A thesis statement is a clear and concise sentence that presents the main argument or claim of an essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the main points that will be discussed in the essay.
Think of a thesis statement as the GPS navigation system for your essay. Just like how a GPS guides you to your destination by providing clear directions, a thesis statement guides your reader through your essay by clearly stating what you will be discussing.
Topic Sentence: A topic sentence is similar to a mini-thesis statement. It introduces the main idea of each paragraph in an essay.
Supporting Evidence: Supporting evidence refers to facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions that are used to back up and strengthen the claims made in a thesis statement.
Claim: A claim is an assertion or proposition that states what you believe to be true. In an essay, claims are typically presented in the form of thesis statements.
AP English Language - 1.3 Developing paragraphs as part of an effective argument
AP English Language - 2.2 Building an argument with relevant and strategic evidence
AP English Language - 2.3 Developing thesis statements
AP English Language - 2.4 Developing structure and integrating evidence to reflect a line of reasoning
AP English Language - 4.1 Developing and connecting thesis statements and lines of reasoning
AP English Language - 4.2 Developing introductions and conclusions
AP English Language - 4.3 Adjusting An Argument to Address New Evidence
AP English Language - 7.3 Examining how counterargument or alternative perspectives affect an argument
AP English Language - 9.1 Strategically conceding, rebutting, or refuting information
AP English Language - Reasoning and Organization MC Answers
AP English Language - Reasoning and Organization Multiple Choice Questions
AP English Language - Argument Essay: Evidence
AP English Language - 2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam Guide
AP English Language - Unit 2 Overview: Organizing Information for a Specific Audience
AP English Language - Unit 4 Overview: How writers develop arguments, intros, and conclusions
What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an AP Language and Composition essay?
Which of the following characteristics should a strong thesis statement possess?
What is the primary function of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
Which of the following is an example of an effective thesis statement?
How can a thesis statement be improved to make it more effective?
Which of the following is an example of an effective thesis statement?
How does a well-developed thesis statement impact the organization of an essay?
Which of the following thesis statements presents a clear and arguable claim or argument?
How can authors ensure that their thesis statement is arguable and compelling?
How can a well-crafted thesis statement enhance the cohesiveness of an essay?
What distinguishes a strong thesis statement from a weak one?
How can authors effectively tailor their thesis statements for different types of essays (e.g., argumentative, expository, or analytical)?
Why is it crucial to craft a strong thesis statement early in the essay-writing process?
Which of the following best describes the purpose of developing and connecting thesis statements and lines of reasoning?
Which of the following is an effective strategy for developing a strong thesis statement?
When developing a thesis statement, what should be avoided?
Which of the following best describes the role of thesis statements and lines of reasoning in persuasive writing?
Why is it important to develop a strong thesis statement before writing an essay?
What is the purpose of developing thesis statements and lines of reasoning?
Which of the following is a potential consequence of an unclear or weak thesis statement in an essay?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.