Writing A Good Thesis Statement
How to write good thesis statements
A good thesis statement is, simply put, one which brings forth the aims and objectives of the research work to be undertaken. Therefore, all statements which say what is to be achieved through the course of the thesis work should be good. Piece-of-cake, isn’t it? Well, it is – if one were to know every possible thing that may show itself up during the process. But that is so improbable, hence one is advised to dwell more on the thesis itself than the statement, which will evolve in due course as one arrives at the aims and objectives of the study.
Having said that, it is prudent to not jump on to a thesis, much less the statement, without having a measure of the depth of what one is trying to achieve or bring forth and, indeed, the significance of the problem (if such is the nature of the dissertation).
Here are few simple points that one should keep in mind while writing good thesis statements:
1. One should take up a subject or thesis topic that one is hands-on with, to the extent possible, as it will serve as a good starting point, even if the problems / questions to be addressed are new. This does not, by any means, absolve one of his / her basic duty of digging deep into the subject chosen – it merely acts as a pulpit.
2. One’s existing know-how of the subject and a bit of preliminary investigation into most, if not all, aspects of the topic chosen should show the path and point to the significance of the study. Writing a good thesis statement becomes relatively easy if one has made up his/her mind about the subject / topic of the thesis and subsequently, done the necessary homework. Therefore, do undertake some homework, especially if one is not quite acquainted with the thesis topic, on aspects like what all has already been looked into and, if there is anything specific that has remained unexplored. Before setting forth the aims and objectives of the thesis, one must definitely ask oneself the questions – Is there substantial scope for further study? Is it worthy of the effort and, above all, will it top the previous findings – not necessarily very significantly but to a noteworthy, and definitely useful, extent? The answers to these will form the crux of the thesis statement.
3. Writing a good thesis statement depends largely on grounds of what is known so far and what may, perhaps, be observed and arrived at during, and after the completion of, the thesis. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the thesis statement open-ended for the most part, in view of the inherent uncertainty. Mind you, just open-ended – not vague! Checking some statements at thesis blog especially the sample thesis statements will help you in better understanding this aspect of writing a thesis statement.
4. The aims and objectives to be attained should, therefore, be different from anything that has already been taken up and a clear inference drawn upon. Previous works on the same or a similar subject, can, nonetheless, be treated as reference points or the bases (as the case may be) for further research and analysis.
5. One can chose to over-look the dictum in point 4 (above), if, in one’s studied view, the inference drawn in the earlier study is incomplete, inconclusive or even erroneous; in which case one can even base his / her argument or thesis statement with a contrarian point of view. These views / observations will have to be depicted precisely when mentioned as part of the thesis statement. Clear and to-the-point reasoning must to be put forth for taking such a stance either during the introduction to the thesis, under the significance of the study / dissertation or in the problems addressed sections.
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