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Definition of thesis

Did you know.

In high school, college, or graduate school, students often have to write a thesis on a topic in their major field of study. In many fields, a final thesis is the biggest challenge involved in getting a master's degree, and the same is true for students studying for a Ph.D. (a Ph.D. thesis is often called a dissertation ). But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove them.

Examples of thesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down — more at do

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a(1)

Dictionary Entries Near thesis

the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children

thesis novel

Cite this Entry

“Thesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of thesis, more from merriam-webster on thesis.

Nglish: Translation of thesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of thesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thesis

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While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

  • Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
  • Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
  • Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
  • Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
  • Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
  • picture_as_pdf Thesis
  • Literary Terms
  • Definition & Examples
  • When & How to Write a Thesis

I. What is a Thesis?

The thesis (pronounced thee -seez), also known as a thesis statement, is the sentence that introduces the main argument or point of view of a composition (formal essay, nonfiction piece, or narrative). It is the main claim that the author is making about that topic and serves to summarize and introduce that writing that will be discussed throughout the entire piece. For this reason, the thesis is typically found within the first introduction paragraph.

II. Examples of Theses

Here are a few examples of theses which may be found in the introductions of a variety of essays :

In “The Mending Wall,” Robert Frost uses imagery, metaphor, and dialogue to argue against the use of fences between neighbors.

In this example, the thesis introduces the main subject (Frost’s poem “The Mending Wall”), aspects of the subject which will be examined (imagery, metaphor, and dialogue) and the writer’s argument (fences should not be used).

While Facebook connects some, overall, the social networking site is negative in that it isolates users, causes jealousy, and becomes an addiction.

This thesis introduces an argumentative essay which argues against the use of Facebook due to three of its negative effects.

During the college application process, I discovered my willingness to work hard to achieve my dreams and just what those dreams were.

In this more personal example, the thesis statement introduces a narrative essay which will focus on personal development in realizing one’s goals and how to achieve them.

III. The Importance of Using a Thesis

Theses are absolutely necessary components in essays because they introduce what an essay will be about. Without a thesis, the essay lacks clear organization and direction. Theses allow writers to organize their ideas by clearly stating them, and they allow readers to be aware from the beginning of a composition’s subject, argument, and course. Thesis statements must precisely express an argument within the introductory paragraph of the piece in order to guide the reader from the very beginning.

IV. Examples of Theses in Literature

For examples of theses in literature, consider these thesis statements from essays about topics in literature:

In William Shakespeare’s “ Sonnet 46,” both physicality and emotion together form powerful romantic love.

This thesis statement clearly states the work and its author as well as the main argument: physicality and emotion create romantic love.

In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne symbolically shows Hester Prynne’s developing identity through the use of the letter A: she moves from adulteress to able community member to angel.

In this example, the work and author are introduced as well as the main argument and supporting points: Prynne’s identity is shown through the letter A in three ways: adulteress, able community member, and angel.

John Keats’ poem “To Autumn” utilizes rhythm, rhyme, and imagery to examine autumn’s simultaneous birth and decay.

This thesis statement introduces the poem and its author along with an argument about the nature of autumn. This argument will be supported by an examination of rhythm, rhyme, and imagery.

V. Examples of Theses in Pop Culture

Sometimes, pop culture attempts to make arguments similar to those of research papers and essays. Here are a few examples of theses in pop culture:

FOOD INC TEASER TRAILER - "More than a terrific movie -- it's an important movie." - Ent Weekly

America’s food industry is making a killing and it’s making us sick, but you have the power to turn the tables.

The documentary Food Inc. examines this thesis with evidence throughout the film including video evidence, interviews with experts, and scientific research.

Blackfish Official Trailer #1 (2013) - Documentary Movie HD

Orca whales should not be kept in captivity, as it is psychologically traumatizing and has caused them to kill their own trainers.

Blackfish uses footage, interviews, and history to argue for the thesis that orca whales should not be held in captivity.

VI. Related Terms

Just as a thesis is introduced in the beginning of a composition, the hypothesis is considered a starting point as well. Whereas a thesis introduces the main point of an essay, the hypothesis introduces a proposed explanation which is being investigated through scientific or mathematical research. Thesis statements present arguments based on evidence which is presented throughout the paper, whereas hypotheses are being tested by scientists and mathematicians who may disprove or prove them through experimentation. Here is an example of a hypothesis versus a thesis:

Hypothesis:

Students skip school more often as summer vacation approaches.

This hypothesis could be tested by examining attendance records and interviewing students. It may or may not be true.

Students skip school due to sickness, boredom with classes, and the urge to rebel.

