The thesis statement forms the core of the essay. It is a direct answer to the assignment question or response to the assignment topic. It is usually only 1 sentence long. Most essays require a thesis statement.
Note that some essays, like descriptive essays, may not require a thesis statement.
The thesis statement outlines an argument, contention, or thesis that answers the question – this is called the position. The thesis statement also summarises the reasons, evidence, and analysis that support that position.
For example, if you're given the assignment question: 'Why is Human Resource Planning a good idea for NZ organisations?' your thesis statement could begin 'Human Resource Planning is a good idea for NZ organisations because…' The position is that Human Resource Planning is a good idea. The evidence is given after 'because.'
Check your assignment guidelines to find out how you should express your thesis statements:
- For some disciplines, you should make it a clear announcement before the thesis statement, such as 'In this essay, it will be argued that…'
- For other disciplines, these announcements should be avoided. Simply state the thesis statement.
- In some disciplines it is acceptable to use the first person. For example, 'In this essay, I will argue that…'
While it is important to express the thesis statement correctly for the discipline you are studying, for most essays it is most important that your thesis statement is clear.
For most essays at Massey University, you should present the thesis statement in the introduction or introductory paragraphs. Expand on the thesis statement in the remainder of the essay, using evidence to show that it is correct.
Creating a thesis statement
To create a thesis statement, you need to understand the question correctly. Once you understand the type of essay the question asks for, you can create a thesis statement.
Interpret the assignment question, including what command words are and how to interpret them.
Guidelines for thesis statements
State the outcome or conclusion of your essay, not just your intention to investigate.
Use the present tense unless your assignment guidelines say otherwise.
Give a short summary of the reasons for your outcome or conclusion.
Use 'because', 'as', or 'due to' in the same sentence as your thesis statement.
Be clear and specific.
Avoid language such as 'perhaps' and 'may' and don't give too much detail – that's what the rest of the essay is for!
The thesis statement is short: 1 sentence is all you need.
Don't exaggerate or overstate your position.
Make sure that your thesis statement answers the essay question directly.
View our example essays for model introductions, body paragraphs & conclusions.
Related content
Introduction
Learn how to write an introduction paragraph, including context for your essay, your response to the essay question and the structure and organisation of the essay.
Body paragraphs
Learn how to write body paragraphs and discuss each major point in your essay, using the Point Illustration Explanation (PIE) method.
Conclusion
Find out how to summarise the most important, relevant, and useful main points from your body paragraphs in your essay's conclusion.