Problem
Although many of us learned in high school that a thesis statement states your topic and then gives three points on it, such a concept is not only outdated, but ineffective when it comes to advanced academic writing. While this familiar formula allows you to structure a 5-paragraph essay, it merely gives the reader-- and the thinking in the paper-- the form of a demonstration, as Rosenwasser and Stephen point out. Rather, a good thesis statement is meant to give the reader a sense of your thinking around an idea, thinking that makes a clear and original claim, one that wouldn't necessarily be obvious at first sight. One way to look at a thesis statement is to look at its purpose.
• A strong thesis statement guides the reader by offering a preview of what he or she can expect in the rest of the essay.
• But it also offers a specific claim or conclusion about the topic at hand. The claim is a necessary element of any thesis.
How a Thesis Develops:
a) What is your topic?
b) What is your stance on the topic? State this in a complete sentence
c) Why do you [think] this? State your reasons in a "because clause
d) Now why would someone disagree with this? Use an "although" clause to state this opposing opinion.
e) How to Develop a Thesis Statement and Complete a Comparative Analytical Summary-
Write a thesis on why minors should not be sentence to life imprisonment.