Title: Crafting a Stellar Thesis: Good Thesis vs.

Bad Thesis Examples

Welcome to the realm of academic writing, where the thesis stands as the cornerstone of your
research journey. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or a budding academic, the task of crafting a
thesis can often feel like navigating a labyrinth of ideas, arguments, and scholarly conventions. In
this guide, we'll explore the stark differences between a good thesis and a bad thesis, offering
invaluable insights to help you steer clear of common pitfalls and emerge triumphant in your
academic endeavors.

The Essence of a Good Thesis

A good thesis is akin to a beacon of intellectual clarity amidst the murky waters of academic
discourse. It serves as the nucleus around which your entire research revolves, encapsulating your
central argument, methodology, and findings with precision and coherence. Here are some key
hallmarks of a good thesis:

1. Clear and Focused: A good thesis presents a clear and focused argument that addresses a
specific research question or problem. It avoids vague or overly broad statements, ensuring
that the reader grasps the central point effortlessly.
2. Evidenced-Based: Backed by thorough research and analysis, a good thesis relies on credible
evidence to support its claims. It integrates relevant literature, empirical data, and theoretical
frameworks to bolster its validity and persuasiveness.
3. Original Contribution: A good thesis contributes novel insights or perspectives to the
existing body of knowledge within your field. It demonstrates intellectual creativity and
critical engagement with relevant scholarship, pushing the boundaries of academic discourse.
4. Logical Structure: A good thesis follows a logical and coherent structure, with clearly
defined sections such as introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion.
Each section flows seamlessly into the next, guiding the reader through your argument with
clarity and coherence.

Pitfalls of a Bad Thesis

On the flip side, a bad thesis can spell disaster for your academic pursuits, undermining the
credibility of your research and leaving both you and your readers baffled and frustrated. Here are
some common pitfalls of a bad thesis to avoid:

1. Lack of Clarity: A bad thesis is often characterized by ambiguity and lack of clarity. It fails
to articulate a clear and focused argument, leaving the reader confused about the central
point or purpose of the research.
2. Weak Evidence: A bad thesis relies on flimsy or insufficient evidence to support its claims. It
may cherry-pick data or neglect relevant literature, weakening the overall validity and
persuasiveness of the argument.
3. Plagiarism or Lack of Originality: A bad thesis may resort to plagiarism or lack of
originality, recycling existing ideas without adding any meaningful contribution to the
discourse. This not only violates academic integrity but also stunts intellectual growth and
innovation.
4. Poor Structure and Organization: A bad thesis exhibits poor structure and organization,
with disjointed sections and lack of coherence. It may jump haphazardly between ideas or
fail to provide a clear roadmap for the reader, leading to confusion and frustration.

