How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements

Summary

In this educational video, Arielle discusses the importance of crafting a strong thesis statement for an essay. She explains that a thesis statement is the anchor of a paper, typically placed at the end of the introduction, and serves as a compass guiding the writer and reader through the essay. Arielle emphasizes that a thesis should be an arguable claim rather than a fact, and it's a tool for the writer to stay on track. She also shares a helpful exercise for creating an argumentative thesis and notes that thesis statements can evolve as the essay develops. The video is sponsored by Squarespace, which Arielle recommends for website building.

Takeaways

• 📝 A thesis statement is the anchor of an essay, summarizing the main point or claim and guiding the writing process.
• 📍 It is typically placed at the end of the introduction, serving as a roadmap for both the writer and the reader.
• 🧭 The thesis statement acts as a compass, helping to keep the writer on track and ensuring the essay stays focused on the argument.
• 🚫 A topic is not a thesis statement; the thesis should be a specific, arguable point rather than a fact.
• 💡 It's important for the thesis statement to be an argumentative claim that the writer can defend with evidence and examples.
• 🔄 Thesis statements are not set in stone and can evolve as the essay is being written, reflecting the actual argument being made.
• 🖋️ Writing 'This essay will argue that...' can be a helpful exercise to craft an argumentative thesis statement.
• 📈 As research progresses, the thesis statement may need to be adjusted to align with the emerging arguments and findings.
• 👤 The thesis statement is a tool for the writer to ensure their argument is clear, unique, and connected to their research.
• 🌐 Squarespace is highlighted as a sponsor and is praised for its all-in-one website building platform, offering ease of use and domain purchasing.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

A thesis statement serves as the anchor of an essay, summarizing the main point or claim that is developed, supported, and explained through the text with examples and evidence.

Where is the thesis statement typically placed in an essay?

The thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction, although it's not a steadfast rule and can be positioned differently depending on the writer's approach.

How does a thesis statement function as a tool for the writer?

A thesis statement acts as a compass for the writer, helping to keep the essay on track by providing a constant reference point to ensure that the argument remains focused and relevant.

What is the difference between a topic and a thesis statement?

A topic is a general subject area, while a thesis statement is a specific, arguable point about that topic that presents an opinion or argument the writer aims to defend.

Why should a thesis statement not state a fact?

A thesis statement should be an argument, not a fact, because it's meant to present a unique perspective or claim that the writer will prove and develop throughout the essay.

What practice is suggested for creating an argumentative thesis statement?

The practice suggested is to write 'This essay I will be arguing that...' and then fill in the blank, which forces the creation of an argumentative statement.

Is a thesis statement fixed or can it change during the writing process?

A thesis statement is not fixed and can change throughout the essay writing process as the writer's argument evolves or becomes clearer.

Why is it beneficial for the reader to have a clear thesis statement?

A clear thesis statement helps the reader understand the writer's argument, follow the logic of the essay, and know what to expect in terms of the discussion and evidence presented.

What is the role of Squarespace in the context of the video?

Squarespace sponsored the video, and the speaker uses it for website building, highlighting its all-in-one platform features and offering a discount for first-time users.

How can viewers get a discount on Squarespace as mentioned in the video?

Viewers can get a free trial and 10% off their first purchase by visiting squarespace.com and using the promo code provided in the video.

What is the significance of the forest analogy used to describe a thesis statement?

The forest analogy is used to illustrate how a thesis statement guides the writer through the essay, similar to how a compass guides a hiker through a forest, ensuring they stay on track and reach their destination.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Understanding Thesis Statements

Arielle introduces the concept of thesis statements, emphasizing their importance as the anchor of an essay. She explains that a thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of the essay's main point, supported by evidence and examples. Typically placed at the end of the introduction, it serves as a compass guiding the writer and reader through the essay. Arielle clarifies that a thesis statement is not just a fact but an arguable opinion that the writer defends. She suggests a practice to create a thesis statement and highlights that it's not fixed and can evolve as the essay develops.

