Tips on How to Write an English Thesis Statement

Tips on how to write an English thesis statement that will help get you a good mark. Includes examples of good and bad thesis statements.

University-level English papers can be intimidating. Often they require little or no research, which means that grades are based solely on writing skills and the strength of the argument – that’s where the thesis comes in. Students should see the thesis as the foundation of the paper, and its most important element. But how does one write a good thesis for an English paper?

The Structure of an English Thesis Statement

Many students worry that they won't be able to learn how to write an English thesis statement. The process is actually quite simple. A good thesis has two key elements:

1. an observation.
2. a statement of why that observation is significant

Many students stop at step 1. It is possible to receive a passing grade by doing so, provided the observation is a thoughtful one (i.e., it is not obvious). But without the second key component, the student’s mark will be lower than it could be.

To come up with an English thesis that includes those two components, students should ask themselves two questions:
“What is it about this text that I find interesting?” It is very difficult to write a paper on a boring topic, even if that topic seems “easy” or straightforward. The “observation” part of the thesis is where the student will write what interests her about the text.
“Why does my observation matter?” This is the tricky part. Coming up with this part of the thesis will probably involve comparing the observation to something else, usually the themes of the text and/or its historical context (what was going on in the world when it was written).

The thesis must appear at the end of the first paragraph. It should be no more than one or two sentences long. If it cannot fit into two sentences, it is probably too broad or complex for an undergraduate paper. More information on how to come up with a thesis is available from the Harvard Writing Center.

Examples of Good and Bad English Thesis Statements

Bad thesis statement: “Shakespeare uses imagery in Hamlet.”
No one could logically argue against this statement. Also, the observation is too obvious. If the student is interested in imagery, he needs to be more specific.
Okay thesis statement: “Shakespeare frequently uses images of dead or decaying flowers in Hamlet.”
This statement requires some level of analysis. It shows that the student is able to notice patterns in the text. Her observation is specific, although she does not explain why it matters. Again, it is not arguable.
Good thesis statement: “Shakespeare’s use of images of dead or decaying flowers in Hamlet implies that the loss of one’s innocence early in life can result in emotional trauma or madness. Ophelia’s mind, like the picked flowers she carries, begins to decay after she is severed from the innocence of her youth.”
This thesis describes the significance of the observation by relating it to one of the key themes of the play (the loss of innocence). It is interesting and arguable.
How Not To Write an English Thesis Statement
Students should refrain from including the following elements in their English thesis statements.

• Summary. Never start a thesis with the words “This story/poem/play is about…” Summary only shows that a student read the text, not that she knows how to analyze it.
• Informal language. Avoid statements like “lots of,” “a whole bunch,” and “really.” Instead, use “many,” “often,” and “very."
• Generalities. Like informal language, generalities should be avoided throughout the paper, not just in the thesis statement. Avoid sweeping statements like “In modern society, we…,” and “Throughout history, people have…” These statements usually act as filler and are completely unnecessary. A thesis should be grounded in the text.
• Comparisons to other texts/movies/TV shows etc. that are not on the course syllabus. Unless the student clears it with his professor, a thesis that compares The Tempest to Lost is not a good idea.
• An argument that tries to be too “different.” Some students think that if they argue against an obvious interpretation of the text, their mark will improve. In fact, it will only make the paper a struggle to write, and result in a low mark if there is a lack of evidence to support their interpretation.

Students who keep these tips in mind will be able to come with a strong thesis that, when coupled with solid evidence and good writing, will result in a high mark.