The thesis statement of a research paper is one of the most important aspects of a research work or an academic essay as it helps to describe the key ideas and/or contentions.
Although, There are varieties of academic research papers, however, they all share a similar trait, regardless of whether they are research papers for publication, essays for coursework, or coursework assignments, they are all called a thesis.
Besides, The research question is one of the many roles that the thesis statement plays in a piece of writing, but it also directly answers it. However, most people do. It knows how to write a research paper thesis statement correctly.
Hence, in this copy, you will learn what the research paper thesis statement is about and the types of thesis statements that exist. You will also learn the steps on how to write a research paper thesis statement.
What Is A Research Paper Thesis Statement?
An essay’s or paper’s major argument is summed up in one or two declarative sentences that make up the thesis statement. A research paper thesis statement outlines both the subject to be covered and the paper’s overall goal. The thesis statement of a research paper should, above all, make a strong claim and make it obvious to the reader what stance the author has adopted.
The thesis statement is frequently positioned in the first few paragraphs of work since it functions as a condensed version of the argument or analysis that will be presented later (How to Write a Thesis Statement, n.d.).
This sentence is also frequently used near the conclusion of the introduction. In order to be clear and succinct while expressing your idea, it is crucial to know where to place statements when pursuing a STEM job.
Types Of Research Paper Thesis Statement
The thesis statements differ from one another and are not all equivalent. The many forms of thesis statements match the various forms of essays. Each kind of thesis statement supports the objective of the particular kind of essay. For the purpose of developing a suitable research paper thesis statement, understand the type of essay you have been given.
The following list comprises the most typical thesis statement types:
- Expository thesis statement
- Analytical thesis statement
- Argumentative thesis statement
#1. Expository thesis statement
Only factual data is used to support an expository thesis statement. It doesn’t use subjective statements or make unsubstantiated claims. Instead, it clearly states the subject of the essay and briefly mentions the main ideas that will be covered. Sometimes referred to as an explanatory thesis statement, an expository thesis statement explains something.
For example, Nutritious eating, consistent exercise, and enough sleep are the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle.
#2. Analytical thesis statement
A thesis that analyzes something or dissects it into its component elements is called an analytical thesis. The reader is then given a clear explanation of the analysis’s ordering after the issue has been evaluated.
For example, Three benefits were associated with the school’s decision to start the day an hour later: kids did better on assignments, were more aware and focused in class, and had a more positive attitude toward learning.
#3. Argumentative thesis statement
The author adopts a position on a contentious subject in an argumentative essay. The position taken and the justifications for it make up the argument. As opposed to an explanatory thesis statement, an argumentative thesis statement enables the writer to take a position on a topic (such as the deeper significance of a literary work or the best course of action for a social issue) and persuade readers of that perspective.
Examples and other forms of proof are used in the argumentative essay’s body to back up the writer’s position.
For example, Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew pokes fun at gender stereotypes in Elizabethan England through humor, disguise, and social roles.
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How To Write A Research Paper Thesis Statement
The first step in writing a research paper thesis statement is coming up with a concept, but the second is choosing a side and stating your thesis statement with it in full.
For many students, it may feel like an uphill battle, and some authors may even omit this phase. However, without a strong thesis statement, no research paper will actually be finished. In order to avoid writing a bad thesis or, even worse, skipping this stage altogether, you must bear in mind a few fundamental principles.
The process of writing a research paper thesis statement should not be taken lightly because it frequently follows a protracted thought process (Gafarova, 2018). Research must be done in-depth and evidence for the argument or analysis must be gathered before the thesis message is developed.
Steps Involved In Writing A Research Paper Thesis Statement
Below are the steps for writing a research paper thesis statement:
- Start with a research question
- Construct a statement that directly addresses the research question
- Support your statement with evidence and reasoning
- Anticipate counterarguments
#1. Start with a research question
The research question is a frequent place to begin when writing a thesis statement. Once you have decided on your research issue, you may begin conducting more focused research to aid in developing the research paper thesis statement.
A research topic can be, for instance, “What are the factors that have resulted in the Brexit referendum?” utilizing one of the thesis statement examples previously provided. Researchers can create a powerful, solid thesis statement to answer this question provided they have a clear research subject in mind.
#2. Construct a statement that directly addresses the research question
Once the research question has been determined, the subject’s preliminary investigation can start. Your thesis statement should be created with the aid of the study. Most likely, at this point, researchers will just have a straightforward thesis statement. This preliminary thesis statement draft can be used as a tool for organizing and directing the research and writing process (Developing a Thesis Statement, n.d.).
The tentative thesis statement should explicitly establish your stance if you plan to take one on the topic covered by your research question in your essay. An example of a working argumentative thesis statement based on the example given above is:
“Brexit was motivated by British citizens’ concerns about immigration.”