This thesis presents an argument which will be examined and supported in the paper with detailed evidence and research.

Introduction

A paper’s introduction is its first paragraph which is used to introduce the paper’s main aim and points used to support that aim throughout the paper. The thesis statement is the most important part of the introduction which states all of this information in one concise statement. Typically, introduction paragraphs require a thesis statement which ties together the entire introduction and introduces the rest of the paper.

VII. Conclusion

Theses are necessary components of well-organized and convincing essays, nonfiction pieces, narratives , and documentaries. They allow writers to organize and support arguments to be developed throughout a composition, and they allow readers to understand from the beginning what the aim of the composition is.

List of Terms

  • Alliteration
  • Amplification
  • Anachronism
  • Anthropomorphism
  • Antonomasia
  • APA Citation
  • Aposiopesis
  • Autobiography
  • Bildungsroman
  • Characterization
  • Circumlocution
  • Cliffhanger
  • Comic Relief
  • Connotation
  • Deus ex machina
  • Deuteragonist
  • Doppelganger
  • Double Entendre
  • Dramatic irony
  • Equivocation
  • Extended Metaphor
  • Figures of Speech
  • Flash-forward
  • Foreshadowing
  • Intertextuality
  • Juxtaposition
  • Literary Device
  • Malapropism
  • Onomatopoeia
  • Parallelism
  • Pathetic Fallacy
  • Personification
  • Point of View
  • Polysyndeton
  • Protagonist
  • Red Herring
  • Rhetorical Device
  • Rhetorical Question
  • Science Fiction
  • Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
  • Synesthesia
  • Turning Point
  • Understatement
  • Urban Legend
  • Verisimilitude
  • Essay Guide
  • Cite This Website

Look up a word, learn it forever.

Other forms: theses

A thesis is the most important or foundational idea of an argument. If the thesis of your paper is that chocolate ice cream is better than vanilla, you'll need to back that up with plenty of sundae-based research.

The noun thesis has more than one important sense to it. One definition of thesis is that it is the most important or foundational idea of an argument, presentation, or piece of writing. But it can also mean a large work of art, criticism, or scientific research that represents original research and is generally the final requirement for an academic degree.

  • noun an unproved statement put forward as a premise in an argument see more see less type of: assumption , premise , premiss a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
  • noun a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree synonyms: dissertation see more see less type of: tractate , treatise a formal exposition

Vocabulary lists containing thesis

A thorough survey of various textbooks, assignments, content area standards, and examinations yields the following list of words compiled by Jim Burke . You cannot expect to succeed on assignments if you do not understand the directions.

Persuade yourself to study this list of words related to argumentative writing. You'll learn all about making claims, supporting arguments with evidence, and maintaining an objective tone. It's no fallacy that reviewing these words will improve your credibility as a writer.

To improve your fluency in English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), learn this academic vocabulary list that includes words selected from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standards.

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  • Knowledge Base
  • How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

  • Start with a question
  • Write your initial answer
  • Develop your answer
  • Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

  • Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
  • Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
  • Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

  • Why you hold this position
  • What they’ll learn from your essay
  • The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

  • In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
  • In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

  • It gives your writing direction and focus.
  • It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

  • Ask a question about your topic .
  • Write your initial answer.
  • Develop your answer by including reasons.
  • Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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thesis meaning in english speaking

Thesis Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How To Use It

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Understanding what a thesis is can help you improve your written and spoken communication.

thesis meaning in english speaking

There are countless different contexts where this word is used, and knowing how to properly use it can help you communicate effectively in your field. If you want to be the most effective and successful communicator possible, feel free to read and learn about this essential word ! 

This is everything you need to know about what this word means, where it comes from in etymology, and how it is used.

What Is a Thesis? 

The definition of thesis (ˈθi sɪs, ˈθiːsɪs, the-sis, plural theses) in American English is the main idea presented in an essay. In other words, the central message of the piece. Behind every literary device and rhetorical strategy stands a thesis. Thesis statements don’t just appear at the beginning of your paper; they should be woven into every sentence you write. 

Your thesis statement will probably be one of two things: an assertion that something is true or an argument for why something should be done (or not done). 

What Is a Thesis Statement?

A Thesis statement is a sentence that contains the main idea of a written work.

All other sentences in a paper should explain, prove, or describe this main idea. Thesis statements are often used in reports to express a central message of an essay or article. Researchers commonly use them to propose a hypothesis and then test it with evidence from their study.

What Are Some Synonyms of Thesis?

If you look in a thesaurus for word lists of synonyms for the word thesis, you’ll likely find words including: 

  • Point of View
  • Proposition
  • Dissertation

What Is a Thesis in the Academic World? 

When it comes to the world of academics, the word thesis has another similar yet different meaning. 

A thesis is a long-form piece of writing, often a research paper, that is used as the final project of a university degree, like a master’s degree. 

What Is a Master’s Thesis?

A master’s thesis is a project that contains lots of original research and is used to cap off an academic degree. It is how a student takes an unproved statement and then proves it through extensive writing. 

When Would You Write a Thesis?

If you’re studying a language like Greek, Spanish, Arabic, or Late Latin, you’ll likely have to do an extensive study — and write a thesis — to prove your knowledge of the language. The main goal of a thesis is to establish the synthesis of knowledge that a student is capable of and ensure that they can operate well in the academic world. 

How Do You Start Writing a Thesis?

Before a student or researcher begins writing a paper, they must have a thesis statement. This thesis statement is one sentence that describes how you will support your argument and what evidence you will provide in your paper. In many cases, it is the last sentence of your introduction paragraph and appears again as the first sentence of the body paragraph:

A thesis statement usually evolves only after considerable reading, writing, and thinking has been done on your topic. Your thesis changes and develops as you write it, so by the time you arrive at the end, you will know what your paper is about and should be able to sum it up clearly in a sentence or two.

What Is the Etymology of the Word Thesis? 

The word thesis comes from the Greek word θέσις (thésis), which means “placement” or “setting.” The term was first used in English in 1632 by William Lilly. As time has progressed, the word has entered into many different languages, including Latin tithenai , French, and Middle English. 

Throughout its different stages of development, the word has remained relatively the same. However, this word’s collocations and more specific meanings have gradually changed over the years. 

Luckily, as long as you’re only sticking to English, thesis is a word with meanings that are relatively consistent and easy to understand! 

What Are Some Example Sentences Using the Word Thesis?

One of the best ways to learn how to use a word is by seeing it in use in the context of actual-world sentences and conversations. 

Here are some excellent examples of thesis being used in everyday sentences, so you can start using the word for yourself! 

As he started his conversation, the lowering of his voice enticed everyone to listen intently to his thesis presentation.

The first research stage for her doctoral thesis meant studying the Hegelian people.

Mr. Tese’s master’s thesis primarily focused on a tiny part of a metrical foot in poetry, which was reasonably interesting for many poets.

My entire paper’s central thesis was based on how the downbeat is not the most crucial part of music — the backbeat is.

My professor keeps telling me that the thesis statement is, by far, the most critical part of any essay, and I’m starting to believe her.

It took nearly six months to write the first draft of my thesis, which was really exhausting. 

We’re willing to bet that you have some writing skills if you’re reading this. However, everyone has room to improve when it comes to writing. If you feel like you need to brush up your vocabulary or learn a few additional techniques on writing clearly and effectively, look no further — we are here to help! Let us show you how to get the most out of your communication skills with our resources here on The Word Counter website. 

The Word Counter is a living body of content that will continue to be updated with new and exciting lessons on language, communication, grammar, and writing. We believe everyone can continue to grow in their ability to communicate effectively, and we’ve created this blog as a stepping-stone for precisely that goal. 

Check out our latest articles right here ! 

Sources: 

Thesis Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster

Thesis definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

Thesis – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

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Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.

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Meaning of thesis – Learner’s Dictionary

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thesis noun [C] ( WRITING )

Thesis noun [c] ( idea ).

(Definition of thesis from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of thesis

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English For Study

Thesis Statements: The Complete Guide

Thesis statements are pretty important, but they cause students a whole lot of trouble. You can find them in the introduction of an essay.  They’re usually only one sentence and they contain two important pieces of information:

  • The main topic of the assignment
  • Your stance (also called your view or opinion) on the topic.

Without a thesis statement, your essay might lack focus, structure and an argument (if your essay needs one).

Many students find thesis statements confusing, so I created this guide to make thesis statements easier to understand and write.

By the end of this article, you should know:

  • the five rules of good thesis statements
  • the mistakes to avoid when writing thesis statements
  • how to write a thesis statement in six steps

I’ve also made a free worksheet to go with this guide. It contains sentence structures, examples and exercises. [thrive_2step id=’996′] Click here to download it . [/thrive_2step]

Part Zero: Examples of Thesis Statement

Before we get into the Rules and the How To steps, let’s look at a couple of authentic examples. These are two thesis statements taken from the introductions of two academic journal articles that I have  recently read.

Note : these statements are quite complex, so don’t worry about understanding them. Just look at how they are structured.

