State your topic
Your topic is the essential idea of your paper. It is usually a few words or a phrase that summarizes the subject of your paper. For your thesis statement, try to make your topic as specific as possible.
State your main idea about this topic
What are you trying to state or prove about your topic? What are you trying to persuade the reader to believe? When stating your opinion, be sure to:
- express one major ideal
- name the topic and assert something specific about it
- take a stance on an issue that you can support with facts and reasons.
- state your position on or opinion about the issue.
Give a reason that supports your main idea
Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.
Give another reason that supports your main idea
Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.
Give one more reason that supports your main idea
Tell us one reason that supports your opinion. Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.
Include an opposing viewpoint to your main idea, if applicable
A good thesis statement acknowledges that there is always another side to the argument. So, include an opposing viewpoint (a counterargument) to your opinion. Basically, write down what a person who disagrees with your position might say about your topic.