Thesis Statement
Forming a thesis statement question requires understanding what sort of paper you are writing.
First Steps
The first step is to decide whether the paper is analytical, expository, or argumentative. An analytical thesis takes a particular issue, concept, or event and separates it into discernible chunks which are then understood in their entirety. An analytical thesis is, at its core, an analysis of a given topic that seeks to understand how the topic in question can be evaluated.
An expository thesis seeks to explain a concept, theme, or question to an audience.
An argumentative thesis seeks to establish a position or a claim on a given issue and then defend it, while acknowledging and defeating potential counterarguments. An argumentative thesis is, at its core, an attempt to convince the reader that the author’s views are correct and supported by the most amount of reliable evidence.
In general, most master’s level theses will consist of analytical and argumentative questions. These are the topics that are not only researchable, but come across as powerful in writing.
Claim to Knowledge
With the topic selected, the thesis statement writing can begin. First, the thesis question must involve some sort of claim to knowledge in a given field. The purpose of an undergraduate or graduate thesis is not to present groundbreaking research into a new field, but rather to argue a specific point in a given field and show a substantial grasp of available academic literature and the ability to argue the topic in detail. Thus, a thesis statement question must have some base in knowledge in an existing field.
Making an Argument
Second, the thesis must make some form of an argumentative assertion that can defended. This assertion should act as a brief summary of the key points that you will be addressing in your thesis, and should contain only information that is referenced and researched in the body of the thesis. At no point should a thesis involve unsubstantiated claims or conjecture, although the latter can be used effectively in certain instances and with fair warning to the reader.
Outlining the Paper
Third, the thesis statement must clearly outline the structure of the paper. A thesis statement and the thesis question must act as a roadmap for the reader; remember, in academia, there should be no surprises for the reader. The thesis and the introduction of the thesis should clearly explain how the paper will be structured, and the ways in which the constituent parts of the paper work together to form a cohesive narrative.
Presenting the Question
Once the thesis statement question has been formed, the writer must craft a way to make the thesis question appear in clear fashion. It should not be difficult, or a challenge, for the reader to see exactly what the thesis will be arguing.
