How to Write an Analytical Thesis Statement

An analytical thesis statement should answer a "how" or "why" question.

Simply defined, an analytical thesis statement is the thesis statement for an analytical essay. These essays address how or why something is the way it is and provide evidence to support that claim. An analytical thesis statement should make a specific assertion about the "how" or "why" and then preview the supporting evidence found in the essay. Your thesis statement should serve as a guide through that how or why answer.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with word processing software
• Pen and paper
• Essay topic
• Resources

Instructions

Write the Thesis

1. Determine the topic of the essay. Choose a topic about which you can make a claim and provide at least three pieces of supporting evidence.

2. Make a claim about the topic. Be assertive and use specific nouns. For example: Strength training exercises are beneficial to health.

3. Find at least three pieces of evidence to back up your claim. Continuing with the example above: strength training increases muscle tone, strength training increases fat burning, regular exercise promotes insulin sensitivity.

4. Combine your claim and your evidence to form one guiding sentence for your essay. To complete the example: Strength training exercises are beneficial to health because they increase muscle tone, encourage fat burning and promote insulin sensitivity.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your thesis provides a preview of the information in your essay. Use it as a guide for your outline and further research.

• When writing your thesis, be as specific as possible within the assigned topic.

References

• University of Arizona Writing Center: Analytical Thesis Statements
• Purdue University OWL: Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements
• University of Colorado: Writing Tip #10 -- Analytical Thesis Statements