thesis statement mistakes

Top 6 Most Common Thesis Statement Mistakes

Writing a well-done thesis statement can often feel easier said than done. After all, this one sentence sets the tone for your entire paper and can make or break your assignment. To help with your next essay , we've put together a list of the most common thesis statement mistakes and tips to help you avoid them.

What is a Thesis Statement?

Just in case you need a refresher, here's a quick review:

A thesis statement, as defined by Dictionary.com , is: “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.”

A thesis statement introduces your essay's main idea in the first paragraph of your assignment. It is the guiding factor that controls and organizes all other thoughts in your research paper.

How Do I Write a Thesis Statement?

It can take a long time to master the art of crafting a thesis statement. Luckily, there are some tools to help.

A good place to start is by checking out a thesis statement template. This will help ensure that you're including everything you're supposed to.

Here's a quick example:

You can also use an online thesis generator to organize your main idea and evidence. You enter the basic information about your argument and topic, and it helps you create a solid thesis statement.

It also helps to take time to explore some thesis statement examples (both good and bad) to clarify how to fix some of these common mistakes.

What are the Most Common Thesis Statement Mistakes?

Once you know the basics of how to write a thesis statement, there are certain mistakes to watch out for. Learning how to identify these common errors and understanding how to avoid them will help make your thesis statement a strong one.

1. The Statement is Unclear

Your reader needs to immediately understand your purpose. If it is vague or unclear, you've lost your audience from the start. Narrow down your focus and use straightforward language to state your main idea .

• Example thesis: The food in America is gross, unhealthy, and expensive, so we probably shouldn't be eating any of it.
• Improved thesis: Due to the obesity crisis in America, lawmakers should consider creating a plan to lower the prices of healthier foods so that everyone can afford to eat high-quality foods.

2. The Statement is Too Complicated

Making a statement that is too long or wordy generally confuses your reader. It also weakens the argument you are trying to make.

• Example thesis: Many athletes, such as those who play in colleges or for organizations like the NCAA, do not make any money, which is devastating because they deserve to make a substantial amount of money due to their efforts on the court and on the field and due to the fact that colleges earn a profit off of the sports that these athletes play.
• Improved thesis: NCAA athletes should receive compensation for their sports in college because they are generating revenue for universities and risking injury for themselves.

3. The Statement is Too Basic or Obvious

As you move up through school, your writing should mature as well. A successful thesis statement from junior high is not necessarily a strong thesis statement in high school or college. While being very basic and obvious in your younger writing might be fine, writing as an older student should be more precise and refined.

• Example thesis: In this paper, I will be discussing the importance of eating a healthy breakfast every day.
• Improved thesis: Eating a healthy breakfast is important to help your body function at its optimal level throughout the day.

4. The Statement has No Real Purpose

Your readers need to care about your topic in some way. Is this information helpful? Beneficial? Worth investigating? If not, choose a heartier topic that's worth discussing.

• Example thesis: I think these blue socks are the prettiest ones in the drawer.
• Improved thesis: Students should be allowed to express themselves as individuals by choosing any type of socks and shoes they want to wear to school.

5. The Statement Uses Poor Language Choices

Slang, abbreviations, and poor spelling have no place in a clear thesis statement. Use professional language to make your point.

• Example thesis: The best comedians should make you LOL 24-7.
• Improved thesis: To be a quality comedian, you must develop your craft in a way that inspires laughter and smiles at every performance.

6. The Statement Lacks Connection to the Rest of the Essay.

Even if you have a decent thesis statement, it will mean nothing if the rest of the essay strays from your main idea. Always connect your thoughts back to the thesis statement . The paper needs to be coherent and stay on target with your original argument.

Crafting a thorough thesis statement can feel like a difficult task, but it doesn't have to. If you are mindful of common mistakes that students make, you can avoid these errors and create a thesis statement that is clear, engaging, and purposeful.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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Introduction

A good thesis statement should:.

• Convey the topic and opinion of the essay, as well as the subjects and examples that will be discussed (see Jerz's Topic, Opinion, Blueprint model below)
• Be approximately 1-2 sentences long, and included in the essay's introductory paragraph

Meme Generator

What is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is simply a set of subtopics that you plan to discuss throughout your essay, likely the subjects of each individual paragraph. 

Here's a tip!

Although we start writing with a general idea of what our thesis will be, it's always helpful to draft the entire essay and then go back and revise your thesis to reflect how your argument really progressed. Revising your thesis after writing a first draft also helps you with your final revision. You will better identify "fluff," places where you go off-topic, as well as ideas that may need further clarification. 

How To Write a Killer Thesis Statement

Bad vs. Good Thesis Statements

Bad thesis statements have:.

• Nothing to argue
• No hint about where they’re headed
• No focus, they’re too broad
• A long list of information

Good Thesis Statements Have:

• A clear point of view
• A detailed blueprint about where the essay is headed
• Clear and concise form

Ways To Improve

Your thesis takes a position that others might challenge

• Your thesis statement is specific

If the reader can ask the questions, "So What?" "How?" or "Why?", then you might need to clarify your thesis.

Example Thesis Statements

In his work “Plagiarism is Not a Big Moral Deal,” Fish discusses how plagiarism should be treated in an academic atmosphere, due to the fact that it is often rooted in misunderstanding, a lack of originality, and the exclusivity of academic circles.

This thesis has a topic and blueprint, but is missing an opinion.

In his work, “Plagiarism Is Not a Big Moral Deal,” Fish discusses how plagiarism should not be treated as a moral or philosophical issue, due to the fact that it is often rooted in misunderstanding of the complex rules, a lack of originality as a concept, and the exclusivity of academic circles.

Explanation

This thesis is better because it includes all of the following:

Topic : A discussion of how plagiarism should be treated in an academic atmosphere.

Opinion : Plagiarism is not an issue of morality but rather professionalism.

Blueprint : He argues that plagiarism is often caused by misunderstanding without malicious intent, lack of originality as a concept, and overly complicated rules and systems taught to a few in academic circles. 

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes include:.

1. Lack of focus and specificity 

2. Jargon (word choice that is exclusive/ hard to understand)

3. Treating your thesis statement like a topic sentence

4. Not adequately representing your claim

Difference Between a Thesis and a Topic Sentence

Thesis statements are 1-2 sentences that assert your opinion and what will be said throughout the entire essay . 

Topic sentences introduce the discussion to follow in a specific paragrap h .  Each must be general enough to express the paragraph’s overall subject, but also specific enough that the reader knows where the paragraph is going. For more information, see Rams Write: Topic Sentences .

Thesis Sentence vs. Topic

Sparknotes: "Thesis Machine Strategy"

The “thesis machine”.

This is a technique my first writing professor taught me. It’s a reliable jumping off point for when you’re just trying to get a thesis down. The pattern’s simple—here’s an example:

Topic: Hufflepuffs

Topic + Position: Hufflepuffs make the best friends

Topic + Position + Rationale  (Think of this as the “because” step): Hufflepuffs make the best friends because they are accepting and loyal.

Topic + Position + Rationale + Qualification  (The “although” step): Although they are often overlooked and considered oddballs, Hufflepuffs make the best friends because of their deep-seated values of loyalty, dedication, and acceptance, all crucial traits in any friendship.

General Guideline for Theses

Jerz's Literary Weblog  offers general guidelines for brainstorming your thesis.

This page was created by/ MLA Citations

Kirsten LaCroix, Framingham State U, Class of 2022

Bri Hibbert, Framingham State U, Class of 2022

Spring 2019

Julia Coolidge, Framingham State U, Class of 2022 

Sarah Wheeler, Framingham State U, Class of 2021

Works Cited

"Developing Your Thesis."  Odegaard Writing and Research Center,  2018,  depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Developing%20Your%20Thesis.pdf .

Harrogate, Kurt. "How to Write a Killer Thesis Statement." Sparknotes Blog , 17 March 2017,  www.sparknotes.com/blog/2017/03/17/how-to-write-a-killer-thesis-statement/ . 

"How to Write a Killer Thesis Statement by Shmoop."  Youtube,  uploaded by Shmoop, 6 September 2013,  www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wxE8R_x5I0 . 

Jerz, Dennis G. and Jordan, Nicci. "Blueprinting: Using the Thesis Paragraph to Plan Your Essay."  Jerz’s Literacy Weblog,  10 June 2015,  jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/blueprinting-using-the-thesis-paragraph-to-plan-your-essay/ . 

Meme Generator: Create Your Own Meme.  Meme Generator, 2019,  memegenerator.net . 

"Thesis Statements." The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,  2018,  writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/ .

"Thesis Statement vs. Topic Sentence by Shmoop."  YouTube,  uploaded by Shmoop, 16 July 2013,  www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=236&v=Nx2-PcBzZjo . 

"Writing Tips: Thesis Statements."  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Center for Writing Students,  2013,  www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/ .

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63 Examples and Pitfalls of Thesis Statements

The following are good examples of strong thesis statements.

Thesis statement 1

To plan and fund healthcare, local health networks are better at improving the patient experience and access to care than a large central body.

Thesis statement 2

Positioning clients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in the prone position increases ventilation and decreases mortality rates.

Pitfalls to avoid with thesis statements

Now that you have learned about strong thesis statements, take a look at four pitfalls to avoid when composing a thesis, as described in Table 6.2 and illustrated in Figure 6.5 .

Table 6.2 : Pitfalls to avoid with thesis statements

Figure 6.5: Pitfalls in thesis statements

Student Tip

Use of the First Person Perspective in a Thesis Statement

Even in a personal essay that allows the use of the first person perspective, your thesis should not contain phrases such as in “my opinion” or “I believe.” These statements reduce your credibility and weaken your argument. Your opinion will be more convincing if you use a stronger statement, such as: “As per the evidence, I argue that shifting money to preventative healthcare is important to reduce hospital healthcare costs.”

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The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition Copyright © 2019 by Jennifer Lapum; Oona St-Amant; Michelle Hughes; Andy Tan; Arina Bogdan; Frances Dimaranan; Rachel Frantzke; and Nada Savicevic is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

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. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
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How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus. 

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point. 

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

• Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
• Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
• Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

• What impact did reality TV have on American society?
• How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
• Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that. 

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves. 

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Thesis Statements: The Complete Guide

Thesis statements are pretty important, but they cause students a whole lot of trouble. You can find them in the introduction of an essay.  They’re usually only one sentence and they contain two important pieces of information:

• The main topic of the assignment
• Your stance (also called your view or opinion) on the topic.

Without a thesis statement, your essay might lack focus, structure and an argument (if your essay needs one).

Many students find thesis statements confusing, so I created this guide to make thesis statements easier to understand and write.

By the end of this article, you should know:

• the five rules of good thesis statements
• the mistakes to avoid when writing thesis statements
• how to write a thesis statement in six steps

I’ve also made a free worksheet to go with this guide. It contains sentence structures, examples and exercises. [thrive_2step id=’996′] Click here to download it . [/thrive_2step]

Part Zero: Examples of Thesis Statement

Before we get into the Rules and the How To steps, let’s look at a couple of authentic examples. These are two thesis statements taken from the introductions of two academic journal articles that I have  recently read.

Note : these statements are quite complex, so don’t worry about understanding them. Just look at how they are structured.

The available evidence suggests that tests often do exert influence on learners and that individual learners, like teachers, will experience this influence in different ways. Although teacher and student perceptions of test influence have been compared, there is a lack of evidence relating to how washback to teachers and programmes might interact with washback to learners . Questions addressed in this study include: what expectations do students bring to IELTS preparation courses? And how do these compare with the expectations of non-IELTS learners, with teacher perceptions of course content and with experiences reported at course.

Green, A., 2006. Washback to the learner: Learner and teacher perspectives on IELTS preparation course expectations and outcomes. Assessing Writing , 11, pp. 113-134.

This thesis statement does two things: it shows us the focus of the study AND it tells us that the topic is significant.

In an essay on music that hardly involves procedures but focuses on historical facts, specific relational processes (i.e., clauses that involve verbs such as is and are and convey facts) are expected to constitute a large proportion of the writing. Therefore, to write appropriately for a particular genre, a writer needs to understand what is expected; the writing should include a high percentage of those clausal constructions that meet genre expectations. This study examines the use of process types during drafting in the scientific-expository genre, in an essay written on the topic, Should genetic modification be approved?

Li, A., 2012. Transitivity Shifts in Academic Writing. Asian EFL Journal , 14 (4), pp. 107-133.

This thesis statement shows that the topic the writer is focusing on is a significant one. The statement also tells us what the writer will focus on.

