How to write a thesis statement (with examples)

[Your claim] because [reason one], [reason two] and [reason three].

"Social media does more harm than good to teenagers because it disrupts sleep, encourages harmful comparison and makes bullying harder to escape."

The formula isn't the only way, but it guarantees the three essentials: a position, a reason, and a preview of your body paragraphs.

• Could someone disagree? If not, it's a fact, not an argument.
• Does it answer the exact question? Underline the key words in the question and check.
• Is it specific? Replace vague words like "good", "many" and "things".
• Can you prove it in the space you have, with evidence you can find?

The University of North Carolina's Writing Center suggests asking "how?" and "why?" of a draft thesis: if the answers aren't in it, add them.

• Argumentative: takes a side. "Homework should be limited to 30 minutes a night for under-12s."
• Analytical: explains how something works. "Orwell uses Squealer's speeches to show how language can be used to control people."
• Compare and contrast: says what the comparison reveals, not just that there are similarities and differences.

See our guides to argumentative essays and persuasive essays.

The thesis usually goes at the end of the introduction, after a little context. In short exam answers, you can open with it. Some essays restate it in the conclusion, in new words and with more depth now that it's been proved. See how to write an essay introduction.

Your argument often sharpens as you write. When your draft is finished, reread the thesis and change it to match what you actually argued. A thesis written last is often better than the one you started with, as long as the essay still answers the question.

Rewrite each one so it's arguable and specific. Suggested answers follow.

1. "Romeo and Juliet is about love."
2. "Climate change is a big problem."
3. "There were many causes of the First World War."

Suggested answers:

1. "Shakespeare presents love in Romeo and Juliet as intense but destructive: the speed of the lovers' passion is what leads to their deaths."
2. "Governments should prioritise cutting emissions from transport, because it is now one of the largest and fastest-growing sources of carbon dioxide."
3. "Although the alliance system turned a regional crisis into a world war, militarism was the most important cause because it made leaders see war as winnable."

Your versions can argue differently: what matters is a clear position you could defend.