what should a writer do prior to drafting a thesis statement?
The thesis statement should do more than merely announce the topic; it must reveal what position you will take in relation to that topic, how you plan to analyze/evaluate the subject or the issue. In short, instead of merely stating a general fact or resorting to a simplistic pro/con statement, you must decide what it is you have to say.
Avoid, avoid, avoid generic arguments and formula statements. They work well to get a rough draft started, but will easily bore a reader. Keep revising until the thesis reflects your real ideas.
Once you have a working thesis, write it down. There is nothing as frustrating as hitting on a great idea for a thesis, then forgetting it when you lose concentration. And by writing down your thesis you will be forced to think of it clearly, logically, and concisely. You probably will not be able to write out a final-draft version of your thesis the first time you try, but you’ll get yourself on the right track by writing down what you have.
Some Caveats and Some Examples
Possible conclusion:
The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.
Because half of all American elementary school children consume nine times the recommended daily allowance of sugar, schools should be required to replace the beverages in soda machines with healthy alternatives.
This is a strong thesis because it shows how your experience contradicts a widely-accepted view. A good strategy for creating a strong thesis is to show that the topic is controversial. Readers will be interested in reading the rest of the essay to see how you support your point.
You can read chapter four of Schaum’s Quick Guide to Writing Great Research Papers an eBook in our online collection, click the title to open: “How Do I Write a Thesis Statement?”.
Arguable thesis statement:
References:
http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/developing-thesis
http://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/process/thesis/
http://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/how-to-write-a-thesis-statement.html
http://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/32467
http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/