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

“There are kids I know from college who couldn’t write a paper, and it’s like, you have a thesis statement now?” said Marcy, 28.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

But because there wasn’t that singular thesis statement, it really set people off.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2024

There it is, folks: the thesis statement for a new daytime talk project.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2023

“Sister Outsider” is essentially Audre Lorde’s thesis statement, an amalgam of essays, speeches and interview text.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2023

So if this chapter had a thesis statement, it would be "SURPRISE! My parents are cool!"

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi