The essay, like the paragraph, is controlled by one central idea. In the essay, the sentence containing the central idea is called the thesis statement. The thesis statement is similar to the topic sentence in that it contains an expression of an attitude, opinion, or idea about a topic; unlike the topic sentence, however, the thesis statement is broader and expresses the controlling idea for the entire essay. In fact, each of the developmental paragraphs should have a controlling idea that echoes or relates to the controlling idea – central idea – in the thesis statement.

            Here are a few points to remember about the thesis statement:

  1. The thesis statement should be expressed in a complete sentence. Since the thesis is the main statement for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought; therefore, it should be expressed in a complete sentence. And since it makes a statement, it should not be written as a question.

            Not a thesis statement:            My fear of the dark.

            Thesis statement:                    My fear of the dark has made my life miserable.

  1. A thesis statement expresses an opinion, attitude, or idea: it does not simply announce the topic the essay will develop.

            Not a thesis statement:           I am going to discuss the effects of radiation.

            Thesis statement:                    The effects of radiation are often unpredictable.

  1. A thesis statement should express an opinion: it should not express a fact. Since the thesis statement expresses an attitude, opinion, or idea about a topic, the thesis statement is really a statement that someone could disagree with. The thesis statement, therefore, is a statement that needs to be explained or proved.

            Not a thesis statement:           Cows produce milk.

            Thesis statement:                    The milk cows produce is not always fit for human consumption.

          Not a thesis statement:          There are many advantages and disadvantages to going to college. (Not an arguable point)

         Thesis statement:                   The advantages of going to college far outweigh the disadvantages.

  1. A thesis statement should express only one idea toward one topic; if a thesis statement contains two or more ideas, the essay runs the risk of lacking unity and coherence.

            Not a thesis statement:            Going to college in Jakarta can be fun, and I have found that                                                             living in a suburb of a large city is the best way to live while at college.

            Thesis statement:                    Going to college in Jakarta can be fun.