What's a thesis statement?
This is a very frequent question in writing classes. A thesis by definition is a statement or theory that a writer introduces and then supports or proves. Another question is, What is the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement? For instance, if you write a sentence that says Virginia is the best place to live, then you have sentences that follow that to support the opinion, you have a topic sentence. Look at example [1].
1.
Virginia is the best place to live. The geography is varied, so you can enjoy rolling hills, beaches, and mountains. Also, the economy in the state is usually stable, so there are usually good jobs available. Lastly, the crime rate in Virginia tends to be lower than in many other states; therefore, it is a good environment in which to raise a family.
This is a simple example of a topic sentence. A topic sentence shows the focus of a paragraph. It is not always the entire main idea of the paragraph, but it is the topic of the paragraph. Thesis statements are introductory sentences that show the focus of an essay.
If you are writing an essay, you will have an introduction paragraph with connecting (background) information and usually a thesis statement at the end of the introduction. This is not ALWAYS the case, but for the standard 5, 6, and 7 - paragraph essays written in ESL and developmental English classes it is often the style that instructors use.
Another way to look at the difference between topic sentences and thesis statements is this: In a paragraph the supporting sentences relate back to the topic sentence; in an essay the supporting paragraphs relate back to the thesis statement.
Let's look at an example of a thesis statement in an essay. We will use Virginia as our general topic again in [2].
2.
Often, when people are looking for careers or schools for their children, they want to know the best state in which to live. Sometimes people have no choice where they live. They merely go wherever the work is, or they stay close to family. If someone were trying to decide in what state to live, Virginia would be the best place to live for the following reasons.
This is a basic introduction to an opinion essay. Notice that for the following reasons was added. This is an element of an implied thesis statement. Implied thesis statements don't give the reader the reasons or topics, but they imply or suggest that the reader will read about them in the essay.
There are also stated thesis statements. We could change the thesis statement in [2] and create a stated thesis as in [3].
3.
Virginia would be the best place to live because of its beautiful scenery, outstanding schools, and financial stability.
Now we have informed the reader exactly of the topics of our body paragraphs. We have clearly stated in what direction the essay is going.
1.
Virginia is the best place to live. The geography is varied, so you can enjoy rolling hills, beaches, and mountains. Also, the economy in the state is usually stable, so there are usually good jobs available. Lastly, the crime rate in Virginia tends to be lower than in many other states; therefore, it is a good environment in which to raise a family.
This is a simple example of a topic sentence. A topic sentence shows the focus of a paragraph. It is not always the entire main idea of the paragraph, but it is the topic of the paragraph. Thesis statements are introductory sentences that show the focus of an essay.
If you are writing an essay, you will have an introduction paragraph with connecting (background) information and usually a thesis statement at the end of the introduction. This is not ALWAYS the case, but for the standard 5, 6, and 7 - paragraph essays written in ESL and developmental English classes it is often the style that instructors use.
Another way to look at the difference between topic sentences and thesis statements is this: In a paragraph the supporting sentences relate back to the topic sentence; in an essay the supporting paragraphs relate back to the thesis statement.
Let's look at an example of a thesis statement in an essay. We will use Virginia as our general topic again in [2].
2.
Often, when people are looking for careers or schools for their children, they want to know the best state in which to live. Sometimes people have no choice where they live. They merely go wherever the work is, or they stay close to family. If someone were trying to decide in what state to live, Virginia would be the best place to live for the following reasons.
This is a basic introduction to an opinion essay. Notice that for the following reasons was added. This is an element of an implied thesis statement. Implied thesis statements don't give the reader the reasons or topics, but they imply or suggest that the reader will read about them in the essay.
There are also stated thesis statements. We could change the thesis statement in [2] and create a stated thesis as in [3].
3.
Virginia would be the best place to live because of its beautiful scenery, outstanding schools, and financial stability.
Now we have informed the reader exactly of the topics of our body paragraphs. We have clearly stated in what direction the essay is going.
