In Search of… the Thesis Statement
One of the biggest challenges teachers face when grading essays or research papers is finding the thesis statement. Sometimes, it feels as elusive as the Loch Ness monster. Since the thesis is the roadmap of the paper, it’s crucial. It introduces the topic and the writer’s argument, guiding the reader to a conclusion (even if it’s one they don’t agree with).
So, why is the thesis statement, the cornerstone of writing, often so hard to spot?
I wish I knew.
In over fifteen years of teaching, I’ve searched for thesis statements in countless history and English papers. Even after reviewing the basics of essay writing, the thesis often remained unclear or completely absent.
But as a parent, you can help your child avoid this common issue by working with them to craft a strong thesis statement.
Let’s break it down. The thesis statement is the core of an essay or research paper. Most school writing assignments require some degree of persuasion, which means they need a thesis. Even if the assignment doesn’t explicitly ask for one, words like “analyze,” “interpret,” “compare and contrast,” “explain cause and effect,” or “take a stand” signal the need for a thesis.
Developing a thesis isn’t the first step in writing; it’s a process. It takes research, prewriting, and outlining to shape a clear argument. Once the thesis is set and the writing is done, there are a few final checks to ensure it’s solid:
Does it answer the question posed in the assignment?
Is it arguable? A thesis should persuade, not just restate facts.
Is it specific enough?
Is the essay structured to fully support it?
Also, keep in mind that the thesis should be a single sentence and appear as the last sentence of the first paragraph. While some instructors might not strictly enforce this, it’s a good habit to follow. For example, the AP History exam allows the thesis to be spread across several sentences in the first or last paragraph—don’t adopt this practice!
To go back to our roadmap analogy: you wouldn’t drive to an unknown location and then input the address into your GPS, right? Think of the intro as packing your bags and fueling up. The thesis is when you plug in the destination, so you know where you're headed!
With this in mind, you can help ensure your child’s thesis is clear, concise, and not something their teacher has to hunt down with a flashlight.
Remember, the thesis should be upfront, closing the introductory paragraph, before diving into the paper’s main points.
