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    What Is a Thesis Statement?

    A thesis statement expresses the essay’s main point, claim, or insight. It gives readers a clear sense of what the essay will argue, explain, or show.

    Core idea

    • The thesis is the essay’s central controlling idea.
    • A good thesis helps readers know what to expect from the body paragraphs.
    • The exact form changes by essay type, but the function stays the same: focus.

    How to use it well

    • Make the thesis specific enough that readers know the essay’s direction.
    • Avoid a thesis that is so broad it could fit almost any essay on the topic.
    • Check that each body paragraph supports or develops the thesis in a visible way.

    Thesis focus

    A strong thesis tells readers the main idea or argument the essay will develop.

    Practice this structure concept in Essay-Trainer

    Essay-Trainer guides students through these same structure concepts while they draft, revise, and improve each essay section.

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    Topic Sentence

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    Restate Thesis

    Learn how to return to your main point in the conclusion without copying it word for word.

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