#3. Support your statement with evidence and reasoning
The research process now officially starts in earnest. A direction and jumping-off point for the research process is the thesis statement. The facts required to support a claim or argument can be found by researchers by consulting the body of existing study literature.
Researchers can strengthen and hone their draft thesis statement as they continue to do research and find additional supporting data and facts for it. Your argument’s main elements and, if applicable, your conclusion should be included in the final thesis statement.
The ultimate research paper thesis statement would be as follows based on the example above:
“The Brexit referendum was a response to British citizens’ rising dissatisfaction with the EU’s immigration policy, which was brought on by the population of immigrants’ abrupt expansion and their inadequate assimilation into British society.”
#4. Anticipate counterarguments
If your research paper thesis statement is an argument, then this stage can be helpful. You might further develop your thesis statement by anticipating possible objections to your research. These oppositional arguments assist you in strengthening your main arguments while also complicating your thesis statement.
Creating counterarguments to your research paper thesis statement as a part of the practice also aids in evaluating its viability. If there isn’t a counterargument to your thesis statement, it can only be a fact or an opinion and has to be changed (Rodburg, 1999).
How Long Should A Thesis Statement be?
Depending on how many topics it discusses, a thesis statement may be brief or lengthy. However, usually, it is just one brief sentence.
At least two clauses are present, typically an independent clause (the viewpoint) and a dependent clause (the reasons). The ideal length for a single phrase is usually two lines or roughly 30 to 40 words.
Importance of Writing a Thesis Statement in a Research Paper
First of all, the thesis identifies the paper’s goal and introduces the main argument of the author. Accordingly, the thesis statement aids readers in forming expectations for the arguments and supporting evidence that will be presented in the work that follows (McCombes, 2020).
The thesis also assists authors in maintaining their writing’s focus by explicitly defining the essay’s or research paper’s goal. Authors and researchers are better able to arrange and develop their ideas when they have a precise research statement.
The thesis statement, in addition, directs the reader through the primary contention of a written work. The connections between the pieces of information or evidence that back up your claim are noted in these sentences.
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Thesis Statement Examples
Examples of thesis statements are provided below.
College Education
“Before having the option to apply to the college program of their choice, recent high school graduates should be encouraged to participate in a variety of volunteer and internship assignments.”
“An examination of the decisions made by contemporary HR managers revealed that employers like LinkedIn profiles for job hopefuls over those without any social media presence.”
Healthcare and Medicine
“Due to the increased risk of childhood obesity and heart disease, the US government must forbid regular fast food eating.”
“Since it results in the same health problems as smoking itself, passive smoking is just as dangerous. It should be illegal to smoke in public areas because it increases the risk of heart disease and cancer.”
“Polio, rubella and measles vaccines should be given to all American children. Since immunizations allow us to keep an eye on infectious diseases that might be fatal, it is especially crucial for children who go to school.”
Social Services
“All we need to do to save the earth is work together to address environmental challenges. Famine, violence, and rapid climate change are preventable with collective consciousness.”
“The traditional family, which consists of a mother, a father, and children as the only members, is reflected in American media. Such a view of the family is out-of-date and dangerous for the children who hold it up as the gold standard.”
Conclusion
Creating a thesis statement for a research paper generally entails more work than simply coming up with one or two phrases for the introduction. It must be distinct, precise, and arguable. Additionally, this claim phrase should clearly explain the key point that will be supported by evidence in the body.
A student must conduct an in-depth study and analysis in order to produce a thesis statement that is compelling. It takes a lot of time and demands excellent analytical abilities.
FAQs On Research Paper Thesis Statement
The process for writing a thesis statement is detailed below.
Start with a research question
Construct a statement that directly addresses the research question
Support your statement with evidence and reasoning
Anticipate counterarguments
One or two sentences. The extended and in-depth response is that strong arguments grow in stature as one’s writing skills advance, and as a result, they require more than two concise phrases to be effective. In other words, a thesis statement may consist of three or four lengthy sentences.
The three basic parts of the thesis statement are the limited subject, the precise opinion, and the blueprint of reasons.
Limited subject: Make sure the topic you’ve picked for the assignment complies with your instructor’s guidelines.
Precise opinion: Your response to a query on the topic is provided by your precise view. A strong, accurate opinion is essential to the reader’s understanding of the essay’s aim.
Blueprint of reasons: A plan is represented by a blueprint. It informs the builder that the entrance will be here, the living room will be to the east, the dining room will be to the west, and the family room will be to the north. Before you start pounding out entire paragraphs, you can see the overall shape of your ideas thanks to the essay’s template.
References
- https://research.com
- https://www.thesaurus.com
- https://research.com
- https://www.easybib.com
- https://research.com
- https://writemypaper4me.org
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