Examples of Good Bad Thesis Statements
Examples of Good Bad Thesis Statements
Examples of Good Bad Thesis Statements
Writing a thesis can be an arduous task, requiring meticulous research, critical analysis, and precise
articulation of ideas. It is a culmination of one's academic journey, often representing years of study
and dedication. Crafting a thesis statement, the cornerstone of any scholarly work, demands a deep
understanding of the subject matter and a keen awareness of the intricacies of academic writing.
A good thesis statement serves as a roadmap for the reader, clearly outlining the purpose and scope
of the paper while presenting a concise argument or perspective. Conversely, a poorly constructed
thesis statement can lead to confusion, ambiguity, and ultimately, a disjointed research paper.
1. "The advent of social media has revolutionized interpersonal communication, reshaping the
dynamics of human interaction and influencing cultural norms."
2. "Climate change poses an imminent threat to global ecosystems, necessitating urgent action
from governments, industries, and individuals alike."
3. "The portrayal of mental illness in contemporary literature reflects society's evolving attitudes
towards mental health, challenging stigmatized perceptions and fostering empathy."
These examples illustrate clear, debatable assertions that provide a solid foundation for further
exploration and analysis within the confines of a thesis.
These statements lack specificity, fail to articulate a distinct viewpoint, and do not offer a compelling
argument for investigation. They are broad, vague, and do not invite critical engagement or debate.
Navigating the complexities of crafting a thesis statement requires precision, clarity, and a deep
understanding of the subject matter. For those grappling with the challenges of academic writing,
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This sentence is in the introductory paragraph of an article. Example 5 “Violence in the media causes
violence in society.” This thesis statement is overly broad and does not provide an adequate
argument. See the strong emphasis on how form (literary devices like symbolism and character) acts
as a foundation for the interpretation (perceived danger of female sexuality). So students and faculty
at Miami University can refill their water bottles easily, instead of purchasing bottled water. 3. What
support will you give for your argument. Example thesis: The best comedians should make you LOL
24-7. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming. As you can see there is
no universal thesis statement formula as every type of a writing assignment requires a different
approach. As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic, you need to work out what you want to
say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure. Weak and Strong Thesis
statements - Harry Potter Examples avi. Thesis Statement Examples Compare good and poor thesis
statement examples to find out just what a strong thesis statement should be.. Thesis Statement: Bad
vs. Good. It's worth reiterating that a strong thesis statement is specific. On Thesis Statements This is
your own opinion that you intend to back up. In the example about European travel above, readers
might be interested in travel around Europe but will they be interested in solo travel, and greater
independence and confidence. They may be useful forms for papers on different topics in other
courses. The thesis of a paper is considered to be the most important part of the pre-writing process
for the following reasons: It provides the focus for the paper It restricts or narrows the topic.
Students will be more likely to use these stations if they are required to purchase reusable water
bottles and do not have the option to buy bottled water on campus. When an assignment asks you to
analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on
an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively.
(Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.) How do I create a
thesis. Children should not use social media because they are influenced by seeing unreal lives.
Beauty Pageants Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower women. A thesis
statement should never contain the following: in my opinion, I think, I believe, etc. Help me write an
essay for a scholarship Irvington Custom Writing Service with over 7 years of experience.We
guarantee you only high quality. Just like in other argumentative essays, the thesis statement should
be a kind of opinion based on observable fact about the literary work. Through this specific yet
concise sentence, readers can anticipate the text to be examined ( Huckleberry Finn), the author
(Mark Twain), the literary device that will be focused upon (river and shore scenes) and what these
scenes will show (true expression of American ideals can be found in nature). Coherent: Everything
mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper. Don't
use too many complicated words or make it confusing. In your essay about braille, the thesis
statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain. The second example
promises to offer a rational, if still opinioned, look at the issue. Cigarette Tax Heavily taxing and
increasing the price of cigarettes is essentially a tax on the poorest Americans, and it doesn't deter
them from purchasing. Exams are not the best way to determine academic successs. An expository
statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an
argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and
dissertations). Such papers can analyze art, music, literature, current or historical events, political
ideas, or scientific research.
