Developing a Thesis Statement

Writers often feel “stuck” when developing their thesis statements, or confused about where to begin. While there are many methods for creating a thesis statement, the strategy outlined below comes from The Little Seagull Handbook, and can work for a broad variety of thesis types.

1. Start with your topic

Not all statements about a topic will make a good thesis statement, but all good thesis statements will be focused on your topic. Brainstorming ideas about different aspects of your topic can help you to narrow down potential thesis ideas.

2. Ask a question about your topic

Posing a question about your topic will give you potential thesis options to investigate. For example, if your topic is “gasoline prices”, you can pose a question such as “What causes fluctuations in gas prices?”

3. Propose an answer to your question

Remember that a thesis statement has to assert something, or make a strong claim. One way to establish a thesis is to answer your own question. For example, “Gasoline prices fluctuate for several reasons”.

4. Add details to your answer

Now it’s time to narrow your thesis and make it specific. A good thesis will let your reader know some of the details you will address in your essay. For example, “Gasoline prices fluctuate because of consumer demand, international politics, and oil company policies.”

5. Qualify your thesis

A strong thesis is important, but most issues are not black and white. You need to acknowledge that your thesis may not be unconditionally true, or that there may be other factors you don’t plan to add. For example, “Gasoline prices often fluctuate because of consumer demand, international politics, and oil company policies.”