MLA Works Cited Website
- 23 June 2019
- 619 words
A thesis statement is one of the most important aspects of a typical essay structure. Basically, it provides an overview of what essays will talk about. Moreover, central claims define particular structures and content of a whole paper. Consequently, even a paragraph structure depends on a main idea. However, there are problems with understanding a significant difference between examples of a thesis statement and a purpose statement and a wide diversity of main arguments for specific types of papers. Therefore,
General Aspects
A thesis statement example takes an integral part in any form of academic writing. Basically, a good thesis sentence contains a main focus of any essay. In turn, a person can understand a whole article by reading through a central statement. Along these lines, a main claim provides a synopsis of an academic paper. In particular, there are three categories of thesis examples, namely analytical, expository, and argumentative, which evaluate, explain, and convince an audience, respectively, while other types of papers have their own features students should learn to provide high-quality documents so that readers can understand after reading them.
What Is a Thesis Statement Example and Its Purpose
From its definition, a thesis statement example is a concise summary of a main point or single claim located as a last sentence in an introduction section of any essay, research paper, or academic document. The main purpose of writing a thesis statement example is to articulate a central argument or position that writers will support with evidence and analysis throughout their essays or research papers (Langan & Albright, 2023). In general, examples of central claims not only present a main argument but also cover supporting points that will be elaborated further. As a result, when people offer a clear and specific claim, they ensure their papers remain organized and coherent, which allows readers to follow their reasoning and conclusions effectively (Babin et al., 2020). In terms of words, the length of a thesis statement example can vary depending on academic levels, topics, their complexity, and specific requirements of an assignment or research project, and general guidelines are:
- High School: Typically, an example of a high school thesis statement is concise and straightforward, usually ranging from 15 to 25 words.
- College: A college thesis statement example is more detailed and specific, usually between 20 to 40 words.
- University: At this academic level, an example of a thesis statement is more complex and in-depth, ranging from 30 to 50 words.
- Master’s: A master’s thesis statement example is highly specific and detailed, usually between 40 to 60 words.
- Ph.D.: An example of a Ph.D. thesis statement is the most detailed and comprehensive, often ranging from 50 to 70 words.
Format
| Academic Level | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| High School | A single, concise sentence stating a main argument or point. | The Great Gatsby illustrates a typical decline of an American Dream concept through the lives of its main characters. |
| College | A clear, specific sentence that includes a main argument and key supportive points. | Shakespeare’s Hamlet explores a particular theme of revenge by examining the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, highlighting a complex nature of human emotion and action. |
| University | A more detailed sentence or two that outlines a main argument and its broader implications. | Climate change is a source of a significant threat to coastal cities today, necessitating immediate policy interventions to address rising sea levels, increased frequency numbers of extreme weather events, and their socio-economic challenges. |
| Master’s | A detailed sentence or two that clearly states a research focus, main argument, and key aspects to be explored. | This study investigates a direct impact of social media on mental health conditions among adolescents, focusing on a basic correlation between screen time and anxiety levels and proposing potential interventions for reducing and solving adverse psychological effects. |
| Ph.D. | A comprehensive sentence or two that outlines a main research question, argument, and key points, reflecting a complexity and depth of a particular study. | This dissertation examines the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer progression, with a focus on DNA methylation patterns and their possible impacts on gene expression, aiming to identify and implement novel biomarkers for early detection, intervention, and potential therapeutic targets. |
Note: Any thesis statement example is a summary of an essay that is usually one sentence at the end of an introduction. Such a sentence must serve as a roadmap for investigations and has to be written with care.
Thesis Statement vs. Purpose Statement
A standard goal of a purpose statement is to deliver a message about what essays will be written about. In contrast, a central argument talks about what is already written in papers and provides final investigations found within written pieces. For example, a purpose sentence does not provide a clear structure for papers (Miller & Pessoa, 2016). Unfortunately, such a statement fails to meet academic standards as it is clear that writers do not understand what will be written in their works when they start writing them. However, a thesis claim is a way how all authors deliver their insightful thoughts that are important for investigation. Hence, their examples are:
Purpose statement example – In this essay, I will … .
Thesis statement example – This essay investigates on … .
Even from these two simple examples, it is clear that future work will be very different.
