Definition of a thesis statement and clarifications.
When writing an essay, it is almost always the case that you will need to prove a point. It may be a personal belief, a cultural viewpoint, or a social opinion, among others. In any of these, you will have to state a claim, something that you will need to prove as well as defend from objections. This is the very essence of a thesis statement. Let’s discuss thesis statements in more detail.
When you write an idea that is debatable - meaning, something that has opposing viewpoints where each side have valid propositions - then what you basically have is a thesis statement. In other words, a good thesis statement makes an actual claim that can either be proven or disproven. Conversely, if a proposition is already a well-established fact, then it cannot be a thesis statement because there is no more room for debate for established facts.
Let’s consider these two examples. Sentence 1: Bitcoin is a digital currency that uses a network of validators for transactions. Sentence 2: Bitcoin should be used by people because it is safer and faster than traditional modes of cross-border payments. The first sentence is a statement of fact; it speaks of something that is already established, which leaves no room for further debate. On the other hand, the second sentence is something that we can agree or disagree on. In either case, there is a need to prove or disprove the idea being proposed. Apparently, the second sentence is an example of a thesis statement.
The two previous illustrations highlight the difference between a thesis statement and a statement of fact. More specifically, the second sentence makes a bold claim that others may find outrageous enough to warrant another look. And unlike the first sentence, the second one also compels the one making the claim to provide reasons as to why they believe in their proposition. The second sentence also intuitively invites disbelievers to refute the claim and provise counter-arguments.
As a final distinction, thesis statements invite room for scholarly disagreement. If a sentence does not create a tension among readers, then it is highly likely not a thesis statement. Also, if a sentence is merely repeating what the common person already knows and accepts, then it is also far from being a thesis statement, let alone a good one at that. Thus, the more tense and the more uncommon a claim is, the better a thesis statement it is as well.
Now that you know the fundamentals of a thesis statement, you may also read our article on how to write a thesis statement, or an effective one, as well as some examples here and here. Or you can hire us to write your papers for you. Click the image below to find out more.
HIRE US and we'll write your papers for you!
When you write an idea that is debatable - meaning, something that has opposing viewpoints where each side have valid propositions - then what you basically have is a thesis statement. In other words, a good thesis statement makes an actual claim that can either be proven or disproven. Conversely, if a proposition is already a well-established fact, then it cannot be a thesis statement because there is no more room for debate for established facts.
Let’s consider these two examples. Sentence 1: Bitcoin is a digital currency that uses a network of validators for transactions. Sentence 2: Bitcoin should be used by people because it is safer and faster than traditional modes of cross-border payments. The first sentence is a statement of fact; it speaks of something that is already established, which leaves no room for further debate. On the other hand, the second sentence is something that we can agree or disagree on. In either case, there is a need to prove or disprove the idea being proposed. Apparently, the second sentence is an example of a thesis statement.
The two previous illustrations highlight the difference between a thesis statement and a statement of fact. More specifically, the second sentence makes a bold claim that others may find outrageous enough to warrant another look. And unlike the first sentence, the second one also compels the one making the claim to provide reasons as to why they believe in their proposition. The second sentence also intuitively invites disbelievers to refute the claim and provise counter-arguments.
As a final distinction, thesis statements invite room for scholarly disagreement. If a sentence does not create a tension among readers, then it is highly likely not a thesis statement. Also, if a sentence is merely repeating what the common person already knows and accepts, then it is also far from being a thesis statement, let alone a good one at that. Thus, the more tense and the more uncommon a claim is, the better a thesis statement it is as well.
Now that you know the fundamentals of a thesis statement, you may also read our article on how to write a thesis statement, or an effective one, as well as some examples here and here. Or you can hire us to write your papers for you. Click the image below to find out more.
HIRE US and we'll write your papers for you!