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Writing a Thesis

The most important step in writing any essay is constructing a thesis statement.

The thesis is a one or two-sentence statement that tells your audience what the essay will prove.

Here are some key tips for writing a thesis statement.

In a Thesis Statement . . .

Do refer to ALL parts of the assignment question or topic in your thesis.

Do place your thesis as the last sentence of your introductory paragraph or in some other logical place in the introduction.

Do restate your thesis in different words as the first sentence of your concluding paragraph or in some other logical place in the conclusion.

Do ensure your thesis is an ARGUMENT that your essay can prove.

Do make your thesis a statement, not a question.

Do ensure your thesis clearly states what the essay will argue.  Some teachers will expect a thesis to mention the main point of each body paragraph; others do not.  Either way, your essay’s focus should be clear.