Thesis statement

How it is used

Central to essay writing at English-medium universities and in preparatory programs. A good thesis statement is specific and arguable, not just a fact, and every paragraph should support it. It has nothing to do with writing a thesis for a degree.

Example sentences

1. Your thesis statement is too broad; focus on one clear argument.

2. The thesis statement argues that social media has changed how young people read the news.

Common collocations

• write a thesis statement
• clear thesis statement
• support the thesis statement
• restate the thesis

Related terms

• topic sentenceA sentence, usually the first in a paragraph, that states the main idea the rest of the paragraph develops.
• argumentA position supported by reasons and evidence, or the line of reasoning that runs through an essay, article or thesis.
• introductionThe opening section of an article, thesis or essay, which presents the topic, shows why it matters, identifies a gap and states the aim of the work.
• claimA statement that something is true, which may or may not yet be supported by enough evidence.

More terms: Thesis and Article Structure

• abstract
• thesis
• dissertation
• paper
• conclusion
• discussion
• draft
• limitation
• proofread
• IMRaD
• methods section
• keyword