We can see a few similarities between these:

• The present tense is used
• They show the focus of the text
• They make the topic seem important

[thrive_text_block color=”orange” headline=””] [thrive_2step id=’996′] Bonus ! Get my free Thesis Statements Worksheet and write incredible thesis statements! [/thrive_2step][/thrive_text_block]

Part 1: The Five Rules of Thesis Statements

Rule 1: make it simple.

What’s wrong with the following thesis statement?

The significance of the thesis statement is undeniable in the debate of academic writings, for without one, a trenchant and convincing argument cannot engage in efficacious development.

It’s too long and complicated . The language is too complex and some words are outdated.

Don’t go crazy with the electronic dictionary or online translator! Use words that you know how to use , and keep your sentence simple, clear and direct.

Rule 2: Make it Focused and Interesting

This essay will discuss the significance of thesis statements.

It’s too general . Yes, it tells us that it is about thesis statements, but it doesn’t give us a main focus or the writer’s stance/argument. It’s also pretty boring.

Think about what you really want to tell your audience in relation to your topic. Do you agree or disagree? Is something positive or negative? Have an opinion!

 Rule 3: Don’t be too Specific

Thesis statements written for argumentative essays evaluating the effects of globalisation on less economically developed countries tend to be the strongest.

It’s too specific . This thesis statement gives a really narrow view of the topic. As a result, the student who wrote this might run out of things to write about their topic.

If you think your thesis statement is too specific, ask yourself, “ How much can I write about this topic?”

If you think your essay is too short and you have nothing to write about, look at your thesis statement – it might be too specific!

Rule 4: Don’t Include your Emotions

I think thesis statements are great, wonderful and brilliant, and really help to make a super essay!

It’s too informal . We can tell that this person really likes thesis statements ,  but that’s not the point. They have used informal and emotional language to show their opinion.

This makes their argument less academic and more personal and emotional.

You can give your opinion, but avoid using informal phrases, such as ‘I think’, and emotive words, such as ‘great’, ‘super’ and ‘wonderful’.

 Rule 5: Make it a Statement

Why do many experts agree that thesis statements are essential for creating a strong argument in an essay?

It’s not a statement – it’s a question !

This is quite a common error, and could show that you are unsure about what you are writing.

If you see a question mark at the end of your thesis statement, go back and rewrite it. Make sure your thesis statements are statements, and show that you have an opinion.

HALFWAY CHECKPOINT

Well done for getting through part 1! So far we’ve looked at the five rules to creating a good thesis statement, and the mistakes that you should avoid.

We’ve seen 5 examples of poor thesis statements , so here’s an example of a decent one:

The thesis statement is arguably the most significant sentence in any academic text.

In the next part of this article, we’re going to look at how to write a thesis statement.

[thrive_text_block color=”orange” headline=””] [thrive_2step id=’996′] Bonus ! Get my Free Thesis Statements Worksheet and write incredible thesis statements! [/thrive_2step][/thrive_text_block]

Part 2: How to Write a Thesis Statement

Step 1: understand your assignment.

Before you can write your thesis statement, you need to understand what your assignment is asking you to do.

• Decide on the type of assignment: This is an analytical and discussion based essay.

This means that you will need to look at something in detail from more than one point of view and give your own opinion.

• Look at the topic of the assignment task : this will tell you what to focus on .

In the example, the topic is: the effect of social media on the productivity of university students.

• Look at the instruction verbs : this will tell you what to do.

In this example, the instruction verb is ‘ examine ’. This means that you need to look at the topic in detail and then give your opinion on it.

To sum up : we need to look in detail at how social media, such as Facebook, increases or decreases the amount of studying university students do. Then we need to give our opinion on it.

Step 2: Brainstorm your First Thoughts on the Topic.

  After understanding the question, we need to think about our first opinion.

So, what’s your first thought right now?

Do you think social media makes students more productive or less productive?

While you’re deciding, write down everything you can think of about the topic. Try to organise your thoughts to reflect the assignment task.

Here’s an example of organising ideas into a table for our assignment title: Examine the effect of social media on the productivity of university students.

Once you’ve decided, you need to make a list of reasons why you think that. This is your first stance.

From the list above, do you think our first stance is positive or negative?

Step 3: Research your Topic

This is an academic assignment, so your opinion isn’t enough. You need to research your topic to find relevant information which supports or refutes your initial stance.

It’s good to have a stance before you start researching because it can make you more critical.

Researching can be tough, so check out this post on how to be more effective at reading.

Step 4: Re-evaluate your Stance.

Your stance is your opinion.

After researching your topic, you need to re-evaluate your stance. This means that you need to look at all of the information that you have collected and decide whether you will keep your stance the same or change it.

It’s fine to keep your stance the same and it’s fine to change it. Just make sure that you have the evidence to support it.

After looking at the evidence from step 3, I think we can say that social media is both positive and negative, but mostly negative .

Step 5: Draft your thesis statement – make it clear, simple, and direct.

Now you need to draft your thesis statement. Use the rules above to help you write your thesis statement.

You can paraphrase the assignment question/task.

Here’s an example of a draft thesis statement using our assignment topic:

[thrive_2step id=’996′] If you want more thesis statement help, download my free worksheet here [/thrive_2step]

Step 6: Refine your thesis statement

After drafting your thesis statement, you need to edit your thesis statement.

Look at word order, sentence structure, word use, punctuation, spelling and any other common language problems.

Basically, you’re refining your thesis statement and making it clearer.

Our final thesis statement could look like this:

We can make it even stronger by including some reasons for our stance :

Final Words

That’s the end of our Thesis Statement workshop! You should now be a thesis statement expert!

All you need to do now is:

• Download my free 4-page thesis statements worksheet and work through the exercises. [thrive_2step id=’996′] Click here to download it . [/thrive_2step]
• Use the worksheet to write your thesis statement.
• Post your statement in the comments below.

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Mastering the Thesis Statement: Examples and Tips for Academic Success

What is the thesis statement? When it comes to writing an essay , there are many things that we must take into consideration in order to create a well-written and respected piece of work. One such thing is the thesis statement. Every good essay should have one and it needs to be well-written and well-thought-out. In this article, we are going to be looking at exactly what a thesis statement is and what it is used for as well as looking at some examples of the thesis statement as a way to gain a greater understanding of what its function is.

A thesis statement plays a crucial role in any well-crafted essay, as it helps both the writer and the reader establish the central point of the paper. Typically found near the end of the introduction, this sentence succinctly conveys the main idea the writer intends to communicate throughout the essay. Crafting a strong thesis statement increases the likelihood that the resulting essay will be cohesive, persuasive, and engaging for the audience.

Creating an effective thesis statement can, at times, be a challenging process. One useful method is to begin by exploring examples that illustrate the various ways in which thesis statements can be constructed, depending on the type of essay or paper being written. Studying these examples can help budding writers grasp the principles behind crafting compelling thesis statements, and serve as inspiration for their own work.

What Is A Thesis Statement?

Definition and purpose.

In the most simple terms, a thesis statement is a short statement that provides insight into what the essay is going to be about. They are used to enlighten the audience on a variety of things, including:

• The main argument or point to be discussed.
• The purpose of the essay.
• The point of view of the author on a specific topic.

A thesis statement is a sentence that encapsulates the central point or main idea of a paper or essay. It is typically found near the end of the introduction and serves as a guide to the reader, outlining the writer’s stance on the topic. The thesis statement not only answers the question asked but also acts as a roadmap for the paper, indicating what the reader can expect throughout the rest of the paper.

The purpose of a thesis statement is two-fold:

• To convey a clear and concise argument or position on the topic.
• To inspire further discussion and responses from the audience.

It’s crucial for a thesis statement to be focused, specific, and arguable. A strong thesis is easy to understand and provides a solid foundation for supporting evidence within the paper.

Types of Thesis Statements

Argumentative thesis statement.

An argumentative thesis statement is a claim that takes a strong position on an issue. This type of thesis statement aims to persuade the reader to accept the writer’s viewpoint by presenting logical reasoning and supporting evidence. It is essential to have a clear and concise argumentative thesis statement to guide the rest of the essay.

For example: “ Public transportation should be free in metropolitan areas to reduce carbon emissions and economic inequalities.”

Expository Essay Thesis Statement

An expository essay thesis statement highlights a specific issue or fact that the writer will explain or analyze throughout the essay. This type of thesis should be informative and objective, without taking a strong stance on the issue.

For example: “ High-level competitive athletes face numerous physical, mental, and emotional challenges throughout their careers. ”

Persuasive Thesis Statement

A persuasive thesis statement is similar to an argumentative thesis statement, but it aims to convince the reader to take action or adopt the writer’s viewpoint through emotional appeal and relatable examples. The persuasive thesis statement should be thought-provoking and debatable.

For example: “ Animal shelters should require background checks and home visits to ensure responsible pet adoption and prevent animal abuse. ”

Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement

A compare-and-contrast thesis statement sets the stage for an essay comparing or contrasting two or more subjects. This type of thesis statement may highlight similarities, differences, or a mix of both. It is crucial to establish a basis for comparison to provide a clear focus for the essay.

For example: “ While both public and private universities offer a variety of educational opportunities, the differences in cost, class size, and campus environment directly impact a student’s experience .”

By understanding and applying these types of thesis statements, writers can effectively tailor their essays’ tone and focus to suit their specific purpose and audience.

How Is A Thesis Statement Used?

As we mentioned a thesis statement is used to point out the main argument of the essay. There are certain rules that should be followed by the thesis statement. Let’s take a look at these in a little more detail.

• A thesis statement should appear in the introduction of the essay to layout the main topic and the author’s stance on it. It should also appear in the conclusion of the essay, where the author can refer back to it.
• A thesis statement should be a short statement of only one or two sentences that delivers clear and concise information.
• The thesis statement will directly answer the main question posed by the essay, for example, if the essay question were ‘What is the biggest tourist attraction in France?’ The thesis statement might directly reply to this with ‘With over 6 million visitors each year, the Eiffel Tower is clearly the biggest tourist attraction in France.’ If the essay topic doesn’t contain a question, you can fashion one yourself.
• Many people use the ‘so what?’ technique when writing a thesis statement. If a reader is likely to think ‘so what?’ when starting your essay, you can use the thesis statement to form a relationship and a connection to the issue that will engage the reader and make them care about what is going to be talked about.
• Similarly to the above point, a thesis statement should answer why or how questions that the reader may have. Look again at the example of the Eiffel Tower, the statement clearly shows the reader why the tower is the biggest tourist attraction in France using real statistics that cannot be ignored. But in the same breath, gives the reader the chance to dispute the information. This is another key point to the thesis statement. A reader should be able to look at the thesis statement and disagree with it, this might encourage them to research the topic themselves.
• A thesis statement should agree with the body of the essay. If it does not, then it should be amended. Using the example of the French tourist attraction once again, the body of that essay would need to go into further detail about the tourist attractions in France and further prove why the Eiffel Tower is the most popular.

Creating a Strong Thesis Statement

Identifying your topic and scope.

When creating a strong thesis statement, it is essential to first identify your topic and the scope of your paper. You should consider the central idea you want to communicate and its impact on your field of study, whether it’s art, education, or environmental studies. A solid thesis statement should focus on a single aspect of your research, avoiding general terms or abstractions. Keep it clear and specific to ensure it effectively guides both you and the reader through your argument.

Forming a Debatable Claim

An argumentative thesis statement should present a debatable claim, one that reasonable people could disagree with. This means that it should not merely be a statement of fact, but rather an assertion that invites different opinions. For example, a debatable claim on nationalism could be, “Nationalism contributed to the rise of populism in the 21st century.” This claim allows for various arguments, opinions, and contextual interpretations.

Providing Evidence

A strong thesis statement should also set the stage for presenting evidence supporting your claim. In a research paper, this means providing an overview of the key elements and sources you will use to build your argument. For an argumentative essay, be prepared to provide well-researched and detailed evidence to back up your claim, whether it’s regarding renewable energy sources, the history of race and gender, or the role of nationalism in shaping global politics.

Here are some tips to help you write a strong thesis statement:

• Make sure it’s clear and concise, typically consisting of one or two sentences.
• Ensure that it’s focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Position it near the end of your essay’s introduction or within the first paragraph.

By following these guidelines and being mindful of your topic, scope, and evidence, you will be able to craft a powerful thesis statement that engages your audience and sets the stage for a successful research or argumentative paper.

Explore more: How To Write A Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement Examples

Argumentative thesis examples.

