uw-madison writing center writer's handbook

Use the menu below to learn about developing a thesis statement.

What is a thesis statement?
How do I develop a thesis statement?

1. Identify a topic

2. Derive main point from topic

3. Compose a draft thesis statement

4. Refine and polish draft thesis statement

5. Complete the final thesis statement

2. Derive main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the "controlling idea," becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this "controlling idea" into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence
Compose a purpose statement

Consult the table below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

Topic

Evidence

Purpose statement

Franco's role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn't get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain's neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco's desire to preserve his own (and Spain's) power.

This paper will analyze Franco's diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain's neutrality.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

Possible conclusion:

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

More info

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.