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Better: Banning handguns is the first step toward controlling crime in America. Soft Skills “Soft
skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the
modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.” Read
More: Soft Skills Examples 23. Again, this might be true, and might make an interesting essay topic,
but unless it is rooted in textual analysis, it is not within the scope of a literary analysis essay. Not-
so-good thesis statement: Binge drinking is bad for your health. The invention of the traffic light
significantly improved automobile travel by managing traffic effectively and creating a safer driving
environment. Standing on a mountain-top in Israel was an experience that redefined my faith and
helped me decide to become an archeologist. Instead, focus on one central point for each paragraph.
Blue Collar Workers Coal miners and other blue-collar workers whose jobs are slowly disappearing
from the workforce should be re-trained in jobs in the technology sector or in renewable energy.
Helpful Professor. Search for a Study Guide Search Ready to Write your Essay. Guides readers
through the main points and arguments. Question: How are deserts of the world the same and
different. Narrow Focus: It doesn't encompass too broad a scope but rather hones in on a specific
aspect. Your thesis should focus on the point (s) you will make; limit your subject. This small section
is a big deal because it guides your whole paper. Better Thesis 1: If we can accept that emotional
injuries can be just as painful as physical ones we should limit speech that may hurt people's feelings
in ways similar to the way we limit speech that may lead directly to bodily harm. Table of contents
What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2:
write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of
thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.
Choosing a topic of your interest will make it easier for you to write about it. Writing a research
proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. The
thesis is the main idea or the position you are taking. Problem: While this is a clear statement of your
personal opinion that people could potentially disagree with (which is good for an argumentative
thesis statement), it lacks context and does not really tell the reader what to expect from your essay.
Then answer the questions for today’s “pop” quiz. 1. How long must the essay be? (minimum
requirement). We've got 100 helpful prompts to help you get kickstarted on your next writing
assignment. Here’s why good these sentences are necessary for an essay: They help maintain the
organization and coherence of the essay. I assign a topic; you develop a thesis from it. - PowerPoint
PPT Presentation. Body Paragraph 3: Strategies for mitigating climate change through sustainable
practices. 3. Write your Topic Sentence Now that you know the main idea of each paragraph, you
should attempt to write your topic sentences. You need to make sure the reader understands your
thesis statement and which side of the argument you will prove in the body of your essay. Common
Mistakes Common mistakes include:. 1. Lack of focus and specificity 2. Always Be Specific When
searching for a new home, realtors will tell you there are three important factors: location, location,
and location. Revising your thesis after writing a first draft also helps you with your final revision.
We will examine and analyze a well-written essay that meets the requirements of the rubric.
She worked as a certified ophthalmic technician for 10 years before returning to school to earn a
Masters of Fine Arts degree in writing. You have identified an appropriate journal that’s likely to
accept and publish your research article. For example: What are the long-term consequences of
deforestation on the world's rainforests and indigenous communities. The topic needs to be of
interest for practitioners or a certain group (e.g. researchers). If it only interests you and is considered
invaluable by others, you’ll struggle to get your research paper published in a high impact journal. It
helps to clarify and reinforce your argument by providing concrete evidence or a real-life scenario.
Charter Schools “Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising
innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.” Read
More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools 20. As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic, you
need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and
structure. First, write down a single sentence that states the topic of your paper. It tells you what
you’re supposed to do and how to do it. If your opinion changes while working on your essay,
which happens quite often, then make sure you come back to this process and adapt your statement.
Check out some useful First, you need to have decided on your thesis topic. In an informative essay,
identify the invention and explain how it has positively or negatively affected society. Persuasive
Intended to influence the attitudes, beliefs, values, or acts of others. Here are three common types:
Argumentative An argumentative thesis statement takes a clear stance on an issue. It presents the
writer’s ATTITUDE, OPINION, IDEA, OR POINT about that topic. Two such conflicts are man
versus man and man versus self. Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong
argument. Clear Position: It presents a distinct viewpoint on the topic. Use appropriate transition
words for essays when transitioning from one paragraph to another. You can use its Word extension
to fix errors as you type. An expository essay could, for example, explain “where human rights came
from and how they changed the world,” or “how students make career choices.” The rest of the
paper then needs to present the reader with all the relevant information on the topic, covering all
sides and aspects rather than one specific viewpoint. Rams Write: Thesis Statements A good thesis
statement should: Convey the topic and opinion of the essay, as well as the subjects and examples
