thesis statement

American  

[thee-sis steyt-muhnt] / ˈθi sɪs ˌsteɪt mənt /

noun

1. a short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.

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Usage

What is a thesis statement? In academic writing, a thesis statement is generally a sentence or two that summarizes the main point that an essay, research paper, or speech is making. It is typically located at the end of the introductory paragraph(s).Thesis statements are kind of like roadmaps, laying out for the reader/listener where the writer/speaker is headed (argument) and how they are going to get there (evidence).The thesis statement is widely taught in the humanities, especially in English classes in high school and college, to teach students how to make persuasive arguments that cite and analyze evidence and examples researched from literary, historical, or other texts.

Etymology

Origin of thesis statement

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

A soaker is their thesis statement: a triple-beige stack of crisp-edged bread surrendering to brown gravy, studded with little hunks of meat that run a satisfying gradient from fatty to caramelized.

From Salon

Is that the thesis statement for the record?

From Los Angeles Times

Montiel’s insistence on humanity, even in this kind of gonzo genre flick, develops into his thesis statement.

From Los Angeles Times

But even going in blind couldn’t save a movie like “Companion,” which has been so clearly inspired by recent films of a similar ilk that its attempt at a thesis statement shrinks from banal to downright offensive.

From Salon

And when she says, “The only thing you can do is to look away,” that really felt to me like almost a thesis statement for the film.

From Los Angeles Times