Thesis statement is the main idea of the paper that reflects its topic and key points in the order you will discuss them in the essay or research paper. It may differ for different types of written works. However, creating it properly in the introduction with all thesis statement components discussed below is important for the flow of thought in the whole paper.
1. What Is a Thesis Statement
Start writing your essay or research paper with developing the proper thesis statement.
A thesis statement is the last sentence of introduction that imparts the whole idea of the paper, argument, or message, depending on the type of writing.
Creating it often causes some troubles. However, it is really easy if you know some simple rules. Following them will help to direct the whole paper discussion.
The thesis statement should present the idea of the paper, directly reflecting its topic. It should not have phrases like ‘the paper will discuss,’ but should be a statement with supporting evidence why what you state is so with supporting points.
2. What Are Thesis Statement Components
Thesis statement components are as follows:
- Idea, argument, message, topic
- Supporting points (at least 3 – 1 per paragraph)
- Order of supporting points that corresponds to the order in which they are discussed in the body of the paper.
| Argumentative Essay | Argument (statement) + why… supporting point 1, supporting point 2, supporting point 3 (1 per paragraph in the body) |
| Research Paper | Statement about the need for conducting research and why |
| Expository Essay | Topic on which you provide information and the enumeration of key points that characterize it |
Consider the difference between thesis statement components and the purpose of the paper.
| Purpose | Thesis Statement |
| The purpose of the paper is to … describe/inform/analyze/evaluate/discuss/critique… (it depends on the signal word in bold) | It is important/essential to research the issue because it affects …. (point 1), … (point 2), and … (point 3) (it is a message, view, statement, argument WHY). or The issue is characterized by the impact of such factors as …. (point 1), … (point 2), and … (point 3) (expository essay). |
3. What Are Examples
An example of a well-structured thesis statement with all key components:
Nurses should use slider sheets instead of repositioning sheets because they reduce skin injuries, improve care quality, and achieve better patient health outcomes.
The first part in the thesis statement above is an idea, while the part after because is its support. Thus, in the first body paragraph, the discussion should provide evidence and examples in favor of slider sheets and how they reduce skin injuries. The 2nd paragraph is about improved care quality as a result of slider sheet use. Finally, the 3rd paragraph is about the impact on patient health outcomes.
Conclusion also follows from the thesis statement, restates it, and summarizes the main findings.
For example:
In conclusion, cover sheet use is essential to reducing skin injuries, improving care quality, and achieving better patient health outcomes (Thesis Restatement – the same idea, but different wording).
Therefore, it is important to consider proper thesis statement components for a good paper structure, be it an essay or research. It determines the flow of thought in the body.
Takeaways
- The thesis statement should clearly reflect the topic of the paper in the form of an idea about it.
- It can be in the form of an argument, message, or information about the topic.
- The thesis statement is not the same as the purpose of the paper.
- Write it including all key thesis statement components: Idea and Supporting Points (in the order they will appear further in the paper).
- The thesis statement should reflect the structure of your work.
- Star creating and writing it at the beginning of your work before other parts.
- Include it as the last sentence of introduction.
Updated on March 9, 2025
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