Main Types of Central Statements
Analytical
The primary focus of a thesis statement in an analytical essay is to evaluate and give meaning to a concept or situation. For instance, analytical thesis examples answer “how” and “why” questions (Babin et al., 2020). Basically, such a type of sentence is prevalent in analysis papers. In turn, an excellent example of an analytical thesis statement is: “The process of metamorphosis signifies the class struggles of the organisms to break out of a life of being oppressed.” Hence, the above thesis explains “how” the animals behave during metamorphosis. Besides, this statement indicates the reasons “why” organisms struggle during the process of transformation. Thus, an analytical claim evaluates various situations to give meaning. In turn, some other examples of sentence starters for beginning an analytical thesis statement are:
- A detailed analysis of [topic] reveals that a direct connection between [factor] and [factor] significantly influences [outcome], demonstrating that … .
- Examining [subject] through the lens of [theory/approach] demonstrates that underlying themes of [theme] and [theme] contribute to a deeper understanding of … .
- The relationship between [variable] and [variable] in the context of [event/phenomenon] suggests that broader societal changes are driven by … .
- Investigating the historical background of [event/issue] ensures the key factors contributing to [outcome] are based on … .
- By breaking down the components of [topic], it becomes clear that the dynamics of [aspect] are essential in understanding the broader implications of … .
- The impact of [event/phenomenon] on [subject] highlights that changes in [aspect] have profound effects on [related aspect], suggesting that … .
- A close examination of [issue] indicates that the difference between [factor] and [factor] plays a crucial role in shaping the future of … .
- Evaluating the consequences of [action/policy] underlines that, while [positive outcome] is achieved, significant challenges, such as [negative outcome] persist, ensuring … .
- An exploration of [topic] within the framework of [theory/approach] suggests that the prevailing trends in [aspect] are indicative of deeper societal shifts toward … .
- The patterns observed in [data/behavior] reveal that underlying causes, such as [factor] and [factor], are instrumental in analyzing the observed changes in … .
Expository
An expository thesis statement explains a situation to a target reader. For instance, a thesis statement in an expository essay should assert what one wants a particular reader to know, believe, or understand (Inoshita et al., 2019). In this case, expository thesis examples must explain to a reader the meaning or implication of an essay. Besides, an explanatory claim should give a writer’s accurate opinion on a subject matter (Allen et al., 2018). Moreover, an expository thesis statement should be declarative. Along these lines, sentence examples should reveal a primary intention of a writer to share information. In turn, an excellent example of an expository thesis statement is: “In modern times, the “Azonto Music” heavily influences the social lives of Ghanaians.” This thesis example explains how “Azonto Music” affects socialization among Ghanaians today. On the other hand, a reader can understand what an essay explains by reading through this sentence example. Thus, an expository sentence elucidates a situation to a reader. In turn, some other examples of sentence starters for beginning an expository thesis statement are:
- This paper will explain how [topic] influences [outcome] by examining [specific aspects].
- The purpose of this essay is to describe the process of [process] and its impact on [subject].
- By exploring the various components of [topic], this paper aims to highlight [specific aspect].
- This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of [topic], focusing on [key points].
- In this essay, the main factors contributing to [issue] will be discussed, including [specific factors].
- This paper will examine the role of [element] in [context], emphasizing [specific aspect].
- The objective of this essay is to analyze the effects of [event/phenomenon] on [subject], highlighting [specific outcomes].
- Current research will investigate the key elements of [topic], illustrating how [aspect] affects [subject].
- This project aims to explore the significance of [topic] in [context], focusing on [main points].
- By examining [topic], this paper will shed light on the importance of [aspect] and its implications for [subject].
Argumentative
An argumentative thesis statement convinces a reader to believe in a specific point of view. For instance, an argumentative sentence states an arguable claim (Morris et al., 2018). In essence, such an element provides reasons or evidence that support a single claim in an argumentative essay. Besides, its organization helps to convince a target reader to adopt a specific position. An excellent example of an argumentative thesis statement is: “Farmers should not eliminate Barn Owl’s nests from storehouses because this bird helps to reduce insects and rodents.” A particular claim presented a debatable issue and evidence to support a writer’s perception. Thus, argumentative thesis statement examples try to influence a reader’s opinion. In turn, some other examples of sentence starters for beginning an argumentative thesis statement are:
- Although some people believe [opposing view], [your view] because [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].
- The evidence clearly shows that [position] is the best solution for [issue] due to [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].
