Thesis Defined

The thesis of a piece of writing is its main point and purpose.   Another way to look at a thesis is that it describes the essence of what you are writing about.  Without a thesis, a writer as nothing but a loosely connected group of sentences.

It is important, then, to remember that a thesis does three things for the author and reader:  it controls the developing ideas, it obligates the writer to cover a specific topic, and predicts what will follow the thesis statement. It is a COP, therefor, of sorts.  By functioning in these three ways, both author and reader know the main point/purpose in any given writing.  Both fiction and non-fiction writers alike use thesis statements.

Although a thesis is used by both types of writers, the type of thesis used is often dictated by the style of writing.  In informational, non-fiction writing, the thesis must be explicitly stated.  It must be obvious and appear in paragraph one.  For example, "Divorce laws in the state of Michigan are unfair to men."  As a thesis, the former sentence is clear and would appear immediately in a piece of non-fiction writing.

The second type of thesis dictated again by style is the implied thesis.  This type of thesis is never
stated, just hinted at throughout, most often, a piece of fiction.  For example, in Stephen King's book, The Stand, King never comes out and tells the reader that this is a story about a final showdown between good and evil.  We gather that from characterization, plot, dialogue, word's choice, etc., but it is never directly stated.  That is why, in fiction, several different interpretations of a work may occur.  In poetry also, the point is often implied and not stated explicitly.

Do's and Don'ts of Thesis Development

1.  Always state the thesis immediately.

The thesis should appear in the introductory paragraph so that it will control, obligate, and predict the rest of the writing.

2.  State the thesis explicitly

Don't "beat around the bush" hoping that the readers will guess the purpose or meaning in the writing.  Clearly identify your purpose and stay away from the implied thesis type.

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CLUES FOR  THESIS EVALUATION
 

• Does the thesis appear immediately in paragraph #1?
• Is the thesis stated clear and explicitly for the reader?
• Does the thesis control, obligate, and predict the remainder of the writing?

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          Last Updated:  July, 2003
          Patricia A. Hutchins
           http://www.delta.edu/pahutchi/thesis.html