The available evidence suggests that tests often do exert influence on learners and that individual learners, like teachers, will experience this influence in different ways. Although teacher and student perceptions of test influence have been compared, there is a lack of evidence relating to how washback to teachers and programmes might interact with washback to learners . Questions addressed in this study include: what expectations do students bring to IELTS preparation courses? And how do these compare with the expectations of non-IELTS learners, with teacher perceptions of course content and with experiences reported at course.

Green, A., 2006. Washback to the learner: Learner and teacher perspectives on IELTS preparation course expectations and outcomes. Assessing Writing , 11, pp. 113-134.

This thesis statement does two things: it shows us the focus of the study AND it tells us that the topic is significant.

In an essay on music that hardly involves procedures but focuses on historical facts, specific relational processes (i.e., clauses that involve verbs such as is and are and convey facts) are expected to constitute a large proportion of the writing. Therefore, to write appropriately for a particular genre, a writer needs to understand what is expected; the writing should include a high percentage of those clausal constructions that meet genre expectations. This study examines the use of process types during drafting in the scientific-expository genre, in an essay written on the topic, Should genetic modification be approved?

Li, A., 2012. Transitivity Shifts in Academic Writing. Asian EFL Journal , 14 (4), pp. 107-133.

This thesis statement shows that the topic the writer is focusing on is a significant one. The statement also tells us what the writer will focus on.

We can see a few similarities between these:

  • The present tense is used
  • They show the focus of the text
  • They make the topic seem important

[thrive_text_block color=”orange” headline=””] [thrive_2step id=’996′] Bonus ! Get my free Thesis Statements Worksheet and write incredible thesis statements! [/thrive_2step][/thrive_text_block]

Part 1: The Five Rules of Thesis Statements

Rule 1: make it simple.

What’s wrong with the following thesis statement?

The significance of the thesis statement is undeniable in the debate of academic writings, for without one, a trenchant and convincing argument cannot engage in efficacious development.

It’s too long and complicated . The language is too complex and some words are outdated.

Don’t go crazy with the electronic dictionary or online translator! Use words that you know how to use , and keep your sentence simple, clear and direct.

Rule 2: Make it Focused and Interesting

This essay will discuss the significance of thesis statements.

It’s too general . Yes, it tells us that it is about thesis statements, but it doesn’t give us a main focus or the writer’s stance/argument. It’s also pretty boring.

Think about what you really want to tell your audience in relation to your topic. Do you agree or disagree? Is something positive or negative? Have an opinion!

Thesis statements

 Rule 3: Don’t be too Specific

Thesis statements written for argumentative essays evaluating the effects of globalisation on less economically developed countries tend to be the strongest.

It’s too specific . This thesis statement gives a really narrow view of the topic. As a result, the student who wrote this might run out of things to write about their topic.

If you think your thesis statement is too specific, ask yourself, “ How much can I write about this topic?”

If you think your essay is too short and you have nothing to write about, look at your thesis statement – it might be too specific!

Rule 4: Don’t Include your Emotions

I think thesis statements are great, wonderful and brilliant, and really help to make a super essay!

It’s too informal . We can tell that this person really likes thesis statements ,  but that’s not the point. They have used informal and emotional language to show their opinion.

This makes their argument less academic and more personal and emotional.

You can give your opinion, but avoid using informal phrases, such as ‘I think’, and emotive words, such as ‘great’, ‘super’ and ‘wonderful’.

 Rule 5: Make it a Statement

Why do many experts agree that thesis statements are essential for creating a strong argument in an essay?

It’s not a statement – it’s a question !

This is quite a common error, and could show that you are unsure about what you are writing.

If you see a question mark at the end of your thesis statement, go back and rewrite it. Make sure your thesis statements are statements, and show that you have an opinion.

HALFWAY CHECKPOINT

Well done for getting through part 1! So far we’ve looked at the five rules to creating a good thesis statement, and the mistakes that you should avoid.

We’ve seen 5 examples of poor thesis statements , so here’s an example of a decent one:

The thesis statement is arguably the most significant sentence in any academic text.

In the next part of this article, we’re going to look at how to write a thesis statement.

[thrive_text_block color=”orange” headline=””] [thrive_2step id=’996′] Bonus ! Get my Free Thesis Statements Worksheet and write incredible thesis statements! [/thrive_2step][/thrive_text_block]

Part 2: How to Write a Thesis Statement

Step 1: understand your assignment.

Before you can write your thesis statement, you need to understand what your assignment is asking you to do.

thesis statement assignment title

  • Decide on the type of assignment: This is an analytical and discussion based essay.

