Speaker 1: A thesis is a one-sentence statement of the paper's topic plus the writer's position on that topic. The strongest thesis statements reveal a strong argument. This thesis merely states a topic, smoking is unhealthy and addictive. Compare it to this one, smoking should be banned in workplaces and restaurants. This strong thesis makes a specific claim about smoking that the writer must support. A strong thesis does not use language like, this paper will explain, to announce the topic. Example, this paper will explain how Shakespeare uses comedy to create social commentary in the taming of the shrew. Instead, an effective thesis states the main idea directly. Shakespeare uses comedy to create social commentary in the taming of the shrew. Additionally, avoid a thesis that simply states a general fact, America's population is aging. Instead, state a claim that contains a specific position on the topic, America's aging population could lead to a crisis in social programs. Often, a general thesis benefits from including main support points, climate change is causing problems for all humans. The reader will wonder, what problems? Adding main ideas makes the thesis more complete for the reader. Climate change is causing habitat destruction, water shortages, and catastrophic weather for all humans. This simple outline shows how a thesis statement's main ideas shape the overall writing. Cats are better pets than dogs because they are cleaner, more independent, and better behaved. Topic Sentence 1, firstly, cats are cleaner than dogs. Topic Sentence 2, furthermore, cats are more independent than dogs. Topic Sentence 3, most importantly, cats are better behaved than dogs. Please reach out to the Writing Center for more help developing your thesis statements.