What is a thesis statement?

A thesis is the main idea of your essay and includes your stance (opinion).
A good thesis statement will direct the structure of your essay and will allow the reader to understand the ideas to be discussed within your paper.
A thesis is usually stated in the opening paragraphs of a paper, most often in the last sentences of the introduction.
Overall, a thesis should include the words from the essay question (if given one), the key topics in the main body of the essay and your stance (opinion).

Thesis Statement Video

A short 7-minute video on what a thesis statement is and the key components of a thesis statement.

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Thesis Statements: How to write a thesis statement

This lesson / worksheet presents the key sections to an academic introduction. It focuses on different writing structures using words like however, although, despite and then includes a writing task. Students write three thesis statements using the introduction models. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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An Introduction Structure with a thesis statement

An introduction example on CSR

Thesis Statement Writing Structures

Notice the different structures and grammar

Question: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important consideration for business. Do you agree?

Thesis statement (Although): Although it may not always be possible for every business to focus on CSR due to financial limitations, it should be a top priority for SMEs andlarge corporations if they want to improve their reputation, attract investment and maximise profitability.

Thesis statement (However): It may not always be possible for every business to focus on CSR due to financial limitations.However, it should be a top priority for SMEs and large corporations if they want to improve their reputation, attract investment and maximise profitability.

Thesis statement (Despite): Despite not always being possible for every business to focus on CSR due to financial limitations, it should be a top priority for SMEs and large corporations if they want to improve their reputation, attract investment and maximise profitability.

Thesis + outline combined

This essay will focus on the three key elements of CSR in that it improves reputation, attractsinvestment and maximises profitability. It will argue that these factors are a top priority for SMEs and large corporations if they want to remain competitive and implement a sustainable business plan. The essay will also highlight that it may not always be possible for every business to focus on CSR due to financial limitations.

Thesis Statements: How to write a thesis statement

Introductions: How to write an academic introduction

This lesson / worksheet presents the key sections to an academic introduction. It then focuses on highlighting those key sections in three model introductions with particular attention to the thesis (question / topics / stance) and finally finishes with writing an introduction using a range of titles. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Website link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP