A: While it is possible to use a quote as a thesis statement, it is not always the best approach. A thesis statement should be a statement that clearly states the main argument or claim of a paper, rather than a quote that is used to support an argument.
Conclusion
Writing a well-written thesis statement is an important part of the writing process. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can write a thesis statement that will help you to succeed in your academic pursuits.
References
- American Historical Association. (2020). Writing a Thesis Statement. Retrieved from https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-mha/overseas-councils-and-affiliates/writing-a-thesis-statement
- Purdue Online Writing Lab. (2020). Writing a Thesis Statement. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/writing_a_thesis_statement.html