How to Write Your Thesis

Start with your question!

You began your research with an inquiry or research question.  What was it?

1. Write your question.

Now, ask yourself how you would answer the question.

2. Write an Answer statement to your question.

Look back at your notes and decide why you chose that particular answer.

3. What led you to this answer?  Add a “because statement” to your answer.

Now add some specifics to your “because statement."  What examples from your learning led you to this answer?

4. Add examples you plan you to use to support your answer.

Now we need to make it sound GREAT!

5. Refine your thesis so it not only answers your question, but is creative, thoughtful, and maybe even profound.

How to Test Your Thesis Statement

1. You must explain how and/or why.

2. Identify a counter argument.

3. Answer the question, "So What?"

Example:

You began your research with an inquiry or research question. What was it?

1. Write your question.

Is social Darwinism a realistic view of how society should operate? Or is it a callous philosophy that threatens the bonds of American society?

2. Answer the Question 

Yes, Social Darwinism is a realistic view of how society should operate.

3. What led you to this answer?  add a "because statement" to your answer. 

Yes, Social Darwinism is a realistic view of how society should operate because it is unfair to the people who are expected to provide support for people who are not supporting themselves.  

4. Add examples you plan to use to support your answer. 

​Yes, Social Darwinism is a realistic view of how society should operate because it is unfair to the people who are expected to provide support for people who are not supporting themselves.  Americans who are supporting themselves are forced to fund others with tax money that could be saved and used for other things.  In addition, Americans know that these supports are in place and therefore don’t push themselves and ultimately become dependent on the supports.

5. Refine your thesis so it not only answers your question, but is creative, thoughtful, and maybe even profound.

Social Darwinism is a realistic view of how society should operate because using government assistance to help struggling Americans is unfair to those Americans who are providing for themselves but who are being forced to fund the failings of others with their tax dollars.  In addition, government handouts hurt people because ultimately these handouts are rewarding failures, undermine the sense of self-respect people gain from supporting themselves, and it creates a cycle of dependency.

Examples of Weak Thesis Statements

1. "World War II was Bad."

       This doesn't answer the questions how or why.

2. "The Industrial Revolution Began in England."

     This is a simple fact.  There is no counter argument. 

3. "Greek religion and Roman religion are very similar."

       Does not show the significance of your topic.  Doesn't answer the questions how or         why.