Forming a Thesis

The key to any coherent paper is a solid thesis. The thesis statement serves as a "map" to the rest of the paper for both the writer and the reader; by understanding what the writer wants to prove, the reader knows what to expect from the rest of the work.

See examples of two different writing and thesis-forming processes: Justin and Sean.

Paper topics provided by professors are most often in the form of a question. A good way to start writing a thesis is to try to shape a one-sentence "answer" to the question being asked. While you do not want to have too specific a statement (since the rest of the paper will focus on the details of answering the question), you also do not want a broad and general thesis.

Here are examples of broad and specific theses:

BROAD
The narrative of the Exodus is more mythical than historical.

SPECIFIC
The narrative of the Exodus, especially chapters three through seven, seems to be more mythical than historical, particularly because of the various fantastic events that take place and the miracles that Moses performs.

The first example says nothing of the specific passages in Exodus on which the writer will focus; for all we know it could be Exodus in its entirety. There is also no clarifying phrase to indicate how the narrative is predominantly mythical.

The second example gives the reader a precise idea of the direction in which the writer intends to proceed.

When writing a thesis, it's a good idea to ask yourself these questions:

• From what perspective am I looking at the question or the sacred text?
• How have views on this topic changed? If they have stayed the same, why?
• Am I trying to cover too much ground? Too little?

It is also important for your thesis not to be too narrow, especially if there is a minimum page requirement. Before starting your paper, be sure there is a sufficient amount of information from primary and/or secondary sources to both support your statement and meet your page requirement.