Learn what a thesis statement is, how to generate a thesis statement for an assigned topic, and how to generate a thesis statement if a topic has not been assigned.

This page defines the thesis statement and tells how to develop one when the topic is assigned and when the topic is not assigned. Also gives guidelines for determining whether the thesis statement is strong or weak.

This lesson focuses on identifying thesis statements including explicit and implicit thesis statements, "How to Identify the Thesis Statement" (video), topic sentences, paragraph parts graphic, and a self-check activity.

Explains the thesis statement and distinguishes it from the purpose statement. Gives an example of a paragraph containing both. Be sure try the link at the bottom of the page, "Developing a Thesis Statement." This page goes into further...

Superbly written explanation of thesis development. Use the links on the right to work through the writing process.

Answers questions about what a thesis is, why you might write one, how to write it, and the content that should be included!

Brief explanation of the thesis statement, followed by examples of faulty and improved thesis statements.

The first part of this page lists five characteristics of a thesis statement and gives examples of a poor and an effective statement for each characteristic. The second part of the handout dispels common myths about the thesis statement.

Students will find a thorough definition of a thesis. Non-examples of thesis statements are also provided.

This structural design will guide learners in writing a career research paper from start to finish. They will gather information; cite sources MLA style; develop a thesis statement, outline, and paragraphs; and create a research paper...

A twelve-part learning module with links to texts and websites to use while learning how to write a strong and effective thesis statement.

This lesson focuses on prewriting including the purpose and characteristics of prewriting, prewriting strategies, the rhetorical context, and developing a working thesis statement. It also includes a slide show about author, audience,...

Learn about myths from around the world in this self-guided unit while also learning how to construct a compare and contrast essay. Included are characteristics of creation myths, videos about Chinese and Egyptian myths, and a step by...

The basic thesis/support pattern promotes clear, systematic thinking on a single subject and can, therefore, be helpful whenever you want to set forth ideas and facts in an efficient, orderly way.

Discussion focuses on understanding the three academic language objectives that make an effective argument: understand the concept of a thesis statement, the significance of writing an argument with an audience in mind, and the...

This lesson focuses on how to write a summary including strategies for annotation, paraphrasing the thesis statement, distinguishing major ideas from minor ones, and picking appropriate quotes. It also provides videos including "How to...