Academic Writing

Writing Strong Thesis Statements: Examples and Tips

February 06, 2026 · 1 min read · 8 views

A thesis statement is the backbone of any academic paper. It tells the reader what your paper argues and why it matters. A strong thesis is specific, arguable, and concise.



Characteristics of a Strong Thesis



  • Specific: Focuses on a particular aspect of the topic

  • Arguable: Makes a claim someone could disagree with

  • Supported: Can be backed up with evidence

  • Concise: Typically one to two sentences



Thesis Statement Formula


[Topic] + [Your Position] + [Reasoning/Evidence Preview] = Strong Thesis



Examples


Weak: "Social media is bad for teenagers."

Strong: "Excessive social media use among teenagers leads to increased anxiety and decreased academic performance, necessitating digital wellness education in high schools."



Weak: "Climate change is a problem."

Strong: "Urban green infrastructure initiatives offer the most cost-effective approach to mitigating heat island effects in metropolitan areas."