This means that you will need to look at something in detail from more than one point of view and give your own opinion.

  • Look at the topic of the assignment task : this will tell you what to focus on .

In the example, the topic is: the effect of social media on the productivity of university students.

  • Look at the instruction verbs : this will tell you what to do.

In this example, the instruction verb is ‘ examine ’. This means that you need to look at the topic in detail and then give your opinion on it.

To sum up : we need to look in detail at how social media, such as Facebook, increases or decreases the amount of studying university students do. Then we need to give our opinion on it.

Step 2: Brainstorm your First Thoughts on the Topic.

  After understanding the question, we need to think about our first opinion.

So, what’s your first thought right now?

Do you think social media makes students more productive or less productive?

While you’re deciding, write down everything you can think of about the topic. Try to organise your thoughts to reflect the assignment task.

Here’s an example of organising ideas into a table for our assignment title: Examine the effect of social media on the productivity of university students.

Thesis statements

Once you’ve decided, you need to make a list of reasons why you think that. This is your first stance.

From the list above, do you think our first stance is positive or negative?

Step 3: Research your Topic

This is an academic assignment, so your opinion isn’t enough. You need to research your topic to find relevant information which supports or refutes your initial stance.

It’s good to have a stance before you start researching because it can make you more critical.

Researching can be tough, so check out this post on how to be more effective at reading.

Thesis statements

Step 4: Re-evaluate your Stance.

Your stance is your opinion.

After researching your topic, you need to re-evaluate your stance. This means that you need to look at all of the information that you have collected and decide whether you will keep your stance the same or change it.

It’s fine to keep your stance the same and it’s fine to change it. Just make sure that you have the evidence to support it.

After looking at the evidence from step 3, I think we can say that social media is both positive and negative, but mostly negative .

Step 5: Draft your thesis statement – make it clear, simple, and direct.

Now you need to draft your thesis statement. Use the rules above to help you write your thesis statement.

You can paraphrase the assignment question/task.

Here’s an example of a draft thesis statement using our assignment topic:

Thesis statement draft

[thrive_2step id=’996′] If you want more thesis statement help, download my free worksheet here [/thrive_2step]

Step 6: Refine your thesis statement

After drafting your thesis statement, you need to edit your thesis statement.

Look at word order, sentence structure, word use, punctuation, spelling and any other common language problems.

Basically, you’re refining your thesis statement and making it clearer.

Our final thesis statement could look like this:

thesis statements

We can make it even stronger by including some reasons for our stance :

thesis statements

Final Words

That’s the end of our Thesis Statement workshop! You should now be a thesis statement expert!

All you need to do now is:

  • Download my free 4-page thesis statements worksheet and work through the exercises. [thrive_2step id=’996′] Click here to download it . [/thrive_2step]
  • Use the worksheet to write your thesis statement.
  • Post your statement in the comments below.

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Definition of thesis noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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thesis meaning in english speaking
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theses
a statement or proposition put forward and supported by proof or argument. , , , , , ,
an essay or dissertation, esp. one based on research or critical study, submitted as a requirement for an advanced academic degree. , , , , , , ,
the opening of a dialectical argument or process, followed by antithesis and resolved in synthesis.
the accented part of a musical measure; downbeat. , ,
, , , , , , , , , ,
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UTC RAVE Alert

Thesis, dissertation and learned discourse, jump to a topic.

Graduation Thesis and Dissertation Submission Deadlines

Start here: Information about what to do before submitting

When to submit.

Instructions for submitting

Common Mistakes

Graduation and Non-Thesis Deadlines

Graduation submission deadlines

It is important that you appropriately plan to defend and submit your thesis or dissertation in the approved and accepted format to the Graduate School. Upon submission, your manuscript will undergo review for final acceptance by the University.

The Thesis and Dissertation deadlines allow time for review, editing and approval by the Graduate School. Once it is approved by the Graduate School, it is sent for final review by the respective College Dean's office.

These deadlines are firm dates

Defending and/or submitting your thesis or dissertation after the deadline dates will result in you not graduating in the semester you planned. Also, this can incur additional expenses, based on the need to register for a subsequent semester. Note these dates and plan accordingly to defend and submit in the semester you plan to complete your manuscript.

The following are the specific deadlines for each type of degree and term.

There are two sets of deadlines per semester.

Primary and Secondary Graduation Deadlines

Primary Graduation Deadlines allow for graduation in the correct term as long as everything is completed according to the due dates. If you fail to meet the primary deadlines, you then move to the Secondary (Courtesy) deadlines. Please notify your academic department and Graduate School Liaison if you miss the primary deadlines, as your anticipated graduation date will need to be moved to the next semester.

