How to Make a Thesis

Making a thesis is a practical way to concisely express an arguable idea. A thesis does not state a basic fact, but asserts a detailed opinion about a topic. Most theses follow a standard format that outlines what the main point of the text is and how that point will be addressed. Often, a thesis will explore a specific number of reasons behind a particular viewpoint. Consider several procedures for making a viable and effective thesis.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm and collect information to support the topic. Search for plausible relationships between facts and supportive evidence for the development of the thesis. Analyze the differences and similarities between the arguments related to the topic. Research supportive facts that encourage and strengthen the thesis. Look for evidence that surprises you and adds an element of wonder to the topic. For example, the thesis, "Texting is dangerous while driving" is a truthful statement, but it lacks an opinionated stance and an element of suspense. Choose a thesis that expresses controversy and arguable criticism like, "Texting decreases dementia in elderly adults."

2. State a clear opinion about the subject. Make a strong statement that provides strong reasons to believe your thesis is valid. Write a persuasive statement about the issue that reflects your knowledge and understanding of the topic. Choose viable reasons that give leverage and stability to the opinions expressed in the thesis. Using the previous example, the thesis could state, "Texting decreases dementia in elderly adults by forcing the memory portions of the brain to remain functional throughout the day. Spelling practice, hand-eye coordination and memory recollection enable aging adults to use language portions of the brain consistently."

3. Validate the subject by encouraging the reader to examine the topic more closely. Create a well-structured and thought provoking thesis that stimulates the reader's interest. Add inspiring and grounded opinions to the thesis that make it appear to be a topic that has never been discussed. Choose a statement to add to the beginning of the thesis that promotes further speculation. In the previous example, the sentence, "Health insurance providers should supply senior citizens with free texting for their cell phones," could go right before the original thesis.

4. Keep the thesis concise. Make the thesis a strong and powerful group of sentences using declarative statements. Avoid using a passive voice or word choices that sound like the thesis has been written in the form of a question. Write the thesis in one to three sentences without discussing the specific details of the issue. Avoid writing more than four sentences for the thesis. Use strong language and active verbs to express the opinions represented in the thesis. Make the point with a bold and assertive tone.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the thesis to be contestable. Keep an open mind because the evidence could lead to other conclusions. Always use proper grammar and sentence structure.

• Do not use vague or simplistic phrases like, "I believe," "It seems," or "In my opinion." These phrases lack an authoritative voice and will not easily persuade a reader.

References

• School District of Springfield Township: What is a thesis?
• Essay Town: How to Make a Thesis
• University of Northa Carolina at Chapel Hill: Thesis Statements

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• How to Write Your Thesis