- Given the current data supporting [position], it is evident that [action/policy] should be implemented to address [issue].
- While [opposing view] argues [opposing argument], [your view] is more accurate because [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].
- In light of [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3], it is essential that [specific action/policy] should be adopted to solve [problem].
- The benefits of [your view] outweigh the drawbacks because [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].
- Despite the arguments against [your position], the evidence indicates that [your position] is necessary for [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].
- The current approach to [issue] is flawed; therefore, [alternative approach] should be adopted because [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].
- Because [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3], it is clear that [your position] is the most effective way to address [issue].
- To ensure [desired outcome], it is crucial to [specific action], as supported by [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].
Thesis Statement Examples for Other Types of Papers
For any type of paper, scholars should write academically. In turn, students must follow the set of rules regarding paper formats, essay structure, and others. Therefore, tips on academic writing would be like:
- Avoid a purpose statement and write a 3-point thesis statement;
- Be clear about what you are presenting to your reader;
- Make sure to investigate your subject before you start writing anything to prevent possible academic issues;
- Be critical and concise;
- Follow formatting rules;
- Provide mistakes-free work;
- Adhere to specifications within different educational facilities, academic levels, types of papers, and so on.
Below are a few thesis statement examples on how to adapt a main idea to a specific type of paper:
Scientific Works
Research Paper
A research paper is a unique type of document designed for serious academic investigations. As such, writers should pay attention to all results acquired during the research and make sure each important conclusion that this study provided is mentioned in a main sentence.
Sample:
The research paper found that X compound will behave differently due to this and that, while external influence from this and that will not affect the outcome of the reaction, which was considered unreachable before, creating a new stable compound.
Literature Review
For a literature review or literary analysis, people make sure they summarize a synthesized argument they got during their review of different sources. Moreover, written works must not make any new contributions. In turn, a main claim example has to reflect a central idea and be centered around sources.
Sample:
As a result, the literature review on recent publications on global warming proved the rise of temperature is a short-term consequence of pollution, while the long-term threat is yet to be determined.
Research Proposal
A main claim in a research proposal is more like a hypothesis. Scholars are trying to explain what they are going to accomplish. However, while a typical purpose statement might be used in some cases, a research proposal also has done the research. In turn, a main sentence has to summarize such an act.
Sample:
However, considering the gap in the understanding of how global warming affects the species in Texas, it was found that some of them got extinct, creating a need for the investigation of the possible link between the two events.
Essays
Narrative Essay
A narrative essay is usually based on personal experience. Basically, a thesis claim example for a narrative essay will explain how such an experience accomplished a specific goal. Moreover, a whole work will be a story on how individuals moved from one point of life to another and how it changed them or how some other events were a definite moment in someone’s life. As such, a main sentence will connect start and end points.
Sample:
Therefore, I realized that various challenges on my life path could make me only stronger in regards to the fact that we are all becoming stronger with each day we live, but such knowledge becomes inevitable after you face tons of paid in the process of perception of it.
Informative Essay
An informative essay is written to inform readers of some minor themes. Therefore, a thesis sentence example is informative and explains a defined message that writers try to deliver.
Sample:
Therefore, these days, the word “to google” means to search, not to use Google to search for any information as a person who “googles” will not necessarily use Google for such purpose.
Persuasive Essays
In persuasive papers, writers try to present convincing arguments that might change someone’s perception of a specific topic. Moreover, students use evidence to follow standard academic rules, while utilizing facts is vital. As such, a main statement example will be unique in such type of work and will display convincing argumentation.
Sample:
Therefore, Trump is wrong in his judgment of global warming being a myth as scientific journals, such as 1, 2, and 3, present more than a hundred of recent articles only within the last year of publication, providing evidence of his opinion being incorrect.
Applications
Cover Letter, Admission, Personal Statement, and Related Types of Papers
In papers used to participate in specific job applications or colleges, candidates should make it clear why they are the best fit for available opportunities.
Sample:
Therefore, my passion for something, required knowledge in point 1 and point 2, vast experience in idea 1 and idea 2, and the willingness to accomplish this and that makes me a perfect fit for the available opportunity.
Personal Reflection and Response
These types of papers are used to express opinions on specific works so that thesis statement examples for them would orient on one’s final judgment.
Sample:
Therefore, the “Black Panther” movie is one of the best movies existing as it opened up a new era of empowering blacks within the media.