The Secondary (Courtesy) Deadlines mean your anticipated graduation date will be moved to the subsequent semester, and if everything is completed by the appropriate dates, you will not be required to register for additional Thesis/Dissertation hours during the final semester.

If you miss any of the Secondary (Courtesy) Deadlines, you will have to register for 2 credits of Thesis/Dissertation and complete your degree requirements (manuscript, any applicable defenses or other requirements) the following semester.

Deadlines for Doctoral programs

These deadlines are for Doctoral programs that include a dissertation requirement.

Primary Graduation Deadlines for Dissertation Submission

Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for December graduation.

September 27 (last day to schedule your defense)

Submit your Notice of Scheduled Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.

Last day to defend your dissertation.

Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school for December graduation. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here . Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar . The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.

Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.

December 13

Graduate Student Commencement. 

Courtesy Deadlines for Dissertation Submission

These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Fall deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in spring 2025  without being required to register for dissertation credits for the spring semester.

October 28 (last day to schedule your defense)

November 11, november 18.

Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here . Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar . The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.

Graduate Student Commencement. You will need to request permission to walk in commencement if your dissertation has been approved by the graduate school prior to the commencement date.

December 30 

If the dissertation is completely approved on this date, you may graduate spring 2025, but will not be required to register for dissertation credit in spring 2025.

Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for May graduation.

February 21 (last day to schedule your defense)

Graduate Student Commencement.

These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Spring deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Summer 2025  without being required to register for dissertation credits for the summer semester.

March 14 (last day to schedule your defense)

If the dissertation is completely approved on this date, you may graduate summer 2025, but will not be required to register for dissertation credit summer 2025.

Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for August graduation.

June 6 (last day to schedule your defense)

July 11.

Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school for August graduation. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here . Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar . The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.

Degrees Awarded. No summer commencement ceremony.

December Graduation

Graduate Student Commencement. Student may walk in Fall commencement if dissertation is accepted.

These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Summer deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Fall 2025  without being required to register for dissertation credits for the Fall semester.

June 27 (last day to schedule your defense)

If the dissertation is completely approved on this date, you may graduate in the Fall 2025 semester, but will not be required to register for dissertation credit during the Fall 2025 semester.

Deadlines for Master’s/EdS Thesis Programs

These deadlines are for Master’s or Specialist in Education programs that include a thesis requirement.

Primary Graduation Deadlines for Thesis Submission

Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for December graduation.

October 4 (last day to schedule your defense)

Submit your Notice of Scheduled of Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.

Last day to defend your thesis.

Deadline to submit thesis and thesis exam results to the graduate school for December graduation. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here . Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar . The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.

Courtesy Deadlines for Thesis Submission

These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Fall deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in spring 2025  without being required to register for thesis credits for the spring semester.

November 25

Deadline to submit thesis and thesis exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here . Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar . The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.

Graduate Student Commencement. You will need to request permission to walk in commencement if your thesis has been approved by the graduate school prior to the commencement date.

December 30

If the thesis is completely approved on this date, you may graduate spring 2025, but will not be required to register for thesis credit in spring 2025.

Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for May graduation.

Deadline to submit thesis and Thesis exam results to the graduate school for Spring graduation. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here . Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar . The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.

These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Spring deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Summer 2025  without being required to register for thesis credits for the summer semester.

March 7 (last day to schedule your defense)

Last day to defend your Thesis.

Deadline to submit Thesis and Thesis exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here . Theses are submitted to UTC .

If the thesis is completely approved on this date, you may graduate summer 2025, but will not be required to register for thesis credit in summer 2025.

Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for August graduation.

June 13 (last day to schedule your defense)

Deadline to submit thesis and thesis exam results to the graduate school for August graduation. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here . Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar . The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.

Degrees Awarded. No summer commencement.

These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Summer deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Fall 2025   without being required to register for thesis credits for the Fall semester.

Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for August graduation.

If the thesis is completely approved on this date, you may graduate in the Fall 2025 semester, but will not be required to register for thesis credit during the Fall 2025 semester.

If you have questions, please contact the Graduate School.

Read “ Thesis and Dissertation Standards ”

Complete and submit the Committee Appointment Form

Institutional Review Board or Institutional Animal Care Use Committee Submit permission request if required

Attend a “ Thesis and Dissertation Standards ” workshop. A recorded workshop is available in Graduate School - Graduate Students UTC Canvas. The next live workshops will be available from 3pm-4:30pm on September 8, 2023 and January 19, 2024.

