3 types of thesis statements

There are 3 types of thesis statements: argumentative, explanatory and analytical.

Argumentative thesis statement takes a clear position on a debatable issue. The writer aims to persuade the reader by presenting a well-supported argument. For example, ‘School uniforms should be mandatory in public schools to reduce bullying and promote equality.’
Explanatory thesis statement explains a topic without taking a specific stance. The goal is to inform or clarify for the reader, not to argue. For instance, ‘The process of photosynthesis involves converting sunlight into chemical energy through a series of reactions within plants.’
Analytical thesis statement breaks down an issue or idea into its key components and evaluates them. It examines a topic’s ‘how’ or ‘why’ rather than making an argument or simply explaining. For example, ‘Shakespeare’s use of symbolism in Macbeth highlights the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.’

Argumentative thesis statement

This type of thesis statement takes a clear position on a debatable issue. The writer aims to persuade the reader by presenting a well-supported argument.

Components

Topic: The issue or subject that the writer addresses.
Claim/Assertion: A clear, debatable stance that the writer takes.
Reasons: The main arguments or justifications supporting the claim.

Example 1: ‘Public transportation should be free to reduce carbon emissions, promote social equality and alleviate traffic congestion.’

Topic: Public transportation
Claim/Assertion: It should be free.
Reasons: Reducing carbon emissions, promoting social equality and alleviating traffic congestion.

Example 2: ‘Universities should adopt pass/fail grading systems to reduce student stress, improve mental health and promote genuine learning over grade competition.’

Topic: University grading systems
Claim/Assertion: Universities should adopt pass/fail systems.
Reasons: Reducing stress, improving mental health and promoting genuine learning.

Example 3: ‘Countries must implement stricter data privacy laws to protect citizens from corporate exploitation, prevent identity theft and ensure personal freedom in the digital age.’

Topic: Data privacy laws
Claim/Assertion: Stricter laws should be implemented.
Reasons: Protecting citizens from exploitation, preventing identity theft and ensuring personal freedom.

When to use: An argumentative thesis is most appropriate when the writer wants to persuade the reader about a debatable issue. For example, this type of thesis statement is used in argumentative essays, position papers and persuasive writing, where the writer must take a strong stance and defend it with evidence.

Explanatory thesis statement

This type of thesis statement explains a topic without taking a specific stance. It informs or clarifies the information for the reader and does not argue a point of view.

Components

Topic: The subject or process the writer will explain.
Claim/Assertion: A statement of what the writer will describe or explain without making an argument.
Reasons: The main points or aspects that will be covered to inform the reader.

Example 1: ‘The Industrial Revolution brought major advancements in manufacturing, changes in the workforce and a shift in global trade.’

Topic: The Industrial Revolution
Claim/Assertion: It brought major changes.
Reasons: Advancements in manufacturing, workforce changes and shifts in global trade.

Example 2: ‘The rise of streaming platforms has changed how people consume media by increasing access to content, altering viewing habits and reducing the need for traditional broadcasting.’

Topic: The rise of streaming platforms
Claim/Assertion: It has changed media consumption.
Reasons: Increasing access, altering viewing habits and reducing reliance on traditional broadcasting.

Example 3: ‘Renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric power have become viable alternatives to fossil fuels, thanks to advancements in technology, decreasing costs and growing environmental concerns.’

Topic: Renewable energy sources
Claim/Assertion: They have become viable alternatives to fossil fuels.
Reasons: Technological advancements, decreasing costs and environmental concerns.

When to use: An explanatory thesis works best when the purpose is to inform or clarify a topic without arguing a specific point. For instance, this type of thesis statements appears in expository essays, research papers or reports where the writer simply describes information or explains a process.

Analytical thesis statement

This type of thesis statement breaks down an issue or idea into its key components and evaluates them. In other words, it examines a topic’s ‘how’ or ‘why.’

Components

Topic: The subject or concept being analysed.
Claim/Assertion: The writer’s interpretation or analysis of the topic.
Reasons: The key elements or aspects being analysed and their significance.

Example 1: ‘In George Orwell’s 1984, the use of surveillance by the Party serves to maintain control, suppress individualism and manipulate reality.’

Topic: Surveillance in 1984
Claim/Assertion: The Party uses surveillance to maintain control.
Reasons: Control, suppression of individualism and manipulation of reality.

Example 2: ‘The rise of streaming platforms has changed the way people consume media by increasing access to content, altering viewing habits and reducing the need for traditional broadcasting.’

