3 Tips for Constructing a Good Thesis

The thesis statement is the heart of an argumentative essay. And, because it’s typically one of the first elements a grader will assess, it's the easiest and fastest way to tell if a student has put enough thought into the topic. Here are a few quick tips to ensure that you make a good first impression: 1. Pin down a topic that is interesting to you.

While the broad subject of your essay might be assigned to the entire class, you can be flexible with your thesis. Students have a much easier time understanding and exploring a thesis if it concerns something they’re interested in. Think carefully about the topic you’ve been given for your essay. Does it remind you of something in your own life? Can you make a connection with a different topic you know more about? Consider how you can introduce those more familiar concepts into the subject and build your thesis around that.

2. Take time to consider the thesis carefully.

When you’re working to a strict time limit, it can be tempting to get the introduction written quickly. This is a mistake. Budget extra time to consider the nuances of your thesis, because it's an early indication of what the grader can expect from your subsequent arguments. It’s much harder to rewrite an entire essay because the thesis doesn’t work than to make sure you can fully support it before you start.

3. Make sure your language is clear and specific.

The thesis statement is not the time to show off your vocabulary or use complicated syntax. It should be as simple and clearly stated as possible so that both you and the grader know exact what you will argue in the rest of the paper. It should also be in a prominent place in your introduction, usually at the end of the paragraph, so that the grader can find it easily by skimming the text.

It’s not enough to just keep all of these in mind to build an effective thesis. Careful use of your time is also important, which makes planning your essay even more vital. When you have essays that don’t have strict time limits this is simple, but under exam conditions, every minute counts. It’s important, therefore, to practice essay planning quickly and efficiently so that you can use these tips to take full advantage of your limited time.

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