What a thesis statement should have?

Why is a thesis statement included in an essay? It is because it tests your ideas by putting them in a sentence or two, it organizes your argument and provides a "guide" to your argument.

A well written thesis statement is:

Assertive: It must state exactly what you are trying to say.

Singular: Usually contains one idea.

Specificity: Should be as specific as possible.

Position: At the end of the introduction.

Try the following example if you are having trouble with your statement:

In this paper, I argue that _____, because/by _____.

While critics argue _____, I argue _____, because _____.

By looking at _____, I argue that _____, which is important because _____.

The text, _____, defines _____ as _____, in order to argue _____.