Write your manuscript according to the “ Thesis and Dissertation Standards ”

At least two weeks prior to defense, submit Notice of Defense Form – Discuss defense time, date and location with Committee members (make sure your committee has a copy of your manuscript for review) and submit this form two weeks prior to your defense.

Click this link to complete the form: Notice of Scheduled Defense

Review and verify that your manuscript is written in accordance with the “ Thesis and Dissertation Standards ”

When to Submit

It is important that you appropriately plan to defend and submit your thesis or dissertation in the approved and accepted format to the Graduate School according to the dates and deadlines published above.

Defending and/or submitting your thesis or dissertation after the deadline date may result in you not graduating in the semester you planned, an additional expense to register for a subsequent semester and your degree not being conferred as planned. Note these dates and plan accordingly to defend and submit in the semester you plan to complete your manuscript.

Instructions for Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation

The following is a listing of the steps required for submitting a thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School for formal review and approval.

Theses and dissertations are not considered complete until the document has been approved by the Graduate School; therefore, transcripts and diplomas are not released until all of the following steps are completed in the sequence provided.

Deadlines for submission of documents for review by Graduate School staff are published on the Graduate School site and the Graduate School Academic Calendar; these deadlines cannot be waived. However, if the deadline falls on a weekend, the thesis or dissertation must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on the following Monday.

To meet the first submission deadline (the first review of the document), the following verification forms or pages must be received by the Graduate School prior to the thesis or dissertation. Links are provided to each of the forms or pages.

  • A completed Graduate Degree Examination Results form with all required signatures indicating that the defense of the thesis or dissertation was passed and the thesis or dissertation has been accepted by the examining committee. This form should be delivered to the Graduate School, preferably in electronic form.
  • The student must submit the “ Verification of Standards and Bibliography Management Software form ”, which indicates that the Standards for formatting were followed, verifies the bibliography management software used, provides the name of the software, and indicates the word processing software used to produce the thesis or dissertation.

The thesis or dissertation is submitted electronically to UTC Scholar , (submissions guidelines at  http://scholar.utc.edu/theses / ) The thesis or dissertation should not be submitted until all committee editorial comments and corrections are appropriately addressed.

  • Make sure your paper is in an acceptable format. UTC Scholar accepts papers in Microsoft Word (DOC) or (DOCX), Rich Text Format (RTF), or Adobe Acrobat (PDF). MS Word or Rich Text Format is preferred.
  • Upon completion of the initial format review, the thesis or dissertation will be accepted or returned to the student for corrections. If the document is not accepted, the student must make the requested corrections and re-submit a revised electronic copy for review. The review process continues until the document is deemed acceptable.
  • When the document is accepted, the graduate dean will post the manuscript for the general public on UTC Scholar. The student will receive an email that the document has been posted which means the dean has accepted the document and the Theses or Dissertation requirement has been fulfilled.

To submit to UTC Scholar follow the instructions at: http://scholar.utc.edu/theses/guidelines.html .

In addition to UTC Scholar, the students has the option of submitting their research to the UMI ETD Administration site (ProQuest) at http://www.etdadmin.com/cgi-bin/main/submitting .

Formal Degree Names for page ii of the thesis/dissertation

Master of Arts: English Master of Music
Master of Public Administration Master of Science: Environmental Science
Master of Science: Mathematics Master of Science: Psychology
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Science: Engineering Master of Science: Engineering Management
Master of Science: Computer Science
Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Science
Master of Accountancy Master of Business Administration
Master of Education: Counseling Master of Education: Elementary Education
Master of Education: School Leadership Master of Education: Secondary Education
Master of Education: Special Education Master of Science: Athletic Training
Master of Public Health: Chronic Disease  
Prevention and Control  
 
Doctor of Nursing Practice Doctor of Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy Doctorate  
Doctor of Education: Leadership and Instructional Practice Doctor of Philosophy: Leadership and Decision-Making
Doctor of Education: Learning and Leadership Doctor of Philosophy: Learning and Leadership

Helpful Links:

Graduate school.

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  • 615 McCallie Ave
  •   423-425-4666
  •   423-425-5223

IMAGES

  1. What Is The Thesis Statement? Examples of Thesis Statements

    thesis meaning in english speaking

  2. THESIS

    thesis meaning in english speaking

  3. Mastering the Thesis Statement: Examples and Tips for Academic Success

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  4. Plural of Thesis: A Quick Guide for English Learners

    thesis meaning in english speaking

  5. What is a Thesis Statement?

    thesis meaning in english speaking

  6. How To Write a Thesis Statement (with Useful Steps and Tips) • 7ESL

    thesis meaning in english speaking

COMMENTS

  1. Thesis Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of THESIS is a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view; especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree. ... Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, ...