Not all thesis statements have the same impact, however. Good: Reading develops a child's mind by
fostering comprehension skills, increasing vocabulary, and exposing them to new worlds they might
not otherwise encounter. - Now, we've not just stated that reading is good, we've provided a
sampling of all the benefits we're about to bring to light in our paper. The thesis statement is “the
main idea” of your paper. Examples Example 1 Poor Bullying in elementary schools is getting worse,
because children model what they see at home and there are more cases of physical and emotional
child abuse, and this causes various emotional problems in children. It presents the writer’s
ATTITUDE, OPINION, IDEA, OR POINT about that topic. Use specific rather than vague or
general terms. Example: Education is often meaningless. One thing I am going to talk about today is
one thing that happened to me one time when I was on this one trip at a place that I was staying at
for a certain amount of time. Minimum Wage “The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital
for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses
and employment rates.” Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage 18. By
avoiding common mistakes such as unclear statements or personal opinions without proof, you
ensure your thesis is powerful and convincing. Opinion: Plagiarism is not an issue of morality but
rather professionalism. The second example gives the reader a clear idea of what the essay is going to
be about. If it is not a complete sentence, it’s not a thesis statement. Students should always cross-
check any information on this site with their course teacher. Cyber bullying puts a lot of stress on
many teens, and can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Please include what you
were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.
Universal Healthcare “Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective
system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government
involvement and costs.” Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare 17. It does not
discuss why this is important or how it would benefit society. “ Schools should not allow cell phones
on campus.” This thesis statement is overly broad and fails to provide evidence to support its claim.
Thesis Statements: Examples Thesis Statements: Examples Home Where Do Theses Come From.
Example 7 “The government should invest more money in public transportation.” This thesis
statement fails to provide an adequate argument because it is too general. This thesis has a topic and
blueprint, but is missing an opinion. Thesis Statements. You’ve learned what Essential Questions are,
brainstormed several possible questions, and decided on the one question you want to explore for
your research. This is your own opinion that you intend to back up. A good argumentative thesis
provides not only a position on an issue, but also suggests the structure of the paper. Tells the reader
how you will interpret the subject in discussion A road map for the paper; tells the reader what to
expect from the rest of the paper. Problem: The statement does not specify why that might be
relevant or why people might not want to do it—this is too vague to spark anyone’s interest. Nature
vs Nurture “This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally
contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.” Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay Read
More: Nature vs Nurture Debate 3. American Dream “The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity
and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities
in society.” Best For: Persuasive Essay Read More: What is the American Dream? 4. Conversely, a
bad thesis statement is broad, unfocused, and unprovocative. Knowing how to write an introduction
is yet another part in the process of writing a research paper. Seeing examples of both good and bad
thesis statements may help you craft a strong statement.
Better Thesis 1: If we can accept that emotional injuries can be just as painful as physical ones we
should limit speech that may hurt people's feelings in ways similar to the way we limit speech that
may lead directly to bodily harm. Expository thesis statements An expository (explanatory) paper
explains something to the audience, such as a historical development, a current phenomenon, or the
effect of political intervention. Brainstorm Key Points Take a moment to write down the most
important things you want to say in your research paper. Better: Even though the grey wolf is a timid,
gentle animal, it is being hunted and exterminated because humans wrongfully. In the rest of the
paper, you then need to explain how you did the analysis that led you to the stated result and how
you arrived at your conclusion, by presenting data and evidence. Does my thesis pass the “how and
why?” test? Not yet. All cuteness aside, you want to make sure that your thesis statement is not only
debatable, but that it also actually thoroughly answers the research question that was posed. If it is
not a complete sentence, it’s not a thesis statement. An overly specific thesis may give data or other
research instead of giving your take on the subject. Another option might include taking a stand on
the side of the topic you agree with most but include the information for the other viewpoints as a
part of your paper. If it is vague or unclear, you've lost your audience from the start. Bad: High
levels of alcohol consumption are bad for you. - This is too broad. It's like telling your main point in
a way that everyone can understand easily. Crafting a thorough thesis statement can feel like a
difficult task, but it doesn't have to. If a reader’s first response is likely to be “So what?” then you
need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue. Example 3 “Humans should be
able to choose the gender of their children.” This thesis statement does not provide adequate focus
for the essay. Nature vs Nurture “This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and
environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.” Best For:
Compare and Contrast Essay Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate 3. How does this work of
literature portray gender, and to what effect. Texting your sister who is in the next room to ask her to
bring you your backpack means that you should get a life. Children should not use social media
because they are influenced by seeing unreal lives. Examples of bad thesis statements “Trees provide
oxygen.” This thesis statement is ultimately too broad and therefore fails to present a unique
argument. Affirmative Action “Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and
achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse
discrimination.” Best For: Essay Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons 22. Cause Effect
Essay. 40 Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Students - writemyes. Who can tell me more about
this?. 5-Paragraph Essay. Introduction (Overview of entire essay). For example, everyone knows that
puppies are cute. Here, you have to consider whether you are going to explain something to the
reader (expository essay) or if you want to put out your own, potentially controversial, opinion and
then argue for it in the rest of your (argumentative) essay. Better Thesis 2: None of the arguments in
favor of regulating pornography are persuasive because they all base their points on the unverifiable
and questionable assumption that the producers of pornography necessarily harbor ill will specifically
to women. The thesis statement is where you make a claim that will guide you through your entire
paper. Thesis Statement Examples Compare good and poor thesis statement examples to find out just
what a strong thesis statement should be.. Thesis Statement: Bad vs. Good. It's worth reiterating that
a strong thesis statement is specific. General Guideline for Theses Jerz's Literary Weblog offers
general guidelines for brainstorming your thesis.