An argumentative thesis aims to establish a position and persuade the reader with evidence and reasoning. Examples include:

• Though populism may fundamentally challenge traditional political structures, its effects on social and economic policies are necessary for a more equitable society.
• Social media platforms are responsible for the increasing polarization of opinions and must adopt measures to limit the spread of misinformation.

Expository Essay Thesis Examples

An expository essay thesis presents facts, evidence, or an explanation without taking a persuasive stance. Examples include:

• The process of photosynthesis is fundamental to the survival of plants and the ecosystems they support, providing energy for growth and reproduction.
• Urbanization has led to numerous social, economic, and environmental consequences, including increased housing demand, traffic congestion, and pollution.

Persuasive Thesis Examples

A persuasive thesis seeks to convince the reader of a particular argument or opinion. Examples include:

• The benefits of implementing a universal basic income outweigh the potential drawbacks, as it can alleviate poverty and provide residents with more financial security.
• Investing in renewable energy sources is essential for combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for subsequent generations.

Compare and Contrast Thesis Examples

A compare and contrast thesis highlights the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Examples include:

• While both traditional and online education offer unique advantages and challenges, the flexibility and accessibility of online learning make it a more suitable option for students juggling work and personal responsibilities.
• Despite similarities in their genre and themes, the novels “Pride and Prejudice” and “Wuthering Heights” differ significantly in their narrative styles and characterization.

Using these examples, you can create strong thesis statements tailored to your essay’s specific topic and goals. Remember to provide a clear and concise thesis that effectively showcases your argument, opinion, or comparison in a confident, knowledgeable, and neutral tone.

Thesis Statement Examples: Issues to Consider

Impact on society.

When creating a thesis statement, it’s essential to consider the potential impacts on society. The chosen topic may address issues such as education, war, and nationalism. For example, the thesis statement might analyze the effects of changing educational policies on different classes of society. This could include exploring access to education for low-income households or the impact of privatization on public schools. It is crucial to examine how the thesis topic relates to societal issues and incorporates them into the statement.

Related: Social Issues

Race, Gender, and Class

It is important to address issues related to race, gender, and class when developing thesis statements. For instance, research papers might examine inequalities in the workplace or disparities in access to resources. Such studies should think about context and historical background, comparing and contrasting the experiences of different groups. Here are some examples.

• Gender : An examination of the gender pay gap across various industries
• Race : A comparison of racial profiling incidents in law enforcement across different communities
• Class : Exploring the impact of socio-economic status on healthcare access and outcomes

Consider using tables and bullet points to help present data and findings more effectively.

Environmental Concerns

Lastly, incorporating environmental concerns into thesis statements is essential, especially in today’s world, where sustainability and environmental protection are vital. Research papers might address issues such as pollution, waste management, or the effects of climate change on marginalized communities. For example, a thesis statement could focus on exploring the consequences of a specific eco-friendly initiative in a local community, or how environmental policies have evolved over time.

Keep in mind to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone of voice throughout the section, focusing on accurate information and avoiding exaggerated or false claims.

Examples of Thesis Statements in Different Essay Types

In a narrative essay , the thesis statement revolves around the story being told. It is typically centered on a specific event, person, or experience that had a significant impact on the writer. The thesis statement in a narrative essay serves as a brief preview of what the reader can expect. It should provide some insight into the writer’s personal connection to the topic and help set the stage for the narrative to unfold.

For example:

The moment she won the lottery, Mary’s life changed forever, teaching her the importance of cherishing every moment with her loved ones.

An analytical essay breaks down a topic into its main components and presents an evaluation or interpretation of the topic based on those components. The thesis statement in an analytical essay should clearly state the issue or idea that will be analyzed and its essential elements. This type of statement should provide enough information to guide the reader through the essay and highlight the central points of analysis.

By examining the symbolism, characterization, and theme of “The Great Gatsby,” it becomes evident that Fitzgerald uses these techniques to criticize the American Dream’s materialism and superficiality.

Argumentative

In an argumentative essay , the thesis statement takes a clear, definitive stance on a specific issue or question. This type of thesis statement aims to persuade readers of the writer’s viewpoint and provide logical and supporting evidence to back up the claim. The thesis should be concise, specific, and controversial enough to encourage debate from various perspectives.

Although some people argue that video games can be beneficial, this essay will demonstrate that excessive video gaming is linked to increased violent behavior, addiction, and social isolation, and therefore requires stricter regulation.

Cause and Effect

A cause-and-effect essay explores the relationship between certain events, actions, or conditions and their respective outcomes. The thesis statement in a cause-and-effect essay should establish the connection between the cause and the effect, asserting a causal connection between the two. This type of thesis statement should present a clear, coherent structure to guide the reader through the essay and should establish the relationship between the cause and the effect.

The widespread use of smartphones has led to increased incidents of sleep deprivation among teenagers, resulting in declining academic performance, mood disorders, and health issues.

These are examples of how thesis statements can vary based on the type of essay and showcase the importance of tailoring the thesis statement to fit the specific requirements of each essay style.

More Thesis Statement Examples

Now that we are clear on what a thesis statement is and how it can be used, we are going to take a look at some examples of strong and effective thesis statements. This will give you a better idea on what they should contain and how they function within an essay.

American Education

The American education system has been evolving, and it is essential to have a clear thesis statement when discussing the topic. Here’s an example:

The integration of technology in American schools has significantly enhanced the learning experience of students, resulting in improved academic performance.

In this example, it highlights the positive impact of technology on the education system. It also provides a concise view that can be explored and supported through research and relevant statistics.

Internet and Society

The internet has changed the way society functions in various capacities. Here is a thesis statement example that can be used to discuss the relationship between the internet and society:

The widespread use of the internet has drastically altered societal interactions, affecting the population’s ability to communicate, access information, and maintain personal privacy.

This statement outlines the primary effects of the internet on society and can be further developed through specific examples and analysis. This statement can be supported through studies, data, and real-life cases that demonstrate the impact of the internet on communication, information access, and privacy concerns.

List of Thesis Statement Examples

• Owing to the fact that many children are not being vaccinated because of illness, it is now imperative that we make it a requirement that healthy children are vaccinated in order to stop the spread of disease.
• For families on a low income, schools should provide basic equipment such as pens, calculators and laptops.
• Whilst school uniforms are expensive, they do provide security and a sense of belonging to students and for this reason, are an integral part of the school system.
• Many public libraries are closing down due to lack of interest but these are important resources within the community and we should fight to keep them open.
• With the internet becoming ever more popular and accessible to teenagers, cyber bullying is massively on the rise. A large number of cyber bullying cases end in suicide and it is down to parents and schools to tackle this growing problem.
• Cannabis is not legal in many countries and states and this is for good reason. The drug is known to diminish the brain cells and regardless of how it might relax pain and anxiety, it should not be legalised.
• Too many people are taking time of work for stress-related reasons and so it is more important than ever for workplaces to provide internal activities to combat this problem.
• Many parents do not like the idea of their children being taught sex education at an early age but unfortunately in this day and age, it is a necessity if we want to keep children safe.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

When writing a thesis statement, it is essential to avoid common mistakes that may weaken your argument or confuse your reader. In this section, we will discuss two main pitfalls to avoid: Overgeneralizing and Using Weak or Vague Language.

Overgeneralizing

Overgeneralizing refers to making broad, sweeping claims in your thesis statement without providing specific, concrete evidence to support them. To avoid overgeneralization, focus on providing a clear and concise argument, grounded in solid research and evidence. Brainstorm specific examples or points you will address in your paper that support your thesis. For example, if your thesis is about a controversial topic, make sure your argument is based on valid research and takes a clear direction, rather than making generalized statements.

To prevent overgeneralization in your thesis statement:

• Narrow the focus of your argument.
• Ensure your claim is specific and backed up by evidence.
• Be consistent with the goals and direction outlined in your paper.

Using Weak or Vague Language

Using weak or vague language in your thesis statement can result in a lack of clarity and create confusion for your reader. To maintain a strong, clear, and convincing thesis, avoid using weak or unclear terms, such as “interesting” or “might.” Instead, use assertive and definitive language that demonstrates your confidence and knowledge of the subject matter. For instance, if you are writing about a potential solution to a problem, make sure to express your stance in a strong, clear way to entice your reader and promise valuable insights.

To strengthen the language of your thesis statement:

• Avoid using vague or ambiguous terms.
• Use clear, specific language that directly communicates your argument.
• Stay focused on your main points and the direction of your paper.

Keeping these tips in mind and utilizing clear language will contribute to a stronger, more effective thesis statement.

Crafting Engaging Introductions and Conclusions

Writing a hook.

A successful introduction begins with an attention-grabbing hook. A hook is an opening statement that piques the reader’s interest and encourages them to continue reading. There are various types of hooks, such as using a quote, posing a question, or stating an intriguing fact. The hook should be relevant to the topic and set the tone for the rest of the article.

Connecting Thesis Statement to Conclusion

The conclusion of an academic paper should restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. However, it’s important to do this in a way that doesn’t merely repeat the same information, but instead provides a sense of closure and emphasizes the significance of the topic.

One way to achieve this is by connecting the thesis statement to the conclusion through the use of topic sentences and counterarguments. A well-crafted topic sentence should introduce the main idea of a body paragraph, while a counterargument addresses potential objections to the thesis statement. Utilizing these elements effectively throughout the paper creates a sense of cohesion and allows for a smooth transition from the introduction to the conclusion.

By incorporating engaging hooks and thoughtfully connecting the thesis statement to the conclusion, the reader is more likely to be drawn into the article and appreciate the depth of the content presented.

Thesis Statement Infographic

A thesis statement is made up of one or two sentences and gives the author the chance to tell the reader what the essay is going to be about as well as their stance on the topic. It should be clear and concise and should always tie in with the body paragraphs of the essay .

Whilst there are many points to consider when writing a thesis statement, a well-written one can answer a question and engage the reader in the essay. Sticking with the ‘rules’ of the thesis statement will allow the author to craft a well-written and relevant essay.

FAQs on Thesis Statement

What is a thesis statement.

A thesis statement is a sentence or two in an essay or research paper that presents the main argument or central idea of the paper. It tells the reader what to expect, guides the structure of the paper, and directly answers the question or topic being discussed.

How do I write a thesis statement?

There are four simple steps to write a thesis statement:

• Start with a question : Identify the topic or question your paper will explore.
• Write your initial answer : This should be a concise statement that provides a preliminary answer to the question.
• Develop your answer : Expand on your initial answer by considering its implications, context, and evidence.
• Refine your thesis statement : Revise and refine your statement to make it clear, specific, and arguable.

Where should the thesis statement be placed?

The placement of the thesis statement varies depending on the type of paper or essay. However, a common place for the thesis statement is at the end of the introduction paragraph, making it easier for the reader to identify the main argument early in the text.

What makes a good thesis statement?

A good thesis statement should be:

• Clear : It should communicate your main point without confusion.
• Specific : It should focus on a single topic or argument.
• Arguable : It should present a claim that people can reasonably disagree on.
• Relevant : It should relate to the purpose of the paper and contribute to its overall message.

What are the different types of thesis statements?

There are two main types of thesis statements:

• Analytical : An analytical thesis breaks down an issue or idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents the breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• Expository (explanatory) : An expository thesis explains something to the audience.

Remember, as you work on your thesis statement, keep the rest of your paper in mind to ensure that it aligns with the paper’s overall content and objective.

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Improve Your Essay Writing: 5 Common Thesis Statement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a compelling essay is no easy feat.

Similar to playing the piano or soccer, it involves compounding and complex skills that take consistency, deliberate practice, and strategic guidance to master. There’s no single right answer; it’s subjective. Rather than having a set of formulae to memorize or problem sets to solve, effective writing involves a different type of analytical and critical thinking. Every essay is slightly different, and applying a method that works consistently is challenging – unless you know what you’re looking for.

One key element that can make or break your essay is your thesis statement. Writing a strong thesis statement is something many students struggle with.

Getting the thesis statement right is crucial since it plays a vital role in shaping the entire essay.

Without a solid idea of what makes a powerful thesis statement, it’s common to end up with something vague or weakly supported, thus making the rest of the essay equally ineffective.

But after over a decade of helping students gain confidence and improve their English skills, I’ve boiled down the 5 most common mistakes I see students make in their thesis statements that cause their essays to fall flat.

You can improve your essay-writing skills by understanding these 5 common thesis statement mistakes and taking steps to address them. These tips have helped our students keep their progress moving consistently in the right direction – just like Amber , Aaron , and AC .

