Writing an Effective Thesis Statement

This video gives the viewer a brief introduction to the main parts of a an effective thesis statement (topic, claim/argument, specifics). Examples are given and explained as well as diagrammed for the viewer.

This page from the Harvard Writing Center gives an overview of effective thesis statements, walks a writer through the steps of developing a thesis statement, and also covers a few examples. This resource also covers what writers should NOT do when trying to write a thesis.

This handout from the UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft. Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion--convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. The tutorial also covers what makes a strong thesis as well as a weak one.

This video gives writers a crash course in thesis writing and walks them through a step-by-step process using an example (Superman!).

This tutorial from Flocabulary includes a rap video on what a thesis is and how to write one, a fill-in-the-blank worksheet, and a review quiz. Teaser from the rap: "Make your thesis tight like skinny jeans. Take your time to scrub it down, Mr. Clean." Is there a better way to learn about a thesis?? I think not.

This three-step tutorial from Northern Illinois University includes a review quiz as well as links to related tutorials (effective style, introductions, conclusions, etc.) A good overview of the academic thesis.

This video from Jenny Sawyer of 60 Second Recaps covers the four steps to an effective thesis and a great essay, using an example from "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It's an excerpt from the series "How to Write an A+ Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide."

This tutorial from the University of Illinois covers questions to ask when formulating a thesis statement as well as tips for revising weak thesis statements.

These graphic organizers from from the Chicago History Fair and walk writers through the thesis-drafting process. They also prompt writers to think about how their evidence in the body paragraphs should stem directly from the thesis. A great checklist for effective thesis statements is included.

This infographic from Jen London covers the basics of an effective thesis statement and also provides a few formulas to help writers get started.