05:00

🎥 Conclusion and Sponsorship Acknowledgement

In the concluding paragraph, Arielle invites viewers to share their thesis statements in the comments and expresses her hope that the video was helpful. She also thanks Squarespace for sponsoring the video, highlighting its all-in-one platform for website building without the need for coding knowledge. She provides a special offer for viewers to get a free trial and a 10% discount on their first purchase by using a provided link.

Keywords

💡Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a concise, one-sentence summary of the main argument or point of an essay. It serves as the anchor, guiding the direction of the paper. In the video, Arielle emphasizes that a thesis statement is not just a topic but a specific, arguable claim that the essay will defend. It is developed and supported with evidence and examples throughout the essay. The video script illustrates this by saying, 'a thesis statement should be an argument not a fact' and provides the example 'small dogs make better companions than large dogs' to clarify the concept.

💡Introduction

The introduction of an essay is the opening section where the thesis statement is typically placed. It sets the stage for the reader, providing context and leading into the main argument. Arielle mentions that the thesis statement should usually be at the end of the introduction, which is a common practice to ensure that the reader is prepared for the direction the essay will take.

💡Compass

In the video, Arielle uses the metaphor of a compass to describe the role of a thesis statement. Just as a compass guides a hiker through a forest, a thesis statement guides the writer and the reader through the essay, ensuring that the argument stays on track. This metaphor helps to illustrate the importance of the thesis statement in maintaining focus and coherence throughout the writing.

💡Argumentative

An argumentative thesis statement is one that presents a debatable point or opinion, rather than a fact. Arielle stresses that the thesis should be something that can be argued and defended with evidence. This is crucial for academic writing, where the goal is often to persuade the reader of a particular viewpoint. The video script contrasts this with a factual statement, such as 'windows are made of glass,' which is not arguable and thus not suitable as a thesis.

💡Topic

A topic is the general subject area that an essay covers. Arielle clarifies that a topic is not the same as a thesis statement. While a topic might be broad, such as 'dogs,' a thesis statement narrows this down to a specific claim, like 'small dogs make better companions than large dogs.' The video uses this distinction to highlight the need for a focused and arguable point in a thesis statement.

💡Evidence

Evidence in an essay refers to the data, examples, or research that supports the thesis statement. Arielle mentions that the thesis statement is developed and explained through evidence, which is crucial for convincing the reader of the argument's validity. The script implies that evidence is the backbone of the essay, providing the necessary support for the thesis.

💡Examples

Examples are specific instances or illustrations used to support the thesis statement. They help to clarify and reinforce the argument by providing concrete instances that the reader can relate to. In the video, Arielle suggests that examples are used in conjunction with evidence to flesh out the thesis statement and make the argument more compelling.

💡Essay Writing Process

The essay writing process encompasses the steps involved in crafting an essay, from brainstorming and outlining to drafting and revising. Arielle discusses how the thesis statement can evolve during this process, indicating that it is not set in stone and can be adjusted as the writer's argument becomes clearer. This flexibility is important for ensuring that the thesis statement accurately reflects the final argument of the essay.

💡Sponsorship

Sponsorship in the context of the video refers to Squarespace's financial support for the content. Arielle acknowledges Squarespace as the sponsor of the series, highlighting the platform's features and offering a discount code for viewers. This is a common practice in content creation, where sponsors provide funding in exchange for promotion or advertisement within the content.

💡Revision

Revision is the act of reviewing and refining a draft to improve its content, structure, and clarity. Arielle suggests that the thesis statement may change during the revision process as the writer's understanding of their argument deepens. This highlights the iterative nature of essay writing, where the thesis statement serves as a guide that can be refined to better align with the essay's final form.

Highlights

A thesis statement is the anchor of your entire paper.

A thesis statement is a short statement that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay.

Thesis statements should typically be at the end of your introduction.

A helpful way to think about a thesis statement is as a compass for your essay.

Thesis statements are tools for the writer to keep on track throughout the essay.

A topic is not the same thing as a thesis statement; a thesis should be specific and arguable.

A thesis statement should be an argument, not a fact.

An example of a thesis statement: 'Small dogs make better companions than large dogs.'

A thesis statement should be unique and something that the writer is proving.

If struggling to write an argumentative thesis, practice by typing 'This essay will argue that...' and fill in the blank.

