Thesis Statements
Every paper must argue an idea and every paper must clearly state that idea in a thesis statement.
A thesis statement is different from a topic statement. A topic statement merely states what the paper is about. A thesis statement states the argument of that paper.
Be sure that you can easily identify your thesis and that the key points of your argument relate directly back to your thesis.
EXAMPLES
Topic statements:
This paper will discuss Harry Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima.
The purpose of this paper is to delve into the mindset behind Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima.
This paper will explore how Harry Truman came to the decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima.
Thesis statements:
Harry Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima was motivated by racism.
The US confrontation with the Soviets was the key factor in Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima.
This paper will demonstrate that in his decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima, Truman was unduly influenced by hawks in his cabinet.
