Being Forceful and Confident

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”).