The Lighthouse

A clear thesis statement should usually drive an essay. Here are some tips for writing a clear thesis statement:

1. Turn the question into your thesis statement (e.g. if the question is “How can schools make the best use of information technology in the classroom?” Your thesis statement could read “Schools can make the best use of information technology in the classroom by…[and then outline each way that schools make the best use of information technology in the classroom].

2. Structure your thesis statement (and thus your essay) in the same way as the question. For example, if the essay question has three parts give your thesis statement two parts.

For instance, if the question is:

Discuss the effects of destructive organisational leadership on individuals, organisations and society.

The thesis statement could be:

“In this essay, first I will argue that destructive organisational leadership has… effects on individuals. Second, I will argue that destructive organisational leadership has… effects on organisations. Third, I will argue that destructive organisational leadership has… effects on society.”

3. Include signposts telling the reader how the essay will be structured (e.g. First… Second… Third…).

For more information see: http://owll.massey.ac.nz/assignment-types/essay-thesis-statement.php and http://owll.massey.ac.nz/assignment-types/essay-introduction.php