What is a claim (thesis) statement?
Every paper you write should have a main point, a main idea, or central message. The argument(s) you make in your paper should reflect this main idea. The sentence that captures your position on this main idea is what we call a claim (thesis) statement.
Every paper you write should have a main point, a main idea, or central message. The argument(s) you make in your paper should reflect this main idea. The sentence that captures your position on this main idea is what we call a claim (thesis) statement.
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A claim (thesis):
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A claim (thesis) is NOT:
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How long does a claim (thesis) statement need to be? Where do I put it in my paper?
A claim (thesis) statement focuses your ideas into one or two sentences. It should present the topic of your paper and also make a comment about your position in relation to the topic. Your thesis statement should tell your reader what the paper is about and also help guide your writing and keep your argument focused. A rule of thumb is to put your claim (thesis) statement in the introduction of your paper.
A claim (thesis) statement focuses your ideas into one or two sentences. It should present the topic of your paper and also make a comment about your position in relation to the topic. Your thesis statement should tell your reader what the paper is about and also help guide your writing and keep your argument focused. A rule of thumb is to put your claim (thesis) statement in the introduction of your paper.
How do I write a claim (thesis) statement?
There are different ways and different approaches to write a thesis statement. Try the following steps in creating a thesis statement:
1. Start with the main topic and focus of your paper.
Example: youth gangs + prevention and intervention programs
2. Make a claim or argument in one sentence.
Example: Prevention and intervention programs can stop youth gang activities.
3. Revise this sentence by using specific terms.
Example: Early prevention programs in schools are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement.
4. Further revise the sentence to cover the scope of your essay and make a strong statement.
Example: Among various prevention and intervention efforts that have been made to deal with
the rapid growth of youth gangs, early school-based prevention programs are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement.
There are different ways and different approaches to write a thesis statement. Try the following steps in creating a thesis statement:
1. Start with the main topic and focus of your paper.
Example: youth gangs + prevention and intervention programs
2. Make a claim or argument in one sentence.
Example: Prevention and intervention programs can stop youth gang activities.
3. Revise this sentence by using specific terms.
Example: Early prevention programs in schools are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement.
4. Further revise the sentence to cover the scope of your essay and make a strong statement.
Example: Among various prevention and intervention efforts that have been made to deal with
the rapid growth of youth gangs, early school-based prevention programs are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement.
Can I revise my claim (thesis) statement during the writing process of my paper?
Absolutely! Your claim (thesis) statement may change several times before you finish your paper. It takes time and research to formulate a strong thesis. It is important to keep in mind that you are not simply writing a report but proving a statement about an event or a person.
Absolutely! Your claim (thesis) statement may change several times before you finish your paper. It takes time and research to formulate a strong thesis. It is important to keep in mind that you are not simply writing a report but proving a statement about an event or a person.
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