5/4/2004
• The thesis statement contains two essential elements: (1) the narrow topic and (2)
the writer’s opinion or claim about that topic; i.e., it provides a specific focus for
the reader.
In our example, the narrow topic is increasing the state tax on cigarettes. The
writer’s opinion or claim is that it will adversely affect not only the nicotine addict
but his or family as well.
• The thesis statement does not contain any specific details, which are reserved for
support in the body paragraphs.
In our example, the writer offers no facts or details to support the claims of
adverse effects on addicts or family members.
• The thesis statement is never expressed as a question.
In the example, if the writer had phrased the thesis as a question, then the
statement would lack a claim or opinion and make no promises of limits or unity.
• With very rare exceptions, the thesis statement is not expressed as a promise or
statement of intention
In our example, it would be inappropriate for the writer to begin the thesis with I will
prove or I intend to. Doing so would suggest that the writer’s claim is still
speculation, rather than an existing truth which the essay will explain and document.
• Very often the thesis statement will include a third element: an essay map.
The Essay Map: What It Does
• The essay map lists the ideas or points the writer will use to support the thesis.
An essay map for the thesis in our example might look like this:
Higher prices on cigarettes means addicts must choose between combating their
addiction and taking money from other areas of the family budget to continue to
support their addiction at its existing level.
• The essay map lists those ideas or points in the order in which they will be
discussed in the essay.
In our example, the reader will expect the writer to first address the adverse effects on
the addict and the family if the addict chooses to “cut back” or quit altogether, and
then address the impact if the addict chooses to reallocate the family income instead.