How would I write an effective thesis statement in an introduction to an essay?
jk180 Teacher College – Senior eNotes Editor Like the title of an essay, the thesis statement usually does two things: 1. Name the subject that you are discussing in the essay, and 2. Identify the purpose of your discussion. Your subject could be a particular work of literature (such as Langston Hughes’ poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”) or a controversial or interesting issue in our present culture (such as civility). The purpose section of your thesis should explain what you plan to do with your subject. Are you going to explore your subject from a historical perspective? Are you going to set up a comparison-and-contrast of some kind? Are you going to challenge the conventional approach to the subject? etc. The thesis statement usually comes in the form of single sentence and appears at the end of the first paragraph (the introductory paragraph) of the essay that you are writing. In essence, the thesis statement is a clear signpost to the reader, telling the reader clearly where the
