How do I write a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a concise statement summarizing the main point, argument, or findings of a paper. 

Key components of a strong thesis statement:

• Main idea: It encapsulates the central argument or point of the essay.
• Purpose: It guides the reader by outlining the paper's focus and direction. 
• Scope: It should be specific enough to be supported by the essay's content, but broad enough to allow for development.
• Debatable: It should present a claim that is not universally accepted and can be supported or refuted with evidence.
• Placement: It is typically found in the introduction, often as the final sentence. 
• Clarity: It should be easily understood and avoid ambiguity.
• Conciseness: It should be brief and to the point, avoiding unnecessary wording. 
• Coherence: All claims made in the thesis statement should be supported by the content of the paper. 

Here's an example (from UCLA) of a strong thesis statement: While the Revolution presented women unprecedented opportunities to participate in protest movements and manage their family’s farms and businesses, it ultimately did not offer lasting political change, excluding women from the right to vote and serve in office.

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) and UCLA offer excellent tips and examples on how to write a thesis statement. You can also visit NSU's Writing Center to get assistance in developing a thesis statement.