(WWA) The Thesis Statement Lesson

What is a thesis statement?

Your thesis statement identifies your topic and what you intend to prove, discuss, or argue about the topic. It reflects what you have learned and concluded during your research. It focuses your paper (project) and provides the reader with a map to your work. It lets the reader know how you feel about your topic and what information you will be presenting to support your point of view.

Take a look at the examples below.

Examples:

This is a fact - not a thesis.

The Roman Colosseum is in Rome, Italy.

This is a thesis - the writer has expressed an opinion and will support her opinion with the facts and opinions of other experts.

The Roman Colosseum played an important role in social and political events of ancient Rome.

This is a fact - not a thesis.

Alexander the Great was a great general.

This is a thesis - the writer has expressed an opinion and will support her opinion with the facts and opinions of other experts.

The hardships Alexander the Great faced in his early life helped to prepare him for his role as a great general.

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