Thesis Statement Templates for Various Types of Assignments

Thesis Statement Templates for Various Types of Assignments

Now that you have an understanding of what is a thesis statement, how to create one, and the qualities of a strong thesis statement, let’s look at some thesis statement templates for different types of essays and research papers.

Descriptive Essay Thesis Statement Template:

In a descriptive essay, your thesis statement should capture the essence of what you’re describing. Here’s a template you can use:

“[Object/person/idea] is [adjective] and [adjective], and [description].”

For example:

“My grandmother’s house is warm and inviting, with the smell of freshly baked cookies and the sound of her knitting needles clicking creating a cozy atmosphere. The faded floral wallpaper, antique furniture, and family photos on the walls all add to the feeling of nostalgia and comfort that permeates the space.”

Compare and Contrast Essay Thesis Statement Template:

In a compare and contrast essay, your thesis statement should identify the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Here’s a template you can use:

“Although [subject A] and [subject B] share [similarity], [subject A] is [difference], while [subject B] is [difference].”

For example:

“Although cats and dogs both make great pets and offer companionship, cats are generally more independent and low maintenance, while dogs require more attention and training.”

Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement Template:

In an argumentative essay, your thesis statement should make a claim or argument that you will support throughout your essay. Here’s a template you can use:

“[Claim], because [evidence], [evidence], and [evidence].”

For example:

“The use of smartphones in the classroom should be banned, because it leads to distraction, hinders learning, and disrupts the classroom environment.”

Critical Analysis Essay Thesis Statement Template:

In a critical analysis essay, your thesis statement should evaluate and critique a text, idea, or concept. Here’s a template you can use:

“[Text/idea/concept] is [positive/negative] because [evidence], [evidence], and [evidence].”

For example:

“John Steinbeck’s novel, ‘Of Mice and Men,’ is a bleak and tragic portrayal of the American Dream, because it exposes the harsh realities of poverty, loneliness, and discrimination.”

Narrative Essay Thesis Statement Template:

In a narrative essay, your thesis statement should capture the essence of your story and provide a focus for the reader. Here’s a template you can use:

“I learned [lesson/moral/theme] from [experience], which [impact].”

For example:

“I learned the value of hard work and perseverance from my experience working on a farm during the summer, which taught me the importance of resilience and determination in achieving my goals.”

Persuasive Essay Thesis Statement Template:

In a persuasive essay, your thesis statement should persuade the reader to take action or change their opinion on a topic. Here’s a template you can use:

“[Action/Opinion] should be [taken/adopted] because [evidence], [evidence], and [evidence].”

For example:

“Smoking should be banned in all public places because it poses a serious health risk to both smokers and non-smokers, contributes to environmental pollution, and sets a bad example for children.”

Expository Essay Thesis Statement Template:

“In an expository essay, the thesis statement should explain or clarify a concept, idea, or process. The thesis statement should be factual, unbiased, and provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. Check out the templates below:

“The [topic/idea] can be better understood by examining [subtopic 1], [subtopic 2], and [subtopic 3] in detail.”

For example: “The benefits of a plant-based diet can be better understood by examining its impact on personal health, the environment, and animal welfare in detail.”

“[Concept/idea/process] is [defined/described/explained] by [characteristic/feature/step].”

For example:

“The process of making a cup of coffee is defined by several steps, including grinding the beans, boiling water, and steeping the coffee grounds.”

Research Paper Thesis Statement Template:

In a research paper, your thesis statement should present the main argument or claim of your research. Here’s a template you can use:

“The [topic] is [argument/claim], because [evidence], [evidence], and [evidence] from [sources/ research studies].”

For example:

“Online learning is a more effective educational method than traditional classroom learning, because it provides greater flexibility for students, allows for individualized pacing, and has been shown to result in similar or better academic outcomes based on several research studies.”