Learning to write (and thus communicate) effectively is a lifelong success skill that will benefit students for years to come, even beyond the classroom. So without further ado, let’s get to ways to improve your essay writing.

What Is A Thesis Statement?

Before we delve into the 5 common mistakes, let’s familiarize ourselves with what a thesis statement is. A thesis statement is a central idea that acts as the main focus of your essay. Without a clear, strong thesis statement, many students end up writing scattered and confusing essays that don’t flow well.

Think of your thesis statement as a signpost declaring your essay’s destination to your readers, confidently and precisely announcing your opinion about an assigned topic or question. The rest of your essay, including your main arguments, examples, and explanations, then supports this central unifying idea.

Is your thesis statement clear, arguable, and backed by the evidence you present?

If not, it’s time to revise it.

A strong thesis statement has the following characteristics:

• Supported by evidence

This leads us to the 5 most common thesis statement mistakes I see students make and my tips that have helped them write more compelling and effective essays.

Mistake #1: Your Thesis Statement Is Too Broad

A strong thesis statement is specific.

It focuses on a narrow aspect of a broader topic or question, allowing you to concentrate your essay on “bite-sized” ideas that can be explained within the limited word count, rather than broad issues that would demand a lifetime of intelligent discussion. A sufficiently narrow thesis means a greater likelihood of providing sufficient examples and comprehensive support for it.

Mistake #2: Your Thesis Statement Is Vague

A strong thesis makes a precise claim about a specific aspect of your broader topic or question.

For instance, if your broad topic is education, and you narrow your focus to specifically address the impact of education on job prospects, then your precise thesis statement must make a claim about this, such as stating that a post-secondary degree from a top school maximizes one’s chances at a high-paying career.

Mistake #3: Your Thesis Statement Is A Statement Of Fact

A strong thesis statement is arguable.

In other words, someone else can have a different opinion about the topic from another perspective. A factual statement does not work as a thesis statement as it is often not considered arguable. For example, “Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease” is a statement of fact that is easily proven. A strong thesis statement has a point of view that can be argued and critically analyzed.

Mistake #4: Your Thesis Statement Is Not Supported By Evidence

A solid argument, and thus a strong thesis statement, is backed by evidence.

Your evidence includes examples and details from the text, scientific literature, scholarly articles, and other reputable sources that demonstrate that your claim is valid. The evidence you present in your essay must clearly back up the claim you make in your thesis statement.

Mistake #5: Your Thesis Statement Is Not Confident

A strong thesis statement is stated confidently.

A thesis statement with a confident tone asserts that you are taking a stance that is sufficiently backed by details and examples.

Even in personal pieces such as journal entries, statements like “I feel” or “I believe” can indicate a weak argument and reduce the credibility of your writing.

BONUS – Mistake #6: Your Thesis Statement Is Not Formatted Correctly

Different schools and teachers have their own preferences when it comes to formatting thesis statements. In some cases, you’ll need to outline each of your separate arguments, while in others, a unified thesis will be required. Understand the expectations in your situation, and you’ll be headed in the right direction.

Final Takeaway Tips

To improve your next thesis statement, ask yourself a few questions:

• Is your thesis statement specific?
• Is it precise?
• Is it arguable?
• Can it be demonstrated with evidence?
• Is it stated assertively?
• Does it meet your teacher’s requirements?
• Can it be proven within the span of the essay, or is it too broad to cover within the word limit?

Writing an A+ essay requires dedication and hard work. However, following the tips we’ve shared can make the process a little less stressful. If you’re looking for some assistance with your writing efforts, my team and I at Top Class Edge are happy to help.

Whether you want to learn how to write an English essay or are working on a creative assignment, we have highly-qualified English tutors who are excited to work with you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and see if you qualify to work with us.

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Top 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid While Writing A Thesis

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Avoid thesis writing pitfalls!

Writing a thesis paper can be a daunting task, especially for students who are new to academic writing. While it is a great opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in a particular subject, the process of thesis writing can be fraught with challenges.  Students often make common writing mistakes, such as not developing a clear and concise thesis statement or improperly structuring a paper. Explore the top five common thesis writing mistakes in this blog post, and use these thesis writing tips and strategies to avoid these pitfalls and achieve academic success.

What is a Thesis Paper?

A thesis paper is an extended piece of academic writing that presents an original research argument on a particular topic or issue. It is typically required for students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees but may also be assigned at the undergraduate level.  Writing a thesis paper can be challenging, requiring a high level of research and critical analysis. However, it is also an opportunity for students to demonstrate their expertise in a particular field and to contribute new knowledge to their disciplines. When writing a thesis paper, it is crucial to avoid common writing mistakes, such as failing to develop a clear thesis statement or to structure the paper effectively. With these tips to avoid common writing mistakes, thesis writing can be a rewarding and successful experience.

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Top 5 Common Thesis Writing Mistakes

Here are common writing mistakes that students make when writing a thesis paper. Avoid these pitfalls and produce a high-quality thesis paper by understanding these mistakes and following the recommended thesis writing tips.

1. Unclear Thesis Statement

Writing a thesis that is clear is the foundation of a strong thesis paper. Without it, a paper lacks direction and purpose. Many students make the mistake of either writing a weak thesis statement or failing to include one at all. 

‍ Proposed solution: To avoid this mistake, take time to develop a strong thesis statement that clearly presents the argument and scope of the paper. Revise and refine it as you continue to research and write your paper. For assistance perfecting your thesis statement, consult a professional editing service .

2. Ineffective Organization and Structure

Writing a thesis that is well-organized and well-structured helps the reader follow the central argument and better understand the research. However, many students struggle due to ineffective organization and structure, leading to readers' confusion and disengagement. 

‍ Proposed solution: To avoid this mistake, start by outlining your paper and breaking it down into clear sections and subsections. Ensure that the sections flow logically from one to the next and that your argument is presented cohesively throughout the paper.

3. Lack of Clarity and Conciseness

Writing a thesis paper requires a high level of research and analysis , but it's important not to get bogged down in unnecessary details. Many students make the mistake of including too much information or using overly complex language. 

‍ Proposed solution: To avoid this mistake, focus on presenting your research and analysis clearly and concisely. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms unless necessary.

4. Failure to Follow Citation Guidelines

Properly citing sources is critical when writing a thesis paper. Failure to do so can lead to plagiarism or a lack of credibility. Many students make the mistake of either not citing their sources correctly or failing to include citations altogether. 

‍ Proposed solution: To avoid this mistake, familiarize yourself with the citation guidelines of your institution or discipline. Use reputable sources, and ensure that all sources are properly cited.

5. Neglecting the Revision Process

While writing a thesis, the revision process is a crucial step but many students neglect it. They rush through the process or skip it altogether, leading to mistakes and inconsistencies in their papers. 

‍ Proposed solution: To avoid this mistake, set aside time to review and revise your paper. Seek feedback from peers or advisors, and make necessary revisions to improve the coherence of your argument.

If your peers or advisors are too busy to help with your thesis paper, consider consulting an expert thesis editor . 

Writing a thesis paper is a challenging task, but by avoiding common writing mistakes and following effective thesis writing tips, students can successfully complete their papers and achieve academic success.  Failing to develop a clear thesis statement, ineffective organization and structure, lack of clarity and conciseness, failure to follow citation guidelines, and neglecting the revision process are common writing mistakes that students should be aware of.  To avoid these mistakes while writing a thesis, take time to develop a strong thesis statement, outline the paper, use clear and concise language, properly cite sources, and set aside time for revision. To perfect your thesis, you can always get thesis paper editing and feedback from a vetted expert.

By following these tips and strategies while writing a thesis, students can produce a well-written and coherent thesis paper that demonstrates their expertise in their chosen field of study. Make sure you checkout our detailed blog on how to write thesis statement .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ok to leave mistakes while writing a thesis, what is the hardest aspect of writing a thesis, are there certain words i should avoid when writing a thesis, how do i write a thesis, how much time do i need to write my thesis.

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What Should You Avoid When Writing a Thesis Statement

A dissertation embodying the outcome of original research and especially substantiating a specific view, one written by a candidate for an academic degree. 2a: a proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof: a hypothesis. A thesis statement makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of the paper. It summarizes the conclusions that the writer has reached about the topic. A thesis statement is generally located near the end of the introduction. To write a fool-proof thesis, there are certain thesis writing mistakes that students must avoid.

How Should you start writing your thesis?

A thesis statement is a verdict that sums up the main target of your paper or essay. It usually moves nearer the end of your presentation. Your thesis will consider a bit contrasting depending on the kind of survey you are presenting. But the thesis statement should always clearly justify the central idea you want to get across. Follow the link to learn how to craft a perfect thesis statement

How long should a thesis be?

The length of most dissertations is 100 to 200 pages. All disquisitions should be divided into suitable sections, and long dissertations may need chapters, main divisions, and subdivisions.

Can you fail A thesis?

Each member of the committee assigns a grade of “pass” or “fail”. A majority of the committee must approve the thesis, and a candidate cannot be passed if more than one vote of “fail” is reported. The results of the thesis define must be submitted to the Graduate College immediately after its completion. In order to write a thesis that gets approved, it’s essential to avoid the following thesis writing mistakes.

Major errors to avoid while writing a thesis:

• Not doing “enough” research
• Putting things off until the last minute
• Choosing the wrong topic
• Being disorganized
• Providing too much information
• Committing plagiarism
• Choosing readers and editors who aren’t critical enough
• Checking the final product for grammar and spelling mistakes only
• Avoiding expert help for proofreading and editing
• Failing in writing an impressive thesis statement
• Using Inappropriate Academic Language
• The Conclusion Doesn’t Conclude or Doesn’t Exist

11 thesis writing mistakes students make

1. not doing “enough” research : a major thesis writing mistake.

The total sum of research you will undertake for a master’s thesis will be substantially over most of the tasks you have done before—even more so if you are doing your doctoral dissertation. When you have ample research, you will have a rich amount of ideas and thoughts to get your creative river flow. Only then can you explore your thoughts and original ideas that will form the crux of your work. When your arguments are not stopped with adequate references, it shows. It can undermine all the other work you have put in.

It is also a fault to bring out a lot of research, but only in a very narrow way. Read thoroughly and deeply in your field. A variety of resources lends your work credibility and lessens any appearance of bias.

2. Putting things off until the last minute

The average dissertation is between 100 and 200 pages, although, depending on the topic, a dissertation could be even longer. In any case, that is a lot of work to leave until the last minute to rush.

You will have to submit many drafts and give your supervisors and others’ thoughts enough time to digest them. You will also require time to respond to their feedback. And these will have to happen on top of the classes and other responsibilities you and they already have. If you rush your writing, you might make careless thesis mistakes, but more importantly, you won’t have enough time to convey a truly unique insight into your work. Plan well and then add more cushion to that plan than you think you will need.

3. Choosing the wrong topic

If you choose a topic that is not interesting to anyone but yourself, or that you are not specifically attentive to, you might have an issue maintaining others or your awareness after working on it for several months or even years. That is an unsatisfactory location to find yourself in when you are trying to complete.

There are other ways to choose deficiently. Do not choose a topic that is trite academic in a way to impress others. You will bore yourself and potentially not be up to the topic. Also, consider whether your specific topic is outdated or has been written thousands of times before.

4. Being disorganized

This makes an entreaty not only to your research methodology , specifically in the sciences but also to the writing process itself. You must have a proper system in location so that you can retain the path of your citations, sources, and quotes. And each specific part of your dissertation should be showing a clear and suitable formation and progression of ideas and plan. Your job can be ablaze and ground-breaking, but a lack of organization will make it entirely unreachable.

5. Providing too much information

Yes, there is a certain thing when it comes to staying concentrated on the central idea in your jobs. Giving sufficient background and context is crucial to writing a credible document or subjects and doing an appreciable deal of research will give you strength and a proper base. However, tangential thinking and irrelevant, unsuitable points are distracting. They also give the appearance of being filler.

6. Committing plagiarism : A huge dissertation writing mistake

We have already discussed plagiarism, but it is worth mentioning once more. Avoiding it is a leap to having a proper and organized writing process, but even the most well-meaning writer can slip up if they are not alert about it. You will put your reputation and your work in danger if you plagiarize, even if it is accidental. If it doubts, use a plagiarism checking service to make sure your work is all above board.

7. Choosing readers and editors who are not critical enough

A successful thesis or dissertation fortunately or unfortunately is not just up to you. You will need committees, readers, and advisors to assess the worth of your progress, assist you, challenge you, and ultimately grade your work.

