Identify the topic and the assignment prompt
Determine your specific angle or claim about the topic
Decide the main points that support your claim
Make the thesis statement arguable (not purely factual)
Ensure it is specific and focused (not too broad)
Match the thesis to the paper’s purpose (inform, persuade, analyze, compare)
Keep it concise, typically one sentence (or two at most)
Include the controlling idea (your claim) and, when appropriate, the key reasons or categories
Use clear, direct language without vague terms
Revise for clarity, focus, and strength after drafting the body paragraphs
Check that each body paragraph clearly connects back to the thesis statement
Use a template if helpful: “This essay argues that ___ because ___ and ___.”
Use a template if helpful: “By analyzing ___, ___ reveals that ___.”
Use a template if helpful: “Although ___, ___ because ___.”