Definition
A thesis statement is essentially a description of the thesis and its content. The content of the thesis statement may refer to a question upon which the thesis is based, or simply state the core elements of the thesis.
The purpose of a thesis statement
A thesis statement is used to clearly identify your thesis concept or argument.
For example:
The question is 'Do changes of season cause increased medical issues?'
The thesis statement would include a line like this:
'Changes of season cause increased demand for medical treatment.'
Alternatively, if the question is not present the thesis statement would use the same line, 'Changes of season cause increased demand for medical treatment.', as the basis of explaining the nature and purpose of the thesis.
Types of thesis statement
1. A thesis statement related to a specific assigned topic
An assigned subject requires a statement which encapsulates the full scope of the thesis. A common methodology for thesis titles is to use a question to describe the issues and arguments simply and effectively.
2. A thesis statement related to a voluntary choice of subject
If you've chosen the subject, you need to decide the best thesis statement to truly describe the issues involved in your thesis. The subject chosen needs to be a debatable issue, where arguments can be set out logically to illustrate your thesis. This also, naturally, affects the content of the thesis statement.
Analytical theses statements
An analytical thesis includes references and data related to analysis. The thesis statement, therefore, includes references to the analysis and the main points of findings.
For example:
'Analysis of GP patients attendance records indicates that changes of season cause increased demand for medical treatment.'
Explanatory thesis statement
A different mode for thesis statement is the explanatory method, in which the thesis statement outlines the explanatory information provided within the thesis itself.
Argumentative thesis statement
And argumentative thesis statement is based on a premise for argument. This mode is appropriate when the thesis is based on a series of arguments used to prove the case supporting the thesis.
It should be noted that each of these types of thesis statement have specific uses and may or may not necessarily be appropriate in some cases. Generally speaking, the explanatory thesis statement is the only 'all-purpose' type of thesis statement, able to work with both the thesis question scenario and an argumentative thesis concept.
Strong or weak thesis statements?
The basic definition of a strong thesis statement is a statement which takes a clear position:
Statistics show more people seek medical care during the change of season.
This is an entirely unambiguous statement of the thesis.
A weak thesis statement is ambivalent, or doesn't state a clear position:
Doctors say more patients seek medical treatment during change of season.
This is a third party statement, attributed but not supported, and not coming from you as the author of the thesis.