We all need encouragement, especially with tasks that are as overwhelming as the capstone research that can explain your academic career. However, if readers are not detecting anything wrong with your work, they are doing you a disservice. Mistakes are made by everyone, and everyone can upgrade their work. Be sure that the people you select to be your readers during the various drafts give you positive feedback and constructive criticism with which you can work.

8. Checking the final product for grammar and spelling mistakes only

Authentication and editing your dissertation or thesis are not just about typos, punctuation, spellings, and grammar. Whether you do it yourself or outsource this duty to a professional editor, you must check the flow and consistency of the writing as well as the logic of your ideas. Your work should be well supported and well structured, with correct syntax and academic language. And do not fail to recall formatting and citations, which vary from field to field.

9. Avoiding expert help for proofreading and editing

Proofreading and copy-edit are integral bits of thesis writing. Committing inaccuracy refers to compromising the quality of a thesis/dissertation. Experienced proofreading and editing services examine the whole thesis from start to end and construct all the compulsory phrases of grammar, punctuation, referencing, and even sentence construction. Especially, non-native English speakers make mistakes in terms of language and style.

However, irrespective of native or non-native speakers, they meet failures in formatting, referencing, and keeping the consistency of the thesis or dissertation from each aspect.

10. Failing in authoring an impressive thesis statement

Drafting a precise Thesis statement is yet another most important bit of a thesis paper. Choosing a suitable and excellent topic and developing a comprehensive paper will be not enough if your thesis statement is not magnificent enough. Your thesis statement must be all-inclusive, bold, alluring, dependable, trustworthy, and precise. This will be the only initial step where readers will get to know and engage in your research.

11. Using Inappropriate Academic Language

In the Universities that do not offer special research work manuals, the students lack basic research information. Even some students do not know anything about the academic writing language. For general information, you cannot use personal pronouns. The personal pronouns include  I, We, and You.  The presence of personal pronouns in the thesis statement is the most common mistake a student must avoid.

Apart from all the above-mentioned mistakes in making the list of common thesis statement writing issues, you can get help from many other guides. Online guides such as Tips to draft a good thesis statement and many others can help you resolve most issues in thesis writing. Seeking help from experts can save a passenger from getting lost.

12. The Conclusion Doesn’t Conclude or Doesn’t Exist

If the conduct is donated to catch readers and persuade them to keep digging in, the cessation is meant to tie up the loaf, so the ones who read come away contended. Often, though, I see a cheque where the piece suddenly clears, as if the writer disburse all their ideas on the taste of the post and had no room port for the conclusion.

Conclusions can be problematic: How to knot everything in such a way that it makes an enduring sense? Triplett Lentz’s advice:

When you do not know how to conclude a piece of writing, try answering the “so what?” question. Why should anyone care about this? How does your idea apply to the reader as a human being? Can you situate your thesis in a broader context? If your post is about how to work a 40-hour week, for example, use the conclusion to address why that’s a goal worth pursuing or discuss the widespread problems that our culture of overwork creates.

The conclusion is a chance to quiz readers to capture with additional, immediate them to the purpose content, or provide them extra to think about.

Conclusion : Your road to writing a thesis free of mistakes

Authoring a thesis is appreciated until and unless it is not copied from a desire. Some majors are mentioned up there to clarify how to write your thesis, without plagiarism. A thesis is an acquisition of research, the more you research the better the results, same as punctuality is important in normal regular life, so in a task doing work on time will give you better results. To keep an impression over we need a solid and eye-catching topic too so that we catch readers’ attention and desire. Keeping a check over grammar, spelling, and sentence structure is also important. We should prefer writing something to inspire people and their desires because words are sometimes key to the heart. Your thesis will be a success as long as your steer clear from the above-mentioned thesis writing mistakes.

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25 Thesis Statement Examples That Will Make Writing a Breeze

Understanding what makes a good thesis statement is one of the major keys to writing a great research paper or argumentative essay. The thesis statement is where you make a claim that will guide you through your entire paper. If you find yourself struggling to make sense of your paper or your topic, then it's likely due to a weak thesis statement.

Let's take a minute to first understand what makes a solid thesis statement, and what key components you need to write one of your own.

A thesis statement always goes at the beginning of the paper. It will typically be in the first couple of paragraphs of the paper so that it can introduce the body paragraphs, which are the supporting evidence for your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should clearly identify an argument. You need to have a statement that is not only easy to understand, but one that is debatable. What that means is that you can't just put any statement of fact and have it be your thesis. For example, everyone knows that puppies are cute . An ineffective thesis statement would be, "Puppies are adorable and everyone knows it." This isn't really something that's a debatable topic.

Something that would be more debatable would be, "A puppy's cuteness is derived from its floppy ears, small body, and playfulness." These are three things that can be debated on. Some people might think that the cutest thing about puppies is the fact that they follow you around or that they're really soft and fuzzy.

All cuteness aside, you want to make sure that your thesis statement is not only debatable, but that it also actually thoroughly answers the research question that was posed. You always want to make sure that your evidence is supporting a claim that you made (and not the other way around). This is why it's crucial to read and research about a topic first and come to a conclusion later. If you try to get your research to fit your thesis statement, then it may not work out as neatly as you think. As you learn more, you discover more (and the outcome may not be what you originally thought).

Additionally, your thesis statement shouldn't be too big or too grand. It'll be hard to cover everything in a thesis statement like, "The federal government should act now on climate change." The topic is just too large to actually say something new and meaningful. Instead, a more effective thesis statement might be, "Local governments can combat climate change by providing citizens with larger recycling bins and offering local classes about composting and conservation." This is easier to work with because it's a smaller idea, but you can also discuss the overall topic that you might be interested in, which is climate change.

So, now that we know what makes a good, solid thesis statement, you can start to write your own. If you find that you're getting stuck or you are the type of person who needs to look at examples before you start something, then check out our list of thesis statement examples below.

Thesis statement examples

A quick note that these thesis statements have not been fully researched. These are merely examples to show you what a thesis statement might look like and how you can implement your own ideas into one that you think of independently. As such, you should not use these thesis statements for your own research paper purposes. They are meant to be used as examples only.

• Vaccinations Because many children are unable to vaccinate due to illness, we must require that all healthy and able children be vaccinated in order to have herd immunity.
• Educational Resources for Low-Income Students Schools should provide educational resources for low-income students during the summers so that they don't forget what they've learned throughout the school year.
• School Uniforms School uniforms may be an upfront cost for families, but they eradicate the visual differences in income between students and provide a more egalitarian atmosphere at school.
• Populism The rise in populism on the 2016 political stage was in reaction to increasing globalization, the decline of manufacturing jobs, and the Syrian refugee crisis.
• Public Libraries Libraries are essential resources for communities and should be funded more heavily by local municipalities.
• Cyber Bullying With more and more teens using smartphones and social media, cyber bullying is on the rise. Cyber bullying puts a lot of stress on many teens, and can cause depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Parents should limit the usage of smart phones, monitor their children's online activity, and report any cyber bullying to school officials in order to combat this problem.
• Medical Marijuana for Veterans Studies have shown that the use of medicinal marijuana has been helpful to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Medicinal marijuana prescriptions should be legal in all states and provided to these veterans. Additional medical or therapy services should also be researched and implemented in order to help them re-integrate back into civilian life.
• Work-Life Balance Corporations should provide more work from home opportunities and six-hour workdays so that office workers have a better work-life balance and are more likely to be productive when they are in the office.
• Teaching Youths about Consensual Sex Although sex education that includes a discussion of consensual sex would likely lead to less sexual assault, parents need to teach their children the meaning of consent from a young age with age appropriate lessons.
• Whether or Not to Attend University A degree from a university provides invaluable lessons on life and a future career, but not every high school student should be encouraged to attend a university directly after graduation. Some students may benefit from a trade school or a "gap year" where they can think more intensely about what it is they want to do for a career and how they can accomplish this.
• Studying Abroad Studying abroad is one of the most culturally valuable experiences you can have in college. It is the only way to get completely immersed in another language and learn how other cultures and countries are different from your own.
• Women's Body Image Magazines have done a lot in the last five years to include a more diverse group of models, but there is still a long way to go to promote a healthy woman's body image collectively as a culture.
• Cigarette Tax Heavily taxing and increasing the price of cigarettes is essentially a tax on the poorest Americans, and it doesn't deter them from purchasing. Instead, the state and federal governments should target those economically disenfranchised with early education about the dangers of smoking.
• Veganism A vegan diet, while a healthy and ethical way to consume food, indicates a position of privilege. It also limits you to other cultural food experiences if you travel around the world.
• University Athletes Should be Compensated University athletes should be compensated for their service to the university, as it is difficult for these students to procure and hold a job with busy academic and athletic schedules. Many student athletes on scholarship also come from low-income neighborhoods and it is a struggle to make ends meet when they are participating in athletics.
• Women in the Workforce Sheryl Sandberg makes a lot of interesting points in her best-selling book, Lean In , but she only addressed the very privileged working woman and failed to speak to those in lower-skilled, lower-wage jobs.
• Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide should be legal and doctors should have the ability to make sure their patients have the end-of-life care that they want to receive.
• Celebrity and Political Activism Although Taylor Swift's lyrics are indicative of a feminist perspective, she should be more politically active and vocal to use her position of power for the betterment of society.
• The Civil War The insistence from many Southerners that the South seceded from the Union for states' rights versus the fact that they seceded for the purposes of continuing slavery is a harmful myth that still affects race relations today.
• Blue Collar Workers Coal miners and other blue-collar workers whose jobs are slowly disappearing from the workforce should be re-trained in jobs in the technology sector or in renewable energy. A program to re-train these workers would not only improve local economies where jobs have been displaced, but would also lead to lower unemployment nationally.
• Diversity in the Workforce Having a diverse group of people in an office setting leads to richer ideas, more cooperation, and more empathy between people with different skin colors or backgrounds.
• Re-Imagining the Nuclear Family The nuclear family was traditionally defined as one mother, one father, and 2.5 children. This outdated depiction of family life doesn't quite fit with modern society. The definition of normal family life shouldn't be limited to two-parent households.
• Digital Literacy Skills With more information readily available than ever before, it's crucial that students are prepared to examine the material they're reading and determine whether or not it's a good source or if it has misleading information. Teaching students digital literacy and helping them to understand the difference between opinion or propaganda from legitimate, real information is integral.
• Beauty Pageants Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower women. However, putting women in a swimsuit on a stage while simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an impossible question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the amusement of men. Therefore, we should stop televising beauty pageants.
• Supporting More Women to Run for a Political Position In order to get more women into political positions, more women must run for office. There must be a grassroots effort to educate women on how to run for office, who among them should run, and support for a future candidate for getting started on a political career.

Still stuck? Need some help with your thesis statement?

If you are still uncertain about how to write a thesis statement or what a good thesis statement is, be sure to consult with your teacher or professor to make sure you're on the right track. It's always a good idea to check in and make sure that your thesis statement is making a solid argument and that it can be supported by your research.

After you're done writing, it's important to have someone take a second look at your paper so that you can ensure there are no mistakes or errors. It's difficult to spot your own mistakes, which is why it's always recommended to have someone help you with the revision process, whether that's a teacher, the writing center at school, or a professional editor such as one from ServiceScape .

5 Most Common Mistakes in Essay Writing

by Mel Beasley | Nov 10, 2022 | Academic Writing

Essay writing is often a daunting task, especially if you don’t feel confident in a particular format or about a specific topic. As a certified college writing tutor, I had the chance to work with tons of students at varying writing levels. It didn’t take long for me to notice some prevalent essay writing mistakes students continued to make in their papers, despite the format and topic. 

In this article, I will show you some of the most common essay writing mistakes I’ve seen while tutoring and how to avoid them. I’ve seen incredible success with improved grades from students who managed to correct these mistakes.

Here are the five most common essay writing mistakes and how to avoid them. 

1 | missing or unclear thesis statement..

You’d be surprised how many students I’ve tutored who thought they had a clear thesis statement when they didn’t have one at all. Every academic essay you write should have a clear thesis statement toward the end of your first paragraph. However, many students have a hard time determining what their statement should look like, and this often happens when they don’t fully understand the prompt or the topic they’ve chosen to write. 

Your thesis statement doesn’t have to feel hard! Writing your thesis statement should be one of the easiest parts of writing your essay. How can you avoid making this essay writing mistake? 

First, understand that your thesis statement is often your professor’s writing prompt rewritten and customized to fit your voice and perspective on the topic. Let’s take a look at an example essay writing prompt below, and then see what I would consider a solid thesis in response to that. 