It does not provide adequate focus for the essay and does not present an interesting point for
readers. “Sports are important for all students in high school.” This thesis statement fails to provide
an adequate argument because it is too general. Barrow Motor Ability Test - TEST,
MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION IN PHYSICAL EDUC. Bad: Organ donors should be
financially compensated. - Why? What happens to them that causes you to take this stance.
Eventually, you can turn your generative question into a statement. The negatives of internet use are
outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.
Now we’ll tell you what to look for when writing your Thesis statement. If it is vague or unclear,
you've lost your audience from the start. Just like in other argumentative essays, the thesis statement
should be a kind of opinion based on observable fact about the literary work. The first example is too
broad; it is more of a general topic rather than a thesis. Let’s try another. Suppose your literature
professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of
some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved
Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write: Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great
American novel. Good: Binge drinking has become a trend among college students. It will typically
be in the first couple of paragraphs of the paper so that it can introduce the body paragraphs, which
are the supporting evidence for your thesis statement. This can be a pattern, like recurring literary
devices. The thesis is NOT a topic, but rather it’s what you want to say about your topic. You might
already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. When
reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following: Do I answer the
question. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who could argue with this statement. Beck is
currently putting the finishing touches on a novel. They will be the building blocks of your thesis
statement, helping you explain your main point clearly. Don't try to argue an overly broad topic in
your essay, or you're going to feel confused and unsure about your direction and purpose. Seek
professional input on your specific circumstances. The thesis statement is where you make a claim
that will guide you through your entire paper. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ?
Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the
argument, narrative, or explanation. ? Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t
include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the
essay. ? Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an
essay. Bad Thesis 1: In his article Stanley Fish shows that we don't really have the right to free
speech. Use specific rather than vague or general terms. Example: Education is often meaningless.
Weak and Strong Thesis statements - Harry Potter Examples avi. Weak and Strong Thesis statements
- Harry Potter Examples avi. A better example may look like this: “Poor study habits result in lower
grade point averages, and this can lead to fewer academic opportunities and career options for
students.” In this example, you could argue an alternate point of view. I want you to create an
argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue. Unleashing the Power of AI
Tools for Enhancing Research, International FDP on.
We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback. Your sign in information will be sent to
your email address after it has been verified. 25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a
Breeze Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the major keys to writing a
great research paper or argumentative essay. The character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet serves as
a foil to young Juliet, delights us with her warmth and earthy wit, and helps realize the tragic
catastrophe. Follow these pointers for keeping your writing organized and effective. 101 Standout
Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas Need a topic for your upcoming argumentative essay. Thesis
Statements Should NOT Be While we know what text and author will be the focus of the essay, we
know nothing about what aspect of the essay the author will be focusing upon, nor is there an
argument here. This is your own opinion that you intend to back up. This sentence is usually at the
beginning of your paper, giving people a hint about what you're going to talk about and what you
believe. These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth. Exams
determine students' talent at test-taking and recall rather than their actual understanding of the
material; therefore, instead of exams alone, instructors should employ several different ways of
measuring student success, including papers and projects. Finding your voice; Elaboration in
expository writing techniques for middle s. The thesis is NOT a topic, but rather it’s what you want
to say about your topic. A thesis statement is a sentence that answers these questions for your
readers. For more information, see Rams Write: Topic Sentences. Now, our stance is clear and the
reader will understand that we're about to describe the grueling process of kidney donation as well
as any forthcoming lifestyle changes. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. In
“A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination,
faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit. The second example focuses only on the
connection between a student's home life and tendency towards bullying. I want you to create an
argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue. In his thesis statement, the
author clearly explained why you should choose a sea vacation. Revising your thesis after writing a
first draft also helps you with your final revision. A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the
central point of your paper or essay. Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the
major keys to writing a great research paper or argumentative essay. Better: Even though the grey
wolf is a timid, gentle animal, it is being hunted and exterminated because humans wrongfully.