A thesis statement is never fixed and can change throughout the essay writing process.

It's important to constantly link back to the thesis statement to ensure the argument is related.

Thesis statements help the reader follow the writer's argument.

The video is sponsored by Squarespace, which is used for website building.

Squarespace is an all-in-one platform that doesn't require coding knowledge.

A special offer is provided for the first trial and purchase discount for Squarespace.

Engage with the video by sharing your thesis statement in the comments.

Transcripts

hello my name is Arielle and welcome to

how to write an essay today I'm talking

all about thesis statements and you

might think that's impossible to make an

entire video about thesis statements but

I have so much to say this series is

brought to you by Squarespace so a

thesis statement you could say it is the

anchor of your entire paper let's start

what is a thesis statement it's a short

statement usually one sentence that

summarizes the main point or claim of an

essay and is developed supported and

explained in the text by means of

examples and evidence where should it be

typically your thesis statement should

be at the end of your introduction this

is not a steadfast rule you don't always

have to put it there but honestly 99% of

the time you want to have it at the end

of your introduction a really helpful

way to think about your thesis statement

is that it's a compass imagine that

you've just been plopped in front of a

forest and someone gives you an

introductory ramble about this forest

your thesis statement is the compass

right before you're gonna go and journey

into the forest for a hike you need a

compass you need something that you're

constantly checking back to to lead you

and direct you through the essay and

forest a lot of my students felt that

pistas statements were something they

were simply doing for me because I

wanted them because I loved thesis

statements and I do love thesis

statements but they're actually a tool

for you the writer of the essay as well

it's a way for you to keep on track

constantly throughout your essay you

should be referring back to your thesis

statement looking at that compass to

remind yourself what it is you're

arguing a lot of the times research can

get out of control you find yourself on

fun but random tangents and it's

important to constantly be linking back

to your thesis statement it's a tool for

you also so how do you make a thesis

statement it's really important to

realize that a topic is not the same

thing as a thesis statement your topic

could be dogs

Pisa statement will be a specific and

arguable point about dogs you could for

example make your thesis statement small

dogs make better companions than large

dogs there you have a specific statement

it's not a fact it's an opinion it's an

argument that you are making and trying

to defend remember that your thesis

statement should be an argument not a

fact I have marked a lot of essays where

the thesis statement is simply a fact

something like windows are made of glass

that's not something that you can argue

that's just fact you're just giving me a

research paper what we're going for is

an argumentative statement something

unique to you something that you are

proving something that you're making

connections about that nobody else has

if you're struggling to write an

argumentative thesis statement I find it

incredibly helpful to do this practice

write down on your computer go ahead and

type in this essay I will be arguing

that and then fill in the blank that

literally forces you to create an

argument you can end up leaving that as

your final thesis statement especially

in lower years of university just having

a clear argument is what a marker is

looking for but you can then once you

have a solid thesis foundation change

that so that it isn't as obvious another

thing to keep in mind is that a thesis

statement is never fixed you can always

change it and thesis statements often do

change throughout the essay writing

process you may have a thesis statement

you write your first paragraph and

you're like oh wow I actually am arguing

something else or like seven paragraphs

into the paper you realize wow I'm not

actually arguing what my thesis

statement is go ahead and change it

adjust course to whatever you're

actually writing about you might think

that my passion for thesis statements is

insane and out of control but these

statements could help to anchor your

paper

it can help you to link back and

constantly make sure that what you're

arguing is related to what you said

you'd be arguing and it's helpful to the

reader to make sure that they know what

you're talking about and can follow your

argument I really hope that you have

found this helpful make sure to check

out my other episodes on how to write an

essay and thank you so much to

Squarespace for sponsoring this video I

use Squarespace for all of my website

building and I genuinely find it an

incredible tool it's an all-in-one

platform you never have to like try and

figure out coding or anything it's a

place where you can buy domains it's

great and if you visit squarespace.com

forward slash arial you can get your

first trial for free and you can get the

first thing you purchase 10% off so

check them out in the description let me

know down in the comments what is your

thesis statement what are you arguing

and I hope you enjoyed this video bye