that will be discussed (see Jerz's Topic, Opinion, Blueprint model below) Be approximately 1-2
sentences long, and included in the essay's introductory paragraph. EXAMPLE TOPIC
SENTENCE: India has impacted today’s world in many ways. Essentially, it is a concise and direct
statement that captures the essence of what you want to convey. It is a signpost telling the reader
what the essay will argue and why. It covers everything including topic selection, research, write-up,
editing and proofreading, and much more. Common Mistakes Common mistakes include:. 1. Lack
of focus and specificity 2. This small section is a big deal because it guides your whole paper. Let’s
try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the
American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This
will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write: Mark
Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel. The biggest change to happen in Health
Information Management and the Revenue Cycle in more than 30 years.
So, just what the heck IS a thesis statement, anyway. If you complicate your thesis by anticipating
the. It tells you what you’re supposed to do and how to do it. If you get to know how to write a
good research paper and you know the exact steps, you can manage it easily. Nova has a passion for
writing that engages and informs her readers. Aligning your topic to a specific journal will make
publication easier. Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. Ed. Paula Kepos. Vol. 31. Detroit: Gale
Research, 1989. p23-70. academic, peer reviewed source. Thesis 1: Does Lebron James’s ability to
score makes him the league’s most valuable player. A strong thesis statement requires proof; it is not
merely a statement of fact. Thesis statement: The works of ecstatic love poets Rumi, Hafiz, and
Kabir use symbols such as a lover’s longing and the Tavern of Ruin to illustrate the human soul’s
desire to connect with God. Include your attitude toward the subject as well as the subject. Teaching
Youths about Consensual Sex Although sex education that includes a discussion of consensual sex
would likely lead to less sexual assault, parents need to teach their children the meaning of consent
from a young age with age appropriate lessons. When developing your one-sentence thesis
statement, it is important for you to be: specific, specific, specific. I mean if you’re short of time,
you don’t want to spend half of your day finding missing files, literature, and theories that you have
already reviewed. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment.
The use of technology to replace face to face communication increases the feeling of isolation among
American youth. It is the last sentence in your introductory paragraph. Purpose: To Teach.
Relationships: first take the item apart: playing the piano, for example Synthesis: Do analysis of the
parts, then bring them back together to show how it all works: explaining why skis must be waxed.
Techniques. Consider your audience. Your thesis should focus on the point (s) you will make; limit
your subject. These are merely examples to show you what a thesis statement might look like and
how you can implement your own ideas into one that you think of independently. Home remodeling
is an exciting project, but without proper designer skills and taste, it could turn into a disaster.
Conversely, a bad thesis statement is broad, unfocused, and unprovocative. It helps to summarize
and present the main topic and argument of the essay. Examples of bad thesis statements “Trees
provide oxygen.” This thesis statement is ultimately too broad and therefore fails to present a unique
argument. Opinion: Plagiarism is not an issue of morality but rather professionalism. This might have
been done for you already if you are writing an essay as part of a class. Two such conflicts are man
versus man and man versus self. Follow these guidelines for an exceptional admissions essay. The
thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons: It gives
your writing direction and focus. The explosive language is likely to alienate even readers who may
have been sympathetic to the writer's position.
If you find it difficult to write clear and engaging topic sentences, you are not alone. Nova has a
passion for writing that engages and informs her readers. In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a
fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the
indomitable human spirit. STEP 2: Write a declarative statement that answers a question generated
from the prompt. Example: Every college freshman is overwhelmed. ? ? ? ? STEP 1: Brainstorm
ideas. Avoid unnecessary details or convoluted language that may confuse your readers. They are the
first sentence of a paragraph and introduces the main idea of that paragraph. This shows how
powerful this tool can be for your research paper’s organization. In the example about European
travel above, readers might be interested in travel around Europe but will they be interested in solo
travel, and greater independence and confidence. This may be well and true, but this thesis does not
appear to be about a work of literature. Here is an example of a good and a bad thesis statement:
Your thesis statement should be: Clear Unambiguous Specific Shows your position or point of view
A great technique to create a thesis statement is to convert your research paper topic into a question
and then answer the question is a sentence or two. Methodology includes: Research methods
Research philosophy Population and sampling techniques Data collection and data analysis
techniques Instruments and scale used Pilot study details You need to justify your selection of
research methods and techniques with strong arguments. You will get a step-by-step guide to writing
a thesis statement that truly reflects your research and transforms your paper into something
remarkable. Here are a few actionable tips on how to choose a topic for your research paper: The
topic should meet the assignment requirements. As a resource for graduate students, sample word