Example essay writing prompt:

Video games have been the focus of heated debate for the last 50 years, with many voicing concerns about violence, innuendos, and video game addiction all playing a part. In recent years, many have dedicated their lives to playing video games as a sport, which has amassed a rather large community of digital “athletes.” However, many disagree that gaming should fall into the “sport” category because it requires nearly no physical training or activity. For this essay, you should choose your stance and answer the following question: Should video games be considered a sport?

Example thesis statement response:

Video games should not be considered a sport because, while they display some elements of a sport such as competing against others, they do not require any physical training, excursion, or literal skill.

As you can see from my thesis example, I’ve built a thesis statement from the question asked, and I have customized it to fit my stance on the topic. My next step would be to find scholarly sources that prove my stance as correct. If you follow this same method to create your thesis statement, you should never have any trouble organizing a clear and powerful essay. 

2 | They write the introduction paragraph first instead of last.

This may seem like a surprising essay writing mistake, but I’ve seen it happen to even advanced writers. It’s human nature to want to start at the beginning; however, I always recommend that students begin writing their essays from the second paragraph onward. After they have written their last paragraph before the conclusion, they should then write the introductory paragraph, followed by the conclusion.

Why? All writers have a tendency to use the intro paragraph to sort of work out the rough kinks of what their essay is about, which often leads to a disorganized, repetitive intro paragraph that doesn’t match the rest of the paper. Remember that your first paragraph is your professor’s first impression of your essay, so it needs to be extremely concise and a good representation of the rest of your paper.

How do you avoid this essay writing mistake? Start by listing your thesis statement at the top of your paper and let that stand as your intro for now. From there, jump right into your first body paragraph that makes your first point to support your thesis. Keep going down the list of reasons why your thesis statement holds water until you get to the end. At that point, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what your essay looks like as a whole and can then write a much more concise introductory paragraph to match it. 

3 | You’re missing topic sentences on your body paragraphs.

I frequently had students come in feeling like their essays didn’t “flow” correctly, but they couldn’t pinpoint why. If your writing feels like it doesn’t flow when you read it or that it jumps from paragraph to paragraph in an abrupt way, it’s likely because you don’t have topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph.

What’s a topic sentence? You can think of a topic sentence as a mini-thesis statement for each body paragraph. The same way your thesis statement lets the reader know what your entire paper is about, your topic sentence should do the same for each paragraph. 

For example, suppose I were to write a full essay based on the example prompt and thesis statement we used above. In that case, I’d likely start with a first body paragraph that addressed the fact that almost all video games involve zero physical training. 

Example topic sentence:

The dictionary definition of the word sport includes physical training; however, nearly all video games require little to no physical activity. 

This example topic sentence works exceptionally well for the first body paragraph because it clearly defines the point I’m about to support. Think of your topic sentence as your points one, two, three, and so forth. The rest of the paragraph is merely expanding on the topic sentence, so your reader can fully grasp why each point is valid and worthy of consideration for the argument as a whole. 

4 | Basic grammar and spelling mistakes.

You don’t have to be a spectacular writer to get a good grade on a writing assignment, but you should at least avoid basic grammar and spelling mistakes in your essay at all costs. We’re living in a world where there are many grammar and spell-check tools, most of which are free, so you have no excuse when it comes to avoiding grammatical and spelling errors. 

Microsoft Word and Google Docs include a basic grammar and spelling checker that you should become familiar with using. Additionally, there are many tools online that allow at least basic use for free. If you’re serious about improving your essay writing grade, you should consider paying a monthly fee for something like Grammarly, which even gives suggestions on craft, style, and word choice. 

There’s no excuse anymore to have bad grammar or spelling mistakes in your academic essay, so take your time and use the technology available to avoid this mistake. 

5 | Incorrect essay formatting.

Surprisingly, your essay’s formatting is the least concerning when compared to addressing all these other common writing mistakes. You’d be surprised what formatting issues a professor might overlook if you’ve managed to avoid the first four of these mistakes. However, formatting your essay correctly and according to your course’s guidelines will inevitably improve your grade. 

If all else fails, you should get your title information and page number formatting correct, as this is the easiest part of formatting and what I see done wrong most often. Don’t get on your professor’s bad side by overlooking the simplest aspects of formatting. It’s more challenging rules like in-text citations that your professor is more likely to ease up on, not the simple stuff like your page numbers!

If you need help formatting your essay, check out our resources below:

• MLA Essay Guide
• APA Essay Guide
• The Basics of Chicago Format

Mel Beasley has a bachelor’s in creative writing and journalism from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He brings 9+ years of digital marketing and writing experience to the table by writing for publications such as Lumina News and Encore Magazine. He spent 2 years as a college-level writing tutor, and is a certified writing tutor through the CRLA, which is a prestigious cert recognized by the Association for the Coaching & Tutoring Profession. He is a professional SEO blogger with experience writing for brands such as Boardworks Education and The Greater Wilmington Business Journal. One of his latest website and marketing projects has been building the website for the now New York Times Bestselling author, Nina de Gramont .

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5 Common Mistakes When Writing a Thesis or Dissertation

While composing a thesis or dissertation, a student must experience some predicted traps. Falling into these traps can affect one’s academic career. However, handling potential blunders and pitfalls wisely, while developing a thesis, can lead you to success. The process of writing may be frustrating but learning about the probable pitfalls may ease your stress. Here, we bring you the list of the most common mistakes we have noticed as a professional proofreading and editing service provider.

This guide discusses the common 5 mistakes when writing a thesis or dissertation. To give you an opportunity to practice proofreading, we have left a few spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors in the text. See if you can spot them! If you spot the errors correctly, you will be entitled to a 10% discount.

Writing a thesis or dissertation is not just about collecting data and jotting it down. While writing, students need to organize the thesis statement and gather enough logical data to support the statement. Therefore, organizing all relevant information and maintaining the academic guidelines at the same time is no less than a struggle.

While composing a thesis or dissertation, a student must experience some predicted traps. Falling into these traps can affect one’s academic career. However, handling potential blunders and pitfalls wisely, while developing a thesis or dissertation, can lead you to success. The process of writing may be frustrating, but learning about the probable pitfalls may ease your stress. Here, we bring you the list of the most common mistakes when writing a thesis or dissertation.

Mistakes while writing a thesis/dissertation

Addressing all the mistakes is not an easy task. There are some common errors, but flaws vary from person to person. Lack of research while choosing the topic, lack of strength in the thesis statement, problems in formatting, writing bland information, mistakes in referencing and citation, failures in proofreading and editing, etc., are some common errors. However, Best Edit & Proof has drafted all these blunders into 5 sections for you.

1. Choosing the wrong thesis/dissertation topic

Choosing the wrong thesis/dissertation topic can weaken the entire plot of the thesis. Most of the time, it seems like students are in a hurry while choosing the topic. It leads them to choose the wrong thesis/dissertation topic. While picking up the topic, make sure to follow the following points:

Do proper background research .

Brainstorm different concepts. If the concept doesn’t interest you, the journey of writing will be boring.

You need to form your topic as a research question.

Research about the initial approaches to the chosen topic and think about the topic from different aspects of society and academics.

Dynamic research is always appreciated while choosing the thesis topic.

2. Failure to write an impactful thesis statement

Choosing the topic and developing a research question is not enough. A student needs to create a strong thesis statement. Students often make mistakes while forming this part. The process may be critical, but a student needs to avoid any mistakes while stating the viewpoint.

Take a note that the thesis statement must be precise, bold, and to the point. The statement must be reliable and attractive. A poorly written thesis statement disinterests readers to go through the thesis furthers.

Understand and analyze the thesis/dissertation topic.

The statement of the thesis/dissertation must give hints of further discussion.

Avoid grammatical and punctuation errors in this part.

Restrain yourself from writing anything that doesn’t have any concrete base or references.

3. Lack of rational association between thesis statement and written information

Making a logical connection between the chosen statement and supporting information is necessary to execute a successful thesis or dissertation. Due to a lack of research and brainstorming, many researchers often fail to build this connection. A well-versed research paper meets all the inquiries and fixes all the loopholes in it.

The initial explanation for this issue is the inability to discover supporting ideas or information that possess relevant resources. All the supporting statements must compliment your main topic. The entire paper should look like a photocopy where the thesis statement and supporting information are properly synchronized.

All the supporting information must be cited from trusted scholarly sources. Committing errors in citing references is not appreciated.

· 7 Tips to Write an Effective Research Paper

· How to Write the Best Theoretical Framework for Your Dissertation

· How to Structure a Dissertation: A Brief Guide

· How to Formulate Research Questions

4. Violating academic integrity

The study of academics holds strong integrity. Violating academic integrity is not entertained at all while preparing a thesis or dissertation. How can one break this integrity? Let’s have a look at them.

Violating university guidelines: Violating university guidelines while writing is nowhere allowed.

Plagiarizing content: Plagiarizing content from other sources is strictly prohibited.

False information: Making false claims is not a good practice for academics.

· What is Plagiarism | How to Avoid It

· How to Choose the Right Plagiarism Checker for Your Academic Works

· 5 Practical Ways to Avoid Plagiarism

5. Avoiding expert’s help for proofreading and editing

Proofreading and editing are an integral part of thesis writing. Committing mistakes refers to compromising the quality of a thesis/dissertation. Experienced proofreading and editing services check the entire thesis from beginning to end and make all the necessary changes in terms of grammar, punctuation, referencing, and even sentence construction. Especially, non-native English speakers make mistakes in terms of language and style.

However, irrespective of native or non-native speakers, they meet failures in formatting, referencing, and keeping the consistency of the thesis or dissertation from each aspect.

· 8 Reasons Why You Need Professional Proofreading and Editing Services

· How to Find a Reliable Proofreading Service: A Brief Guide

· Why Do You Need Academic Editing?

· How Much Do Proofreading and Editing Cost?

· 8 Things to Consider Before Hiring Online Editing or Proofreading Services

· Importance of Academic Referencing and Citing

6. Other common mistakes while writing a thesis or dissertation

The use of first or second person: Writing sentences in the first person and the second person is not an academic practice.

Fragment sentence: Using long and bland sentences can affect the tone of the article.

Grammatical errors: Mistakes in grammar and punctuation are considered substandard.

If you need us to make your manuscript shine, contact us unhesitatingly!

Best Edit & Proof expert editors and proofreaders focus on offering manuscripts with proper tone, content, and style of  academic writing,  and also provide an upscale  editing and proofreading service  for you. If you consider our pieces of advice, you will witness a notable increase in the chance for your research manuscript to be accepted by the publishers. We work together as an academic writing style guide by bestowing subject-area editing and proofreading around several categorized writing styles. With the group of our expert editors, you will always find us all set to help you identify the tone and style that your manuscript needs to get a nod from the publishers.

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You can also avail of our assistance if you are looking for editors who can format your manuscript, or just check on the  particular styles  for the formatting task as per the guidelines provided to you, e.g.,  APA,  MLA, or Chicago/Turabian styles. Best Edit & Proof editors and proofreaders provide all sorts of academic writing help, including editing and proofreading services, using our user-friendly website, and a streamlined ordering process.

Get a free quote for editing and proofreading now!

Visit our  order page  if you want our subject-area editors or language experts to work on your manuscript to improve its tone and style and give it a perfect academic tone and style through proper editing and proofreading. The process of submitting a paper is very easy and quick. Click here to find out how it  works.

Our pricing is based on the type of service you avail of here, be it editing or proofreading. We charge on the basis of the word count of your manuscript that you submit for editing and proofreading and the turnaround time it takes to get it done. If you want to get an instant price quote for your project, copy and paste your document or enter your word count into our  pricing calculator.

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Academic writing is the type of writing style that requires a lot of attention to details, rules, and regulations. Mainly used for, as you might have guessed, academic purposes, it is one of the most common writing styles for professional works. However, as regulated and strict it is, it is also easier to make mistakes here. One such very common mistake that happens all the time for several researchers is sentence structuring. Sentence structuring has always been a little tricky, academic writing or not. That is why a great emphasis is made on them during the editing and proofreading phases. This article discusses the most common sentence structuring mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Writing articles for journals requires scholars to possess exceptional writing skills and awareness of their subject matter. They need to write such that their manuscript relays its central idea explicitly to the readers. In addition, they need to abide by strict writing conventions and best practices to befit the parameters of journal articles. It is not uncommon for research initiates and, at times, even experts to struggle with the article writing process. This article aims to mitigate some apprehension associated with writing journal articles by enlisting and expounding upon some essential writing tips.

