This hyperlink offers five easy-to-understand guidelines for writing thesis statements. It also offers tips to improve thesis statements, such as key words and phrases that add complexity to an argument.

What will I be able to do after reading this?	Write a thesis statement that fulfills basic requirements. Create a more complex and interesting thesis statement.
When will I use it?	Before creating a thesis statement. After creating a thesis statement to ensure it meets basic expectations. To improve your working thesis statement.
How should I use it?	As a checklist to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of a thesis statement.
Why should I use it?	To improve the thesis statement and focus of your paper.

Formulate a Working Thesis Statement

In an academic paper, a thesis statement is a declarative sentence that expands your topic into a scholarly proposal, one that you will:

• prove;
• defend; or
• expand on in your paper.

As you work through the steps of writing your academic paper, you will refine your thesis statement based on the information you learn through your research.

Key Resources
Developing a Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement Development by Formula