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Handouts
Writing a Thesis Statement
So your thesis is the main argument of your essay, and it’s what unifies
the entire essay. But how do you write a good thesis statement? Here’s
an example:
Assignment: Write about welfare benefits.
Working thesis: “Welfare payments are not good for society.”
Too broad! Why?
Revised thesis: “Welfare payments are bad for society because
they erode personal initiative.”
Pretty good. Can you make it stronger?
Revised thesis: “Despite their immediate benefits, welfare payments
may actually be eroding personal initiative and depriving society of needed
workers.”
Good! You’ve acknowledged the other side of the argument, and explained
the “because.” This is a strong thesis!
* * *
Uh-oh! Now that I’ve thought about it more, I think my thesis is wrong.
I want to argue the opposite!
Revised thesis: “Although welfare benefits may offend the rugged
individualist, they relieve much want and anxiety, and they enable many a family
to maintain its integrity.”