Topic: The rise of streaming platforms
Claim/Assertion: It has changed media consumption.
Reasons: Increasing access, altering viewing habits and reducing reliance on traditional broadcasting.

Topic: Renewable energy sources
Claim/Assertion: They have become viable alternatives to fossil fuels.
Reasons: Technological advancements, decreasing costs and environmental concerns.

When to use: An analytical thesis is most appropriate when the writer seeks to break down and examine elements of a subject. For example, it is used in analytical essays, literature reviews or research papers where the focus is on interpreting data, literature or a complex issue.

5 steps to write a thesis statement

To write an effective thesis statement, follow these steps:

#1 Identify the topic

First, start by clearly understanding the topic or question you are addressing. Be specific about what the paper or essay will focus on.

Example: The impact of climate change on agriculture.

#2 Determine the type of thesis

Next, decide if the thesis will be argumentative, explanatory or analytical, depending on the purpose of the writing:

Argumentative: Making a claim and defending it with evidence.
Explanatory: Explaining a process or topic.
Analytical: Breaking down a concept and analysing its parts.

#3 Develop the claim or assertion

Third, state the main argument, explanation or analysis based on the chosen type of thesis statement. Make it specific and focused.

Argumentative: ‘Government subsidies for organic farming should be increased to reduce pesticide use, promote sustainable agriculture and improve public health.’
Explanatory: ‘The development of renewable energy technologies has transformed the global energy market by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions.’
Analytical: ‘In 1984, George Orwell uses the concept of “doublethink” to highlight the dangers of totalitarianism and the manipulation of truth.’

#4 Include reasons or key points

Next, briefly outline the main reasons or aspects that support the claim or analysis. This guides the reader and provides a roadmap for the essay.

Argumentative: ‘Government subsidies for organic farming should be increased to reduce pesticide use, promote sustainable agriculture and improve public health.’
- Reasons: Reducing pesticide use, promoting sustainability, improving health.
Explanatory: ‘The development of renewable energy technologies has transformed the global energy market by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions.’
- Reasons: Reducing fossil fuel dependence and decreasing emissions.
Analytical: ‘In 1984, George Orwell uses the concept of “doublethink” to highlight the dangers of totalitarianism and the manipulation of truth.’
- Reasons: Orwell’s use of ‘doublethink’ shows the danger of totalitarianism and truth manipulation.

#5 Make it clear and concise

Finally, ensure the thesis is specific and to the point. Avoid vague language and make sure the stance or analysis is clear. Typically, a thesis statement is one or two sentences long.

Checklist for a strong thesis

Specific: It focuses on a single idea.
Debatable: For an argumentative thesis, the statement should be something others might disagree with.
Clear: It is easy to understand and free from ambiguous terms.
Relevant: It directly addresses the topic and is supported by the content of the essay.

Example process of thesis statement formation

Step 1: Identify topic: Online education in the post-pandemic world.
Step 2: Determine type: Argumentative.
Step 3: Develop claim: ‘Online education should become a permanent option in higher education.’
Step 4: Include reasons: ‘Online education should become a permanent option in higher education because it offers flexibility, lowers costs and provides access to a wider range of resources.’
Step 5: Final thesis statement: ‘Online education should become a permanent option in higher education because it offers flexibility, reduces costs and provides access to a wider range of learning resources.’

Resources for writing a thesis statement

Here are some helpful resources for writing a thesis statement, covering books, podcasts and software:

Books

They Say, I Say by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein offers strategies for formulating strong arguments and crafting clear thesis statements. It provides templates and guidance for academic writing.
The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph M. Williams discusses research, developing arguments and writing clear thesis statements. It is useful for both beginners and advanced researchers.
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian, based on the Chicago style, provides thorough advice on structuring research papers and formulating thesis statements.

Podcasts

The Writing University podcasts by the University of Iowa cover various aspects of writing, including thesis development and academic writing tips from experts and authors.
Write Right focuses on writing tips, including how to develop strong arguments and thesis statements. It covers both technical and creative aspects of writing.
Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing includes episodes on improving clarity and structure in writing, which can help with crafting thesis statements.

Software

Hemingway App helps with readability and sentence clarity, ensuring thesis statements are clear and concise.
Scrivener helps with organising and drafting long-form content such as research papers, essays and theses. It is particularly helpful for managing research and developing strong thesis statements.
Mendeley is a reference management tool that also helps with organising research materials and citing sources correctly. It aids thesis formulation by connecting the researcher with relevant research.
Zotero, like Mendeley, helps collect, organise and cite research materials. Moreover, it makes it easier to support the thesis statement with well-organised evidence.

