Thesis Statement

Beginning of an essay

First sentence of body paragraphs

Last sentence of intro paragraph

It effectively explains both sides of a particular issue.

It tells the main point of the essay as well as the writer's position.

It summarizes the issues raised in the essay.

It introduces the topic to be covered in the essay.

A paper would consist of random facts and ideas.

To show what the main idea or argument is.

The main idea of a piece of writing.

But when we talk about whether this country should have universal healthcare for its citizens, we are not discussing basic human rights.

Life, food, shelter, and the right to pursue happiness (whatever that means) may be human rights, but little else.

There are many who believe that healthcare is a basic human right.

No, access to universal healthcare is instead the moral obligation of any society that dares to call itself 'civilized.'

Van Gogh, Edgar Allen Poe, and Oscar Wilde were all great artists who died penniless.

In fact, to compile a list of all of the artists now considered classics who never made much money from their work would take ages.

But this is a human flaw of romanticism triumphing over reasoning.

Success in art requires the same as success in life - good business sense and luck.

allows you to reach a conclusion on your position

allows you to state your position clearly as well as your reasoning for that position

allows you to explore both sides of a given topic

allows you to place your thesis statement later in your essay without causing confusion

It effectively explains both sides of a particular issue.

It tells the main point of the essay as well as the writer's position.

It summarizes the issues raised in the essay.

It introduces the topic to be covered in the essay.

Good thesis

Bad thesis