  2. THESIS

    THESIS definition: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher…. Learn more.

  3. THESIS

    THESIS meaning: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher…. Learn more.

  4. Thesis

    Thesis. Your thesis is the central claim in your essay—your main insight or idea about your source or topic. Your thesis should appear early in an academic essay, followed by a logically constructed argument that supports this central claim. A strong thesis is arguable, which means a thoughtful reader could disagree with it and therefore ...

  5. Thesis: Definition and Examples

    The thesis (pronounced thee -seez), also known as a thesis statement, is the sentence that introduces the main argument or point of view of a composition (formal essay, nonfiction piece, or narrative). It is the main claim that the author is making about that topic and serves to summarize and introduce that writing that will be discussed ...

  6. What Is a Thesis?

    A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.

  7. THESIS Definition & Meaning

    Thesis definition: a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. See examples of THESIS used in a sentence.

  8. Thesis Statements

    Thesis Statements. A thesis is the main claim you are making in an argument, similar to the hypothesis in a scientific experiment. It is what you are trying to prove or persuade your audience to believe or do. It's helpful to develop a working thesis to guide your composition process. "Working" is the operative word here; your ideas are ...

  9. thesis noun

    thesis (that…) a statement or an opinion that is discussed in a logical way and presented with evidence in order to prove that it is true. The basic thesis of the book is fairly simple. These latest findings support the thesis that sexuality is determined by nature rather than choice.

  10. What is a Thesis Statement: Writing Guide with Examples

    A thesis statement is a sentence in a paper or essay (in the opening paragraph) that introduces the main topic to the reader. As one of the first things your reader sees, your thesis statement is one of the most important sentences in your entire paper—but also one of the hardest to write! In this article, we explain how to write a thesis ...

  11. Thesis

    thesis: 1 n an unproved statement put forward as a premise in an argument Type of: assumption , premise , premiss a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn n a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree Synonyms: dissertation Type ...

  12. How to Write a Thesis Statement

    Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.

  13. What Does Thesis Mean?

    The definition of thesis (ˈθi sɪs, ˈθiːsɪs, the-sis, plural theses) in American English is the main idea presented in an essay. In other words, the central message of the piece. Behind every literary device and rhetorical strategy stands a thesis. Thesis statements don't just appear at the beginning of your paper; they should be woven ...

  14. THESIS

    THESIS definition: 1. a long piece of writing that you do as part of an advanced university course: 2. a theory that…. Learn more.

  15. THESIS definition and meaning

    7 meanings: 1. a dissertation resulting from original research, esp when submitted by a candidate for a degree or diploma 2. a.... Click for more definitions.

  16. Thesis Statements: The Complete Guide

    Step 6: Refine your thesis statement. After drafting your thesis statement, you need to edit your thesis statement. Look at word order, sentence structure, word use, punctuation, spelling and any other common language problems. Basically, you're refining your thesis statement and making it clearer.

  17. thesis noun

    Definition of thesis noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

  18. THESIS definition in American English

    thesis in American English. (ˈθisɪs) noun Word forms: plural -ses (-siz) 1. a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, esp. one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war. 2. a subject for a composition or essay. 3.

  19. thesis

    thesis. From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Related topics: College the‧sis /ˈθiːsɪs/ AWL noun (plural theses /-siːz/) [ countable] 1 a long piece of writing about a particular subject that you do as part of an advanced university degree such as an MA or a PhD Cynthia's still working on her thesis. graduate/master's ...

  20. Thesis Definition & Meaning

    Thesis definition: A proposition that is maintained by argument. ... Latin from Greek from tithenai to put dhē-in Indo-European roots Senses 5 and 6, Middle English from Late Latin lowering of the voice from Greek downbeat. From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. From Latin thesis, ...

  21. THESIS Definition & Meaning

    Thesis definition: . See examples of THESIS used in a sentence.

  22. thesis

    The meaning of thesis. Definition of thesis. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

  23. THESIS

    A complete guide to the word "THESIS": definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, grammar insights, collocations, examples, and translations.

  24. Thesis, Dissertation and Learned Discourse

    It is important that you appropriately plan to defend and submit your thesis or dissertation in the approved and accepted format to the Graduate School. Upon submission, your manuscript will undergo review for final acceptance by the University. The Thesis and Dissertation deadlines allow time for review, editing and approval by the Graduate ...

  25. 50 Interesting English Vocabulary

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