Introduction to the Thesis Statement
Whether the topic of your essay is assigned or self-chosen you will need to develop a strong thesis statement. The thesis statement is the answer to the question your essay poses. It is included with your essay and should be written as the first line or opening remark. A thesis statement should be included no matter how long or short your total essay will be.
What is a thesis statement?
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It is a short summary of what your essay is about.
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It should be no longer than one to three sentences in length.
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It should condense the main ideas of your essay.
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It should give your reader a clear guide as to the argument that you are trying to make or point that you are trying to convey.
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It should help you organize and develop the remaining structure of your essay.
Here are two examples using our proposed essays on Shakespeare and hiring a Call Center Supervisor:
EXAMPLE:
Assigned Argument or Topic: We are aware that two of the many plays written by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar, are very different in story line, character, and ultimate meaning. One has a romantic plot and the other a political plot. However, some would argue that there are parallels between the two. In your opinion, what are the similarities between these two plays? Alternatively, if you feel that there are no similarities between them explain why and support that argument.
Thesis Statement: There are several notable and supportable similarities between the two plays, Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar.
EXAMPLE:
Self-chosen Argument or topic: The Call Center has become increasingly busy over that last two years. As a result, the current staff is over worked and not providing the level of customer service that was previously expected. Adding a position of supervisor would alleviate the work load by providing a liaison between manager and staff. The supervisor would also be charged with better organizing and assigning tasks. Thus, the supervisor would help find ways for the Center and staff to be more efficient, thereby bringing our service standards back to the high level of quality our customers have come to expect.
Thesis Statement: The high level of customer service provided by my staff has recently declined. Hiring a Call Center Supervisor will return us to our previous standards; it will benefit our customers, relieve the staff of an overabundance of duties, and will increase revenue for the company over time.
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