COMMENTS

  1. Refining Thesis Statements

    A weak thesis statement is vague (identifies a topic but does not specify an argument), offers plot summary or is a statement of fact, is un-provable, or does not give the reader a sense of why the argument is important. Look over the two example thesis statements below. Consider and name how each of the progressively refined versions matches ...

  2. How to Write a Thesis Statement

    To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic. Example: Improved thesis statement on internet use The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: it facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment ...

  3. When is a thesis considered weak?

    A well-developed thesis statement should clearly and concisely communicate the main point, purpose, or argument of a paper. A weak thesis may be unfocused, incomplete, or inaccurate in some way. Building a focused, accurate thesis can be a challenge, but revising a weak thesis to make it complete and insightful will strengthen the paper's ...

  4. How to Write a Thesis Statement

    How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One 1. A strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand. Remember that your thesis needs to show your conclusions about a subject. For example, if you are writing a paper for a class on fitness, you might be asked to choose a popular weight-loss product to evaluate. Here are two thesis statements:

  5. Weak Thesis Statement

    Weak thesis statement: The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging. Exercise 2. Read the following thesis statements. On a separate piece of paper, identify each as weak or strong. For those that are weak, list the reasons why. Then revise the weak statements so that they conform to the requirements of a strong thesis.

  6. PDF Thesis Statements

    Thesis Statements What this handout is about This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, ... There isn't one right answer; there are only strong and weak thesis statements and strong and weak uses of evidence. Let's look at another example. Suppose your literature professor hands out the ...

  7. Developing a Thesis Statement

    A thesis statement . . . Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic. Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper. Is focused and specific enough to be "proven" within the boundaries of your paper. Is generally located near the end ...

  8. Thesis Statements

    A thesis statement: tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself.

  9. 9.1 Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

    Weak thesis statement: The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging. Exercise 2. Read the following thesis statements. On a separate piece of paper, identify each as weak or strong. For those that are weak, list the reasons why. Then revise the weak statements so that they conform to the requirements of a strong thesis.

  10. 2.6 Writing Thesis Statements

    Weak Thesis Statement Example. The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging. Ways to Revise Your Thesis. Your thesis statement begins as a working thesis statement, an indefinite statement that you make about your topic early in the writing process for the purpose of planning and guiding your writing. Working thesis statements often ...

  11. Thesis Statements

    Examples of weak thesis statements Global Population has grown at an exponential rate, threatening resources across the world. (Weak because it lacks an explanation, and two are possible, either why has the population grown so quickly, or why that growth is a threat) Drug use is detrimental to society because it encourages laziness.

  12. How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

    Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing. Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and ...

  13. Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

    Ex: Weak thesis statement: My paper will explain why imagination is more important than knowledge. A thesis is weak when it makes an unreasonable or outrageous claim or insults the opposing side. Ex: Weak thesis statement: Religious radicals across America are trying to legislate their Puritanical beliefs by banning required high school books.

  14. 5.1: Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

    Weak thesis statement: The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging. Exercise 3. Read the following thesis statements. On a separate piece of paper, identify each as weak or strong. For those that are weak, list the reasons why. Then revise the weak statements so that they conform to the requirements of a strong thesis.

  15. 5.1: Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

    Weak thesis statement: Advertising companies use sex to sell their products. A thesis is weak when the statement is too broad. Weak thesis statement: The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging. Exercise 2. Read the following thesis statements. On a separate piece of paper, identify each as weak or strong.

  16. Tips for Writing an Effective Thesis Statement

    Effective thesis statements directly and boldly articulate a complex, arguable or surprising argument (or arguments) of your own which will need to develop throughout the essay. They should be intelligent, well thought-out responses to a question or problem your essay will address. Weak Thesis Statements Often: Make No Claim

  17. 5.2 Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

    Weak thesis statement: Advertising companies use sex to sell their products. A thesis is weak when the statement is too broad. Weak thesis statement: The life of Pierre Trudeau was long and accomplished. Self-Practice Exercise 5.5. H5P: Read the following thesis statements and identify each as weak or strong.

  18. PDF How to Create a Strong Thesis Statement

    evaluate. Here are two thesis statements: There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement. This is a weak thesis statement. First, it fails to take a stand. Second, the phrase . negative and positive aspects. is vague. Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss of

  19. 2.5 Writing Thesis Statements

    Weak Thesis Statement Example. The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging. Ways to Revise Your Thesis. Your thesis statement begins as a working thesis statement, an indefinite statement that you make about your topic early in the writing process for the purpose of planning and guiding your writing. Working thesis statements often ...

  20. PDF Thesis Statements Defining, Developing, and Evaluating

    The thesis statement is generally placed at the end of the introductory paragraph, though it can appear elsewhere, depending upon the composition ... and offer a glimpse of its strong and weak ...

  21. Strategies for Writing a Thesis Statement

    Weak Thesis Statement: "Many archaic civilizations had clearly defined social classes." This thesis highlights an empirical fact that the student can prove by listing examples, making it adequate for an expository paper or a report; however, it would be weak for an argumentative essay, since no reasonable person could theoretically disagree ...

  22. How to Assess the Strength or Weakness of a Thesis Statement

    A weak thesis statement is missing one or more of the requirements of a thesis statement. Use a checklist to make sure you cover all of the elements. Your thesis should be one or two sentences, debatable, specific, and include evidence to support your point of view. The simple act of checking off each requirement can help make sure your thesis ...

  23. 9.1 Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement

    Weak thesis statement: The life of Abraham Lincoln was long and challenging. Exercise 2. Read the following thesis statements. On a separate piece of paper, identify each as weak or strong. For those that are weak, list the reasons why. Then revise the weak statements so that they conform to the requirements of a strong thesis.

  24. How to Assess the Strength or Weakness of a Thesis Statement

    A thesis statement is a brief assertion, usually one sentence at the end of an essay's introductory paragraph, that boils down an argument or claim to be considered by the essay's readers. It indicates to readers the kinds of ideas and evidence that will be explored in the essay body that follows. The strength ...