templates are available to assist with the initial formatting of doctoral dissertations and. It also
identifies the element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and the characteristics the
writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith, cunning). Take a moment to figure out the main
ideas, the scope of your paper, and why you're writing it. The action you just performed triggered the
security solution. It usually comes near the end of your introduction. You need to have a statement
that is not only easy to understand, but one that is debatable. You need to collect data and you have
to analyze your data using a statistical tool. Jack shows compassion through his kind words, his
selfless volunteering, and his forgiveness of Alicia's quick temper. Convert it into a question as:
What are the benefits of using cinnamon for weight loss. What does it signify?” After examining the
evidence and considering your own insights, you write: Through its contrasting river and shore
scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic
ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature. As you can see in the thesis
statement examples below, you must be very specific, summarizing points that are about to be made
in your paper, and supported by specific evidence. This is a technique my first writing professor
taught me. You’ll be able to complete important tasks on time so that you don’t end up missing
deadlines. This is a harsh yet necessary question to ask yourself: will my readers have any reason to
care about what I'm writing. Everything else you write should relate to this key idea. Usually, it is
just one sentence, but in some cases, it could be composed of two sentences.
One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you. Yes, says they are
vastly different 3) Mention the topics for your supporting paragraphs. Think of it as a loving mother
steering her children away from danger. This thesis has a topic and blueprint, but is missing an
opinion. Example: You are asked to write a paper about Cancun, Mexico as a vacation spot. 1.
Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico. Also, they prevent your essay from becoming a
jumbled collection of random thoughts. Note that the point of an A good academic paper should
present your Use our free Thesis Statement Generator Tool Here. Here’s why good these sentences
are necessary for an essay: They help maintain the organization and coherence of the essay. Good:
Reading develops a child's mind by fostering comprehension skills, increasing vocabulary, and
exposing them to new worlds they might not otherwise encounter. - Now, we've not just stated that
reading is good, we've provided a sampling of all the benefits we're about to bring to light in our
paper. Several human activities are the main reasons behind global environmental pollution, and
excess usage of plastic is one such cause. It is most important part of a body paragraph, and knowing
how to write a good topic sentence is essential for writing an essay. You can introduce whatever
evidence and arguments you deem necessary in the following—but make sure that all your points
lead back to your core claim and support your opinion. The invention of braille in the 19th century
transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life. These
conflicts help to build the plot of the story. Bad: The internet has improved the lives of many. -
Again, while readers may agree with this and your statement may be true, how has the internet
improved people’s lives. This will give you an idea of what type of articles they publish. My
Objectives. What elements are necessary to create good empathetic characters. Some responses were
positive towards Buddhism, some responses were neutral, and others were negative. If not, choose a
heartier topic that's worth discussing. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the
subject itself. Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for
example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the
relationships between adults and children. It would contain a lot of information, but it would have no
point--except, of course, to summarize other people's work on women in ancient Greece. Use Strong
and Descriptive Language: Choose powerful and descriptive words that accurately capture the
essence of your main idea. A thesis statement is necessary as it lays out the main points or structure
of your entire essay. Example thesis: The best comedians should make you LOL 24-7. If you find
yourself stuck in the storytelling mode, try reorganizing your paper so that you do not deal with your
ideas in the order the story goes. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience
that the author’s claim is true. Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. First, write
down a single sentence that states the topic of your paper. Studying Abroad Studying abroad is one
of the most culturally valuable experiences you can have in college.
This example also answers the question “how long should a thesis statement be?” One or two
sentences are generally enough. It is an interpretation or argument explaining the significance of this
information. And this is where things get complicated because data collection and analysis can take
months. Your thesis statement should show your chosen approach, whether you're taking a stand,
analyzing, or giving an overall picture. Better Thesis 2: None of the arguments in favor of regulating
pornography are persuasive because they all base their points on the unverifiable and questionable
assumption that the producers of pornography necessarily harbor ill will specifically to women. You
may want your statement to be specific and direct so that your readers know what your paper is
about and what points you're arguing. What is the difference between a thesis statement and a
research question. There must be a grassroots effort to educate women on how to run for office, who
among them should run, and support for a future candidate for getting started on a political career.
As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed. FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding thesis statements: How do you identify a
