An essay is controlled by one main idea. This main idea is called the thesis statement. The thesis statement is similar to the topic sentence in a paragraph, but it is broader and gives the controlling idea for the whole essay. The topic sentence in each of the body paragraphs of an essay should relate to the thesis statement.
It is important to remember these points about a thesis statement.
1. The thesis statement should be a complete sentence.
2. The thesis statement should express an opinion, an idea, or a belief. The thesis statement should be something that you can argue about. It should not be a plain fact.
Example:
Not a thesis statement:
Water consists of hydrogen and oxygen.
Thesis statement:
The water in our homes may contain harmful chemicals.
3. The thesis statement should not be ci detail or an example.
Example:
Not a thesis statement:
In Hong Kong, the number eight is lucky.
Thesis statement:
There are many superstitions about even numbers around the world.
4. The thesis statement may state or list how it will support an opinion.
Example:
Thesis statement:
Television has a bad influence on children for three main reasons.
Thesis statement:
The choice of food we eat during our New Year’s festival in India is influenced by tradition and religion.