A strong thesis statement should be forceful and definite. Avoid writing a thesis statement that begins, “In this essay I will show . . . .” Do not say you will make a point. Just make it.
| WEAK | In this essay, I will prove that high school dropouts have a difficult time in life. |
| FORCEFUL | High school dropouts can expect to face surprising hardships in life. |
Also, some words and phrases — such as “maybe” and “I think” — can indicate you lack confidence in your main point. Avoid them.
| WEAK | I think you have to be careful when buying a used car. |
| FORCEFUL | Before you buy a used car, inform yourself about the basics so that you do not spend more than you need to. |
The practices that follow will help you write a good thesis statement. The first practice helps you develop a thesis statement from a narrowed topic. The rest focus on the basics of a good thesis statement (see “Thesis Statements”).