Research proposals are fundamental to any research endeavor. Therefore, every scholar contemplating research should know how to write a research proposal that can relay the intent behind a research project with utmost clarity and confidence. This article sheds light on the essential aspects of writing a research proposal that can bear the intended fruits. Also, it outlines the purpose of all the components of a research proposal and puts forward some holistic writing guidelines for the same.

After you finish your thesis, what is next is editing your thesis. Rather than sending it to your friends or professors, a better option is to find a professional editing and proofreading service. They usually have trained and experienced experts, have Ph.D. in their fields, and will edit your thesis without prejudice. Their suggestions will improve your thesis's content and structure, rendering it much more effective.

The first chapter of your thesis or dissertation includes the introduction. You should provide the reader with a solid start. Next is staging your research with an apparent focus, objective, and direction.

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English Mistakes Commonly Made in a Dissertation | Examples

Students tend to make the same language mistakes over and over again in academic writing . Taking a careful look at these lists of mistakes that we often encounter may help you to break these habits. Avoiding them will set your writing apart and give it a more polished feel.

If you want to make sure your dissertation doesn’t contain any language errors, you could consider using a dissertation editing service .

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Table of contents

Spelling mistakes, word choice, capitalization, conjunctions and linking terms, nouns/noun phrases, prepositions/prepositional phrases, punctuating numbers, quantifiers, terms used in citations, verbs/phrasal verbs, words that are commonly confused.

Although spellcheck features catch many spelling mistakes, they cannot be relied on entirely. These words are still frequently misspelled in many theses.

Check for common mistakes

Use the best grammar checker available to check for common mistakes in your text.

Following these tips will help you to improve your written academic English in general. The next step is to fine-tune your writing depending on whether you are using American, British, or Australian English ! A grammar checker can also help you automatically fix mistakes you may have missed after proofreading.

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What should I do if I find a mistake in my submitted master's thesis? [duplicate]

What would you do if you have already handed in a thesis to your professor, but you printed an earlier version with a small mistake. You want to have a great grade nevertheless, but I am feeling unsure of what to do:

Would you tell him your mistake and hope that he indulgent and says "Okay, then this does not count as a mistake." Since you recognized your own mistake, he is likely to be forgiving. Or would you say nothing and hope that he won't find the mistake?

• 4 A PhD thesis? A Master's thesis? What level? Usually it wouldn't be about "the grade" at all, but about correctness, as the first priority. –  paul garrett Commented Sep 29, 2019 at 3:50
• Moreover the thesis would presumably come back for (hopefully) minor corrections so the typos can be fixed when these minor corrections are made. –  ZeroTheHero Commented Sep 29, 2019 at 3:52
• Master thesis. Of course it's about correctness but at this level it's also about the grade! –  Julia Commented Sep 29, 2019 at 3:53
• 1 Do you think the small mistake will lead to others reading your thesis making mistakes too? Or misunderstanding your methods or conclusion? Does not sound like it from the way you have written. You should be out celebrating and enjoying finishing your thesis! –  Poidah Commented Sep 29, 2019 at 5:08
• 1 Does "Submitted" mean that you officially handed in the thesis, or that you gave it to your professor for checking before submission? –  lighthouse keeper Commented Sep 29, 2019 at 7:59

3 Answers 3

Everyone makes small mistakes from time to time and it is expected that there should be some mistakes in a master's thesis. What you should perhaps do depends on the nature of the mistake. If you are talking about a small or even a big typo, I would suggest just leaving it be and not alerting your professor. Typos are expected and a few won't impact your grade very much, if at all. However, if you have made a major scientific, analytic, or other substantive mistake, acknowledging it and offering a correction is the right thing to do. Depending on the rules of your institution, the professor may not be able to accept a modification to the document you turned in, but if they can, you are sorted. If they can't, them knowing that YOU know that this was a mistake is likely better than them finding the mistake and thinking that you don't know, from a grade point of view.

• "Depending on the rules of your institution, the professor may not be able to accept a modification to the document you turned in" This is key here. What the professor allows for doesn't come into play if the system doesn't allow the professor to be lenient. I'd say you should mention it to the prof, propose a solution and let the prof sort whether the solution is acceptable. –  Mast Commented Sep 30, 2019 at 6:33

Every thesis is likely to contain mistakes, so finding a mistake will not be unexpected in the examination process. As has already been said, if you think it is a small mistake, just leave it and say nothing.

I just thought you might be interested in my personal experience. My thesis was hand typed by me (using an early computer - CDC Cyber 6600 actually) without the benefit of modern word processors and proofing tools. It was manually read many times by me, parents, friends, colleagues and was deemed thoroughly checked and in good order.

Not so long ago I decided to digitise it so it could be archived. It was scanned and OCR'd and I put the text back into modern word processing tools. I was shocked at the sheer number of typos, grammatical and spelling mistakes it contained that the proofing tools showed up. It was quite humbling to think that had sat (and would sit in perpetuity) on the university library shelves of all and sundry to read year after year.

So join the club.

My advice would be the same as for someone who submitted a paper to a journal and then spotted a mistake:

Make a note of the error, and the "next point in the process" where you can naturally make changes, fix the mistake in the document.

For a thesis, that next point in the process might be after your professor reads it but before it is officially submitted to the university; or it might be before the thesis is bound for the library; or it might be after the thesis itself is final but before a paper based on it is sent to a journal; or it might be that the thesis is completely final but there is a place to publish errata. Or it might be never. (As other answers have pointed out, final documents with errors are common.)

My advice also includes the encouragement not to stress about the grade. The grade is an arbitrary number that measures not how worthy you are as a person, nor even how good the thesis could have been if it were flawless. It simply measures (one person's opinion of) how good a specific imperfect manuscript is. So you found a mistake in your manuscript; and there are probably others you didn't find. Oh well, you did your best, and it's not a big deal!

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged thesis .

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Master's Thesis: Contribution statement

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Making a Master’s thesis is a learning process. In addition, like with any research, it is not something you do entirely on your own. Throughout the process, you will occasionally be supported by others, or work together with others, such as your (co)promotor, daily supervisor, fellow students etc.  

In order for you to be fairly judged, it is important to clearly indicate in your Master's thesis what your own contribution has been to the thesis and to give sufficient credit to other contributors. This can be done in a separate 'contribution statement' section. An alternative approach is to address this throughout your Master's thesis text, wherever it is relevant. Especially in the case of a duo master's thesis, it must be clearly stated what everyone's contribution was to the different parts of the thesis (see faculty master's thesis regulations for more information).

The best approach depends on your discipline. Below you can find examples for the various disciplines at the Faculty of Science where it is common and relevant to work with a 'contribution statement'.

Biochemistry

Indicate in a paragraph who contributed in what manner to the conception and design of the work, the acquisition or interpretation of data; or the creation of new software used in the work; or have drafted the work or substantially revised it.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

M.R., J.S., and F.R. conceived the project; M.R. produced key constructs and transgenic plants, and performed initial analyses; T.V.T.D., T.B., S.H., N.C., and F.R. performed cellular assays and plant characterization; T.B. performed the modeling; T.B., S.H., and N.C. collected statistics and developed the figures; F.R. wrote the article with input from all authors.

Contribution statement

R.H.V. conducted the optimization, reaction scope and upscaling. P.G. assisted in the synthesis of N-Boc starting materials. S.V.M. contributed to the initial optimization. R.H.V. and P.G. created the instructional video as a shared effort. W.M.D.B. supervised the project. R.H.V. wrote the manuscript with feedback from all co-authors.

We are grateful to Bart Van Huffel (KU Leuven) for the assistance with NMR measurements and performing the elemental analyses and Wouter Stuyck (cMACS – KU Leuven) for performing the chiral HPLC analyses. R. H. V. and P. G. thank the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for support received through fellowships 11D6220N and 1S09017N. R. H. V. would like to thank Elien J. Van der Gucht for the unconditional support.

Many geography journals use the CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) system, where a table identifies the various contributions. An empty table can be found here .

James Hutton initiated the project, designed the methodology and conceptualized the research. Funding of the project was provided by Marie Tharp. Field work was done by Charles Darwin, accompanied by James Hutton. Charles Darwin performed the sampling in the field. Marie Tharp provide extra samples from her collection. Charles Lyell carried out the preparation of thin sections. Thin section analysis was performed by Charles Darwin. Arthur Holmes carried out the radiometric dating. Inge Lehmann carried out the SEM and EPMA analyses. Charles Darwin interpreted the data. Florence Bascom assisted in the data analysis and data interpretation. Charles Darwin wrote the manuscript. James Hutton and Marie Tharp discussed the first drafts of the manuscript. James Hutton supervised the project and approved the final manuscript.

The student should mention which personal contribution they have given to the various part of the thesis and should briefly acknowledge all the contributions of other researchers/lab members/technicians whose work is reported in the thesis. Example:

"The candidate has performed all measurements reported in Chapters 3 and 4 of this thesis. All the data analysis was performed by the candidate, except from that in Chapter 3, section 2 which was performed by [Name 1]. The samples were prepared by [Name 2] of the laboratory [Name 3]. The candidate thanks [Name 1] and [Name 2] for their contributions."

This thesis has been written in collaboration with my supervisor and my daily mentor. Below I will clarify my personal contribution to the thesis.  

• Original idea of the thesis topic: the broad idea of the thesis has been formulated by my thesis supervisor, together with my daily mentor. The way in which the tuning parameters can be chosen was my idea. I also came up with the algorithm to maximize the likelihood in chapter 3, and the crucial reference to Cook et al (2020) was also my contribution.
• Data on unemployment in the US : These are existing data, collected by the the US Department of Labor. However I managed to get access to these data after having contacted many organizations and companies.
• R code: The code of chapter 2 is mostly written by a PhD student (John Cook) of my supervisor. The code of chapters 3 and 4 is my own contribution.

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Record-breaking Backlog Increases Improper Payments by Over $1B

Less staff, increased workloads, decreased funding led to unprecedented backlog.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As a backlog of payment actions affecting Social Security beneficiaries continues to mount, so does a rise in the Agency’s improper payments. As of February 2024, SSA’s pending actions backlog reached an all-time high of 5.2 million pending actions, resulting in $1.1 billion in improper payments.

According to the report issued by its Inspector General, Reducing Processing Centers’ Pending Actions (022313) , SSA’s performance measure is to reduce the number of pending actions at processing centers (PC), as the pending actions alone contribute to an increase in improper payments. However, SSA’s backlog and pending actions goal have increased since Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. While SSA met its goals in four of the last six fiscal years between FY 2018 through 2023, the Agency’s pending actions backlog increased by 44 percent from 3.2 to 4.6 million pending actions, during that same timeframe.

As the backlog grows, many processing center (PC) pending actions remain unresolved for long periods of time resulting in larger improper payments, including growing underpayments or increasing overpayments to beneficiaries.

SSA cited unexpected staff reductions, increased workloads, and less than expected overtime funding that would have been used to pay employees to process more PC pending actions, as explanation for the record-breaking backlog.

Although only falling short of meeting its annual goal in FYs 2019 and 2022, there was no overall reduction in PC pending actions for the last six fiscal years.

“Customer satisfaction has been an ongoing concern for SSA. This report continues to highlight the urgency for SSA to reach its pending actions performance goal and to ensure beneficiaries receive their proper payments as promptly as possible,” said Michelle Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit serving as the Acting Inspector General for SSA.

The Office of the Inspector General made three recommendations to SSA to consider for its backlog reduction. SSA agreed with those recommendations.

<oig.ssa.gov>

An official website of the Social Security Administration

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Jordan Chiles Lost a Bronze Medal Because an Appeal Was Four Seconds Late

An inquiry by Chiles’s coach led judges to adjust her score and give her a medal. A court ruled the inquiry came too late. Now, the I.O.C. wants her bronze back.

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By Juliet Macur

Reporting from Paris

After learning that she might lose the bronze medal she won in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics — the only individual medal she won at these Summer Games — the American gymnast Jordan Chiles took to social media on Saturday and posted four broken heart emojis on a black background.

That’s four broken hearts for the four seconds that cost her a bronze medal. Four seconds over which she had no control.

The International Olympic Committee confirmed on Sunday that it would strip Chiles of her bronze medal and give it to Romania’s Ana Barbosu. The decision came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on Saturday that Chiles’s coach had filed a scoring inquiry four seconds too late, according to gymnastics rules.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee said Sunday that it would appeal the reallocation of Chiles’s medal, and by Sunday afternoon, U.S.A. Gymnastics, the sport’s governing body in America, had begun that fight.

