Thesis Statements

• State a clearly defined opinion on a subject--Don't make your thesis merely an announcement of your subject matter or a description of your intentions.
  Incorrect: I want to give my opinion on the national law that sets twenty-one as the legal age to drink alcohol and the reasons I feel this way.
  Correct: The legal minimum age for purchasing alcohol should be eighteen rather than twenty-one.

• Clearly state the thesis in specific terms—don’t be vague.
  Incorrect: Living in an apartment for the first time can teach you many things about taking care of yourself.
  Correct: By living in an apartment, freshmen can learn valuable lessons in financial planning and time management.

• Don't merely state a fact.
  Incorrect: De Anza College raised its tuition this school year.
  Correct: The governor has run the state so poorly that it has caused an increase in tuition at De Anza College this year.

• Have something worthwhile to say that will be of interest to your audience.
  Incorrect: I don’t like to take courses that are held in big lecture classes at this school.
  Correct: Large lecture classes provide a poor environment for the student who learns best through interaction with both teachers and peers.

• Don’t be unreasonable. Making irrational or oversimplified claims will not persuade your reader that you have a thorough understanding of the issue.
  Incorrect: Too many corrupt books in our high school libraries selected by liberal, atheistic educators are undermining the morals of our youth.
  Correct: To ensure that high school libraries contain books that reflect community standards, parents should have a voice in selecting new titles.

• Do not merely list your points; rather, show the relationships between them.
  Incorrect: American consumers are concerned with quality, convenience, and choice.
  Correct: Although American consumers are concerned with quality, they also want convenience by having many choices.