Strong Thesis Statement

What do you think about this statement:

Yellow is a bright color.

Do you think anyone would disagree with it? Do you think many people even care about it? If you answered "No" to both questions, chances are the statement is...well, obvious.

That would make it a weak thesis. In fact, it's not a thesis at all. So what goes into a strong thesis statement? These four attributes are really all you need:

1. A strong thesis statement takes a clear position. In other words, your reader understands where you stand on the topic.

Take a look at this thesis:

There are advantages and disadvantages to a gasoline tax.

Is this a strong thesis statement? No. It does not take position. Instead, it presents two points of view, and the result is vague.

A gasoline tax would be good for the environment.

Better? Yes. Does it take a stand? Sure, but is clear? Hmm...it's vague. What do you mean by "good"? We don't know. Even the word environment could be more clearly defined.

A 50 cent gasoline tax is good social policy because it would cause drivers to use their cars less often, producing less air pollution and reducing congestion on the freeways.

Has the writer taken a stand in this thesis? Yes. Do you agree or disagree with it? Chances are you'll pick one position or the other. It's hard to be neutral. As the writer, you have a clear direction for the rest of your essay.

2. A strong thesis statement demands discussion. Does the subject matter you're writing about spark interest and debate? How many people do you think talk about the color yellow? Right...not many.

But what if your subject matter is capital punishment or homeless people? Do you think people talk about those topics? Yes, they do.

Which of the following thesis statements would make you want to read an essay?

The Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears have one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL.

Or:

Community college graduates often out-earn university graduates because they have the skills employers demand.

Unless you're a die-hard Packers or Bears fan, chances are you'd head straight to the second essay. Even if you're set on transferring to a four-year college, you probably want to find out more, right?

3. A strong thesis statement discusses only one idea. This is a cardinal rule. Think of your favorite movie, song, TV show, or book. Typically, there are lots of characters, many plot points, tension, conflict, twists and turns. But what drives you to finish watching, listening or reading?

A single idea: The good guy winning, a conflict being resolved, a mystery unraveling. Everything comes together to form a central point or message.

That's also true with a strong thesis. Keep it focused.

Compare these two thesis statements:

Expanding the Child Tax Credit would make paying your taxes easier, along with shorter 1040 forms, and increased tariffs against imported steel and other foreign products.

And this one:

More people would file tax returns every year if their returns were shortened, and written in clearer language.

The first thesis covers too many topics, and is confusing. The second thesis stays narrowly focused—it's about encouraging more people to pay their taxes!—and doesn't confuse the reader.

Which one makes sense to you? Which one discusses a single, clear idea? Which thesis statement would you be proud to have written?

4. A strong thesis statement is always specific. Look at #1 again...

A 50 cent gasoline tax is good social policy because it would cause drivers to use their cars less often, producing less air pollution and reducing congestion on the freeways.

Now ask yourself: Is this thesis statement specific?

Yes, it's very specific. It offers up three ideas in one, neat thesis sentence about the benefits of a 50 cent gas tax:

• Less driving 
• Less pollution 
• Reduced congestion

A strong thesis statement accomplishes four things: It takes a stand, the subject matter provokes discussion, it focuses on one idea, and it is always specific.

If this was too much for you to read, listen to Lisa Simpson:

Practice these basic principles, and you'll always write strong thesis statements.

Good luck!
- The CAS English Blog