Here you will learn what a thesis statement is and what it is not. Use our tips and trick below to help you develop a solid thesis statement for your NHDI project!
Your project will consist of an argument that reflects your main idea – the message you want to get across to your audience that links the topic to the theme. The sentence(s) that capture(s) this argument in called your thesis.
Think of your thesis as an equation:
Thesis = Topic + Theme + Impact
A good thesis is short and sweet – no more than one or two sentences. You will explain and support your argument throughout the rest of your project.
A good thesis statement:
A thesis statement is:
A thesis statement is not the same thing as a research question. Your research questions guide your research. Your thesis statement makes an argument about your topic using your research.
Writing a good thesis statement is a process. It will take time. This is the most important and sometimes most stressful part. Here are some key things to remember:
Let’s look at an example below:
We’ll use a previous NHD theme to give an example of how you might develop your thesis.
Theme: Conflict and Compromise
Interest Area: Prisoners of war in World War I
Your narrowed subject: Camp Atterbury POWs in WWII
Working thesis statement:
During WWII, approximately 3,000 Italian POWs were held at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. They compromised with U.S. soldiers to build a chapel, making life there better for themselves.
Final thesis statement:
The respectful treatment of Italian POWs at Camp Atterbury, along with the chaplain’s permission to buy their own chapel, created a long -lasting, positive relationship between the camp and the Italian soldiers once imprisoned there.