Reviews
Book or Movie Review
This type of paper focuses on an analysis of facts and interpretations of them to assess an author’s purpose. Moreover, a typical review might include personal opinion, but it has to be based on analysis, making a thesis claim example more analytical.
Sample:
As a result, by considering the analysis of the use of light, characters, themes, symbolism, settings, and plot of the movie “Black Panther,” it is clear that the movie highlighted Black people most appealingly, using strong images and magnificent cultural background to appeal to their viewers in a way to present Blacks strong, smart, independent, and crucial for their enemies.
Article, Artwork, Event, and Video Review
These types of works usually focus on observations, and a thesis claim example has to be a reflection of a personal assessment. Usually, it also talks about a key takeaway.
Sample:
After viewing a scientific video, it became clear that these factors impact people’s perception of anything before interacting with it because they are coming into contact with it with a biased viewpoint.
Basic Writing
Summary
Thesis statement examples for summary usually orient on an expression of an author’s main idea. As a result, some people also call it as an author’s thesis. Therefore, writers have to reflect on an author’s main idea delivered by their work.
Sample:
As a result, this and this impacted that and that in the 19th century, according to the author, who is highlighting point 1, point 2, and point 3 in her book.
Rhetorical Analysis
Ethos, pathos, and logos are those rhetorical devices that students will write about. Therefore, a working idea has to reflect on those elements.
Sample:
Using ethos, pathos, and logos, the author succeeded in delivering the message to the target audience as point 1 proves the author’s credibility, point 2 appeals to emotions, and point 3 is where the author uses logical reasoning.
Memo
There are usually no thesis statement examples in memo letters. Besides, people mostly use such papers for communication with non-scholars. However, when it comes to memo examples, a main sentence example will be the most important information an author tries to deliver.
Sample:
In the next semester, all teachers are obligated to take one extra course due to the shortage of personnel, but will also have higher salaries available to cover up the inconveniences caused.
Common Mistakes
- Too Broad: Your claim is overly general and lacks a specific focus.
- Too Narrow: Your argument is excessively specific, limiting a paper’s scope.
- Fact, Not an Argument: Your sentence merely states a fact instead of presenting a debatable point.
- Too Vague: Your statement is unclear and lacks detailed information.
- Multiple Ideas: Your proposition includes several unrelated points.
- Lacks a Stance: Your point does not clearly state your position.
- Too Long: Your idea is overly complex and difficult to follow.
- Lacks Originality: Your assertion is clichéd or restates common knowledge without offering a unique perspective.
- Misplaced: Your stance is not located at the end of an introduction where it is most effective.
- Unsupported: You make an argument not backed up by a paper’s content.
Summing Up
In conclusion, thesis examples represent an integral part of academic writing and give readers an overview of an entire content, and they are not the same as purpose sentences. The three main categories of thesis examples include analytical, expository, and argumentative formats. Firstly, an analytical assertion covers a situation. Secondly, an expository statement explains a position to a reader. Thirdly, an argumentative claim allows an audience to accept an alternative point of view. In turn, other types of papers can follow the same three categories of a central claim, but they should be modified depending on the best option to follow.
References
Allen, L. K., Likens, A. D., & McNamara, D. S. (2018). Writing flexibility in argumentative essays: A multidimensional analysis. Reading and Writing, 32(6), 1607–1634. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-018-9921-y
Babin, M., Burnell, C., Pesznecker, S. M., Rosevear, N., & Wood, J. R. (2020). The word on college reading and writing. Open Oregon Educational Resources.
Inoshita, A., Garland, K., Sims, K., Tsutsui Keuma, J. K., & Williams, T. (2019). English composition: Connect, collaborate, communicate. University of Hawaii Manoa.
Langan, J., & Albright, Z. L. (2023). College writing skills with readings. McGraw-Hill LLC.
Miller, R. T., & Pessoa, S. (2016). Where’s your thesis statement and what happened to your topic sentences? Identifying organizational challenges in undergraduate student argumentative writing. TESOL Journal, 7(4), 847–873. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesj.248
Morris, J. A., Miller, B. W., Anderson, R. C., Nguyen-Jahiel, K. T., Lin, T.-J., Scott, T., Zhang, J., Sun, J., & Ma, S. (2018). Instructional discourse and argumentative writing. International Journal of Educational Research, 90, 234–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2018.03.001