In a statement posted on its social media accounts, U.S.A. Gymnastics said it had filed a letter and video evidence that it said showed “conclusively” that the U.S. coaching staff had requested an inquiry 47 seconds after Chiles’s final score was posted — well within the limit, it argued, that is imposed by the sport’s rules.

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Australian Olympic field hockey player apologizes after being arrested for trying to buy cocaine

Australia’s Thomas Craig, left, and Netherlands’ Thierry Brinkman jump to reach for the ball during the men’s quarterfinal field hockey match between Australia and Netherlands at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Colombes, France. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

FILE - A view of a player holding a hockey stick, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Colombes, France. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi, File)

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PARIS (AP) — Australian Olympic field hockey player Tom Craig apologized Wednesday for his “terrible mistake” after being arrested for trying to buy cocaine while on a night out after his team’s elimination from the Paris Games .

Craig faced Australian media in Paris after French prosecutors issued a statement confirming the 28-year-old Australian — an Olympic silver medalist in Tokyo three years ago — had been given him a criminal warning and released after spending a night in custody.

“I would firstly like to apologize for what has occurred over the last 24 hours,” Craig said, according to the Australian Associated Press. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions.

“My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, the sport and the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.”

After making his statement, Craig was escorted away by an Australian Olympic Committee official without taking questions.

The Australian Olympic Committee later released a statement from 2024 team leader Anna Meares saying Craig had lost his Olympic privileges and been moved out of the athletes village.

“I cannot condone what Tom has done,” Meares said. “He is a good person who made a bad decision. But there are consequences for decisions like this.

“He has apologized, shown remorse, he has owned up to his mistake, and we will support him if he needs help.”

The fallout from Craig’s arrested overshadowed the day when Australia collected its 18th gold medal at the Paris Games, a national record.

The prosecutor’s office said police interrupted a drug transaction outside a building in the 9th arrondissement of Paris overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.

It said the investigation has been turned over to a police anti-drug unit for investigation and the would-be buyer appeared before a magistrate Wednesday.

2024 Paris Olympics:

• What to know about the closing ceremony : A skydiving Tom Cruise and performances from Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Paris Olympics mainstay Snoop Dogg highlighted the French capital’s au revoir to the Olympics.
• Indelible images : AP photographers pick their favorite images from the Paris Olympics .
• Who won the 2024 Olympics?: See which countries tied for the most gold medals in Paris, and who exceeded expectations.
• When are the next Summer Games? The Olympics will always have Paris . But next up for the Summer Games: Los Angeles 2028 . See how the City of Angels is preparing to follow the City of Light.

The 17-year-old alleged seller also was taken into custody.

Under French law, a criminal warning is an alternative to prosecution meant for first-time offenders, on condition they admit their guilt and don’t commit another crime within the next two years. No fine was imposed.

A spokesperson for the International Hockey Federation, or FIH, had no comment.

Australia’s men’s and women’s teams were eliminated in the quarterfinals Sunday and Monday, respectively.

For more coverage of the 2024 Olympics, visit https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games .

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, chaz's journal, great movies, contributors, hollywood black.

The tricky part with a docuseries like “Hollywood Black,” particularly if you have a deep reservoir of knowledge about its chosen subject, is realizing that it’ll probably never be as comprehensive as you’d like. After all, the four-part series directed by Justin Simien (“ Dear White People ”), adapted from the same-titled book by film historian Donald Bogle, is slated to premiere on MGM+—which isn’t really a historically minded network or streamer like TCM or Criterion Channel. Recalibrating one’s expectation, in that regard, is crucial.

And yet, a documentary series can’t be judged on intention alone. Simien assembles an impressive roster of talking heads (academics, stars, directors, and producers) to talk about the history of Hollywood from a Black perspective. His thesis is sound—Black people are imperative to Hollywood’s existence—and the joy he injects into the subject is pure. But it never feels like there’s quite enough substance to match his enthusiasm.    

The abbreviated length of “Hollywood Black” often betrays its noble desires. Take, for instance, the first hour, which attempts to cram over sixty years of Black cinematic history into less than an hour. As such, the chronology of early Black filmmaking is simplified into a neater timeline. A pioneer like Nina Mae McKinney isn’t mentioned, while Josephine Baker only receives a passing nod (the docuseries instead turns its focus to Fredi Washington, an equally imperative figure). At one point, Issa Rae claims that no other Black director was producing and directing films except Oscar Micheaux. The broad statement ignores creators like Richard D. Maurice and brothers Noble and George Johnson .

There is an early tension to the first episode. While scholars like Racquel Gates, Jacqueline Stewart, and Bogle are providing in-depth context, the celebrity talking heads, who, armed with some basic historical grounding, reduce the past to broad, generic observations That tension is emblematic of Simien trying to balance the research component of the docuseries and the approachability, with the latter party decided by spotlighting the celebrity participants. 

While the docuseries includes plenty of Black women directors as talking heads: Ava DuVernay , Gina Prince-Bythewood , Cheryl Dunye, Melina Matsoukas , Lena Waithe , and more—the actual screen time directed at films by Black women is hardly sufficient. How does one make a documentary about Black filmmakers and not include Kathleen Collins? Outside of “The Watermelon Woman” and “ Daughters of the Dust ,” when the series talks about Black women directors, it’s those who mostly operate in Hollywood. While that decision is understandable, to a point, after all, the series is called “Hollywood Black,” it does erase core pieces of Black cinematic history. Barely any contemporary Black women directors are included—the same with creatives like Ayoka Chenzira, Cauleen Smith, Zeinabu irene Davis, and more. 

Once again, Simien only had so much time, and aiming for comprehensiveness is almost a fool’s errand. And yet, what is cut to conserve time is nevertheless telling. Ultimately, “Hollywood Black” is a history lesson told from a male perspective with only a few diversions to Black women’s contributions.  

There is enough missing from “Hollywood Black” that it very nearly blinds one to the wealth of history that is present. Very few mainstream documentaries, for instance, have tried to provide context to Blackface and the practice of minstrelsy. The genius of Bert Williams is noticed. The little-known, unreleased silent feature “Lime Kiln Field Day” (1913), starring Williams, is placed in its proper context as the oldest surviving Black-cast feature (it’s presently streaming on Criterion Channel ). Charles Lane , the director of “ Sidewalk Stories ,” is also spotlighted. And while it’s heartening to see Bill Greaves’ boundary-pushing mockumentary “Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One” talked about, the conversation between Simien and DuVernay, where the former gives their own odd interpretation of Greaves’ film can be painful to watch, if only because the critique provided doesn’t appear well-considered.  

That doesn’t mean Simien’s first-person perspective isn’t worthwhile. The series is especially strong when he talks about the impact “ The Wiz ” had on him. As Simien stares up at the footage of the still-underrated Blaxploitation musical, there is a palpable joy to the proceedings. It’s clear Simien wants the series to be a celebration of Black creativity—hence cutting Bill Cosby ’s presence in Black Hollywood’s history by uplifting the importance of Richard Pryor and also remaining deferential to Tyler Perry ’s achievements—and his side steps keep him out of relative trouble, so to speak. 

Still, I wish there was more in this film about the how versus what of cinema. When Ernest Dickerson talks about how the lighting of Black skin has changed over the years, it’s incisive and stimulating. But Simien, unfortunately, doesn’t dig that deep into the craft. Rather, he sticks to the broad beats of what these steps forward to progress mean. It’s worth noting that the craft in Simien’s own series slips. Simien critiques how Hollywood co-opted Blaxploitation only to cut to Rudy Ray Moore (an independent filmmaker). At another point, he makes a broad point about films during the late-70s but cuts to “Black Belt Jones” (released in 1974). These mistakes are compounded by the fact that in charting the rise of Blaxploitation, he skips over Ossie Davis ’ “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” the film that kicked it all off. 

Many of these grievances come with the knowledge that many people watching “Hollywood Black” will not be looking for deep-cut references or notice the many confusing nips and tucks used to tailor the history. This is a series meant to serve as an entry point. You just hope it primes enough people’s curiosity to look for more. In that regard, “Hollywood Black” might be moderately successful.    

Whole season screened for review.

Robert Daniels

Robert Daniels is an Associate Editor at RogerEbert.com. Based in Chicago, he is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) and Critics Choice Association (CCA) and regularly contributes to the  New York Times ,  IndieWire , and  Screen Daily . He has covered film festivals ranging from Cannes to Sundance to Toronto. He has also written for the Criterion Collection, the  Los Angeles Times , and  Rolling Stone  about Black American pop culture and issues of representation.

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Australian breaker raygun earns mixed reviews, praised for ‘courage’ and ‘character’ after viral performances at paris games.

Rachael Gunn arrived in Paris as a competitive breaker excited to make her Olympic debut. She leaves an internet sensation, her performances viewed by millions across social media.

Gunn – also known as B-girl Raygun, or simply Raygun – is a 36-year-old university lecturer from Sydney, Australia, who balances her day job with her breakdance career, competing at events around the globe.

Recently, that took her all the way to the Paris Olympics, where 32 athletes – known as B-boys and B-girls – were competing at the Games for the first time.

Related article Meet Dominika Banevič, teenage breaking superstar who wants to ‘write history’ in the Olympics’ newest sport

And at the Place de la Concorde on Saturday, Raygun, kitted out in the green and gold tracksuit of Australia, showcased some of her moves across three round-robin battles: a kangaroo hop, a backwards roll and various contortions with her body while lying or crawling on the floor.

She failed to register a point in her battles against USA’s Logistx, France’s Syssy and Lithuania’s Nicka, losing 18-0 on each occasion. It’s fair to say that subsequent commentary on the internet wasn’t entirely polite about Raygun’s performances.

One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, called her routines “hilariously ridiculous,” while another questioned how she had made it this far. Even singer Adele took time out of her concert in Munich to question whether the whole thing was a “joke,” adding that it was “the best thing that’s happened in the Olympics.”

But Raygun is completely serious. A lecturer at Sydney’s Macquarie University, her research interests include breaking, street dance and hip-hop culture, while her PhD thesis focused on the intersection of gender and Sydney’s breaking culture.

She has represented Australia at the world championships in 2021 and 2022 before earning a spot at the Olympics via the Oceania championships last year.

“All my moves are original,” Raygun said after competing in Paris. “Creativity is really important to me. I go out there and I show my artistry. Sometimes, it speaks to the judges, and sometimes, it doesn’t. I do my thing and it represents art. That is what it is about.”

Many people have jumped to defend the Australian’s performances as unique and creative, despite not necessarily being rewarded by the judges.

“It’s all about originality and it’s all about bringing something new to the table and representing your country or region,” said Martin Gilian, the chief breaking judge at the Olympics, also known as MGbility.

“This is exactly what Raygun was doing, she got inspired by her surroundings, which in this case, for example, was a kangaroo … She created some original moves which could be maybe funny or entertaining for others, but for us, she basically represented breaking and hip hop. She was trying to be original and bring something new to the table. From our perspective, that was nothing really shocking.”

Sergey Nifontov, general secretary of the World DanceSport Federation, said that he was “worried” by the response on social media, adding: “That should not happen in our world. Something is going in the wrong direction.”

Gunn started breaking competitively in her mid-20s having grown up practicing other forms of dance, including ballroom, jazz, tap and hip-hop. She was up against B-girls about half her age in Paris, explaining how it was an “amazing experience” and “a privilege to get this opportunity.”

That was evident based on her arrival at Sunday’s closing ceremony , where she received huge support from teammates and supporters during an impromptu performance on the street.

“If you don’t know Rachael’s story, in 2008, she was locked in a room crying being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman, and it took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in a sport that she loved,” Anna Meares, a former professional cyclist and Australia’s chef de mission, told reporters.

Related article As the Olympic flame heads for Los Angeles, what can we expect from the 2028 Games?

“That got her to winning the Olympic qualifying event to be here in Paris. She is the best breakdancer, female, that we have in Australia … She has represented the Olympic team, the Olympic spirit, with great enthusiasm and I absolutely love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her that she has come under the attack that she has.”

Breaking emerged on the streets of New York City in the 1970s and has since grown in popularity across the US and around the world.

It started as a form of creative expression among Black and Latino youth and is considered one of the key elements of hip-hop, along with rapping, DJing and graffiti art.

While many don’t view breaking strictly as sport, more an artistic expression, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had been searching for ways to attract younger audiences to the Games, adding skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing to the Olympic program.

However, breaking will not be staged at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles , and it remains unclear whether the discipline will ever make a return at future Olympics.

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