Examples of Good and Bad Thesis Statements Understanding the qualities that distinguish a good
thesis statement from a less effective one is crucial. It makes a claim directly answering a question
and must be very specific as you can see in our thesis statement examples. The negatives of internet
use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to
information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students
and teachers. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis
evaluation of your own. Argumentative thesis statements An argumentative paper makes a clear and
potentially very subjective claim and follows up with a justification based on evidence. Don't worry!
In this guide, we're going to help you understand how to write a great thesis statement for your
research paper. Not-so-good thesis statement: Outer space exploration is a waste of money.
What would you like to find out or decide about your topic. Better: Movie violence provides a
healthy outlet for aggression. 4. Don’t make a broad statement. Digital Literacy Skills With more
information readily available than ever before, it's crucial that students are prepared to examine the
material they're reading and determine whether or not it's a good source or if it has misleading
information. If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you
may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft.
Problem: This is a very weak statement—”can” develop doesn’t tell us whether that is what happens
in every child, what kind of effects of music education on cognition we can expect, and whether that
has or should have any practical implications. How to Write a Thesis Statement Step-by-Step If you
are not quite sure how you get from a topic to a thesis statement, then follow this simple
process—but make sure you know what type of essay you are supposed to write and adapt the steps
to the kind of statement you need. This may be well and true, but this thesis does not appear to be
about a work of literature. There are clearly those who could argue against this idea. An analytical
thesis statement is therefore often the result of such an analysis of, for example, some literary work
(“Heathcliff is meant to be seen as a hero rather than a horrible person”) or a process (“the main
challenge recruiters face is the balance between selecting the best candidates and hiring them before
they are snatched up by competitors”), or even the latest research (“starving yourself will increase
your lifespan, according to science”). However, people often can’t decide which one is more
enjoyable. Since that freedom is offset by the benefits of mass vaccination, governments should
make vaccines mandatory to help societies get back to normal. Not all thesis statements have the
same impact, however. You will get a step-by-step guide to writing a thesis statement that truly
reflects your research and transforms your paper into something remarkable. Thesis statements that
are too vague often do not have a strong argument. Beauty contests are sexist and detrimental to
society, and they should be banned everywhere. In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional
character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable
human spirit. Finding Your Point of View A good thesis statement is developed from the point of
view of the reader. An expository essay could, for example, explain “where human rights came from
and how they changed the world,” or “how students make career choices.” The rest of the paper then
needs to present the reader with all the relevant information on the topic, covering all sides and
aspects rather than one specific viewpoint. In an other course this would not be at all unacceptable,
and, in fact, possibly even desirable. In the rest of the paper, you then need to explain how you did
the analysis that led you to the stated result and how you arrived at your conclusion, by presenting
data and evidence. So, now that we know what makes a good, solid thesis statement, you can start
to write your own. The first example is too broad; it is more of a general topic rather than a thesis.
Mass Media “Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of
ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.” Best
For: Critical Analysis Read More: Mass Media Examples Checklist: How to use your Thesis
Statement. Exams determine students' talent at test-taking and recall rather than their actual
understanding of the material; therefore, instead of exams alone, instructors should employ several
different ways of measuring student success, including papers and projects. Medicinal marijuana
prescriptions should be legal in all states and provided to these veterans. To help with your next
essay, we've put together a list of the most common thesis statement mistakes and tips to help you
avoid them. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. If it is not a
complete sentence, it’s not a thesis statement. Weak and Strong Thesis statements - Harry Potter
Examples avi. Celebrity and Political Activism Although Taylor Swift's lyrics are indicative of a
feminist perspective, she should be more politically active and vocal to use her position of power for
the betterment of society.