Next steps after writing a thesis statement

After writing a thesis statement, the next steps in developing a research paper are as follows:

#1 Outline the structure

First, create a clear outline that organises the paper around the thesis statement. This ensures logical flow and helps you structure each section or paragraph in a way that supports the thesis. Typically, the outline includes:

Introduction introduces the topic and provides background information leading to the thesis statement.
Body consists of several sections where each paragraph or section supports a specific aspect of the thesis statement with evidence and analysis.
Conclusion summarises the main points, restates the thesis in light of the evidence and provides closing thoughts or future directions.

#2 Conduct detailed research

Next, gather sources that provide evidence for the claims or analysis in the thesis statement. Use academic databases, books and journals to collect data or literature that will strengthen the argument.

Focus on supporting each of the reasons included in the thesis.
Make sure to keep track of sources for proper citation.

#3 Write the body paragraphs

Develop the body of the research paper and ensure each paragraph supports a specific part of the thesis. Follow these guidelines:

Topic sentence: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that relates directly to one of the reasons outlined in the thesis.
Evidence and analysis: Present research or data, followed by analysing or interpreting how it supports the thesis.
Transitions: Use clear transitions between paragraphs to maintain the flow of the argument.

#4 Write the introduction

After drafting the body paragraphs, write the introduction, which will:

Provide background information on the topic.
Explain the relevance of the research.
Introduce the thesis statement at the end of the introduction.

#5 Write the conclusion

Summarise the main points and restate the thesis in light of the evidence presented in the body paragraphs. The conclusion should:

Emphasise the significance of the findings.
Avoid introducing new information or arguments.
Suggest broader implications or areas for future research, if relevant.

#6 Revise and edit

Self-editing

After writing the first draft, start by revising and self-editing the paper. This involves:

Checking coherence: Ensure that each argument or analysis supports the thesis statement clearly.
Improving clarity: Look for unclear or overly complex sentences and simplify where necessary.
Refining structure: Ensure the logical flow of ideas by using smooth transitions between sections.
Proofreading: Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling errors.

Professional editing services

Consider using professional editing services if preparing a paper for submission or publication. These services can enhance writing and ensure that it meets academic standards.

Types of editing services

Developmental editing focuses on the overall structure, argumentation and content of the paper. The editor evaluates the paper’s flow, the strength of arguments and the coherence of ideas.
- Purpose: To refine the paper’s structure and overall argumentation, making sure ideas are fully developed and clearly organised.
- Best for: Early drafts where feedback on the depth and organisation of content is needed.
Line editing focuses on the style, tone and flow of the text at the sentence and paragraph level. The editor works on improving readability, refining word choices, adjusting sentence structures and ensuring the paper’s tone aligns with its purpose.
- Purpose: To enhance the paper’s style, ensure clarity and precision in every sentence. It improves the overall readability and impact of the text.
- Best for: When the core content is complete, but you need help refining the language and making it more concise and clear.
Copyediting ensures the paper is free from grammar, punctuation and style errors. The editor checks for consistency in formatting and adherence to style guides (e.g. APA, MLA) and corrects sentence-level issues.
- Purpose: To polish the text by eliminating grammatical errors and ensuring adherence to required style guidelines.
- Best for: The final draft before submission when you need the writing to be accurate and consistent.
Proofreading is the last step, focusing on catching minor mistakes like typos, spelling and formatting inconsistencies. It ensures the text is free from any surface-level errors.
- Purpose: To perform a final check for minor issues before the paper is submitted or published.
- Best for: The final stage before submission or publication to catch any last-minute errors.

#7 Cite the sources

Finally, properly cite all references and sources used in the research. Follow the required citation style (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago) to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original authors.

Key takeaways

3 types of thesis statements — argumentative, explanatory, and analytical — play a critical role in shaping academic writing. Each type serves a specific purpose (to persuade, inform or analyse) and allows the writer to address the topic clearly and concisely. After formulating a strong thesis, the subsequent steps — outlining, researching, drafting and editing — ensure the paper remains focused and cohesive. Professional editing services, including line editing and copyediting, further refine the work, making it ready for submission or publication. In sum, a well-crafted thesis statement ensures that the academic paper is structured, purposeful and engaging for the reader.

What is a thesis statement?

Components of thesis statement