In brief, a thesis is a one or two sentence statement that expresses the basic idea a paper or essay will develop. The thesis forecasts the focus and length or the essay, and the pattern of organization the essay will follow.
A good thesis is:
Restricted—is it appropriate for the length of the paper? Does it present a point worth arguing?
Precise—does it employ clear language? Is there only one way that the thesis statement’s terms and concepts can be understood?
Unified—is there only one main idea being developed in the thesis? Does it suggest how the poem works?
It also dictates the essay’s pattern of organization and identifies the main points to be demonstrated?
Sample Thesis Statements for Research Paper:
Although he grew up with a strong Jewish identity, it was the relationships that Lenny Zakim made across cultural lines that enabled him to become a powerful advocate for the poor and all minorities.
Sample Thesis Statements for Literary Analysis:
In this piece of literature family gives the main character courage and hope.
In this piece of literature trust and compassion allow the main character to survive.
or
Although the main character's family is dysfunctional, it saves him because it proves a source of courage and hope.
Although his world is dangerous, the main character survives because he develops trust and compassion.
What's the effect of adding "although" and "because" to these last two thesis statements?