thesis statement. As a bad example, you might see, “I will show the negative effects of not studying
for a test.” This statement does not give the reader information or share the writer’s position on the
topic. The first example is too broad; it is more of a general topic rather than a thesis. If you want,
you can create an Excel sheet where you can add article titles with their key findings and your
comments. It presents the writer’s ATTITUDE, OPINION, IDEA, OR POINT about that topic. The
first example is very vague, providing the reader with almost no information. A thesis is an
interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. Web sample outline based on your thesis:
The influence of the “noble savage” on british. Here's a quick example: You can also use an online
thesis generator to organize your main idea and evidence. If you are mindful of common mistakes
that students make, you can avoid these errors and create a thesis statement that is clear, engaging,
and purposeful. An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with
specific evidence. Generally, your thesis statement can be the last line of the first paragraph in your
research paper or essay. It's a short and strong sentence that tells your readers what your paper is all
about. What historical context is this work of literature engaging with, and how might it function as
a commentary on this context. You can use the questions above to help you revise this general
statement into a stronger thesis. Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong
argument. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following: Do I
answer the question. Useful Linking Words and Phrases to Use in Your Essays - ESLBuzz Learning
English. To better understand what not to do, let’s take a moment and try to write the absolute worst
thesis statement you can think of. The thesis statement performs two functions: First, the writer
creates a thesis to focus the essay's subject. Narrow Focus: It doesn't encompass too broad a scope
but rather hones in on a specific aspect.
Here is a research paper example from the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal: Here is another research
paper example from the Journal of Academic Librarianship: Yes, research paper involves a lot of
research and this is one reason why a lot of people struggle. Elements of a Good Thesis Statement A
strong and clear thesis statement exhibits several crucial elements: Specific Topic: It addresses a well-
defined subject or issue. Before I give you a blanket list of thesis statement sample, let's run over
what builds for a good thesis statement. A thesis statement will drive your essay, and this helps keep
your points on track. As such, you should not use these thesis statements for your own research
paper purposes. Read the writings on pages 209-211 and discuss the questions on page 211. This
thesis has a topic and blueprint, but is missing an opinion. It does not provide adequate focus for the
essay and does not present an interesting point for readers. “Sports are important for all students in
high school.” This thesis statement fails to provide an adequate argument because it is too general. A
good place to start is by checking out a thesis statement template. As you learn more, you discover
more (and the outcome may not be what you originally thought). As a bad example, you might see,
“I will show the negative effects of not studying for a test.” This statement does not give the reader
information or share the writer’s position on the topic. Helpful Tips for Writing Better Topic
Sentences You’ve read some great examples, but how can you write similarly effective topic
sentences yourself. Ask for input on clarity, coherence, transitions, and overall effectiveness. Moral
Panic “Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal
responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.” Read More: Moral Panic
Examples 24. You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?”
This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague
“positive and negative ways.” Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not
likely. Then answer the questions for today’s “pop” quiz. 1. How long must the essay be? (minimum
requirement). In this film, the portrayal of Hamlet as a tentative and tortured member of Generation
X gives the famous question and the entire story new meaning. The example below shows topic
sentences based on the main ideas identified in step 2: Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1: The
excessive release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is a primary factor contributing to the
alarming rise in global temperatures. We have many more articles for you on all aspects of academic
writing, tips and tricks on how to avoid common grammar mistakes, and resources on how to
strengthen your writing style in general. You’ll be able to access databases and journals that your
university has an agreement with so it’d be best to use your university’s resources. In the absence of
planning, you’ll finish your first draft right on the last day leaving no room for edits. Observation:
usually regarding the form or structure of the literature. Read on to learn about different types of
topic sentences. Cigarette Tax Heavily taxing and increasing the price of cigarettes is essentially a tax
on the poorest Americans, and it doesn't deter them from purchasing. And after drafting your
academic papers, be sure to get proofreading that includes manuscript editing, thesis editing, or
dissertation editing services before submitting your work to journals for publication. The first
example simply uses the prompt as the thesis statement. If your university doesn’t provide you with a
template, you can find a free template from the internet. What are the specific detriments of alcohol
consumption that you would like to discuss. The best thesis statements are: Concise: A good thesis
statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. Keep reading We value your
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