Thesis

Qualities of a Well-Crafted Thesis Statement

It is a clear, brief statement of the writer's opinion about their topic.
Depending on the essay type, it can identify a specific audience.
It generally comes toward the end of the introduction.
A reader should be able to easily identify the thesis. If it's not identifiable, it's probably not strong enough.

Thesis Templates

Thesis Statement with Map

(Audience) should ________________ because (reason 1), (reason 2), and (reason 3).

Families interested in a Disney getaway should visit the California theme parks because ticket prices, ease of travel between parks, and proximity to local airports all provide for a superior vacation experience.

The above thesis establishes a specific audience for the paper (families who want a Disney vacation), a clear opinion on the topic (California is the way to go), and reasons for this opinion (1. ticket price, 2. travel between parks, and 3. proximity to airports). These three reasons create a "map" or organizational strategy for the essay. The reader knows that the body paragraphs will address each of these three reasons in the same order that they appear in the thesis.

Thesis Statement with Reversal*

*sometimes called a "mixed thesis" or "conditional thesis"

Although (valid viewpoint A), (valid viewpoint B) is (reason it's stronger).

Although many people argue that Disney World is the superior destination, Disneyland offers the most cost-effective vacation for families.

The reversal or mixed thesis allows for greater nuance and is therefore a good fit for topics with more gray area than consensus. It acknowledges that while two (or more) viewpoints are valid, the writer has come to the conclusion that a particular viewpoint is the better way to go.

Reversal Thesis with Map

Although (valid viewpoint A), (valid viewpoint B) is (reason it's stronger) because (reason 1, reason 2, and reason 3).

Although many people argue that Disney World is the superior destination, Disneyland offers the most cost-effective vacation for families due to better ticket prices, ease of travel between parks, and proximity to local airports.

A reversal thesis can include a map as well, as long as the writer is careful not to get too wordy or complex (which ultimately confuses both the reader and writer).

It's all a draft, baby

It is important to create a thesis statement before drafting the paper, but this type of thesis is generally referred to as a working thesis and may change over the course of writing the essay. In other words, using your working thesis to organize and direct the creation of the essay, but be willing to revise the thesis if necessary.

Steps to Create a Thesis (infographic)

Presentation mode available here.