Thesis Statement

Definition

A sentence claiming what your entire essay will argue, making it both the most important and most-written sentence in academic writing.

Example Usage

The instructor demanded a clear thesis statement in the first paragraph, which meant the introduction took five drafts.

Origin

From Greek 'thesis' meaning 'a placing or setting down'

Fun Fact

Most thesis statements contain zero actual insight and amount to 'I will discuss the thing about the thing.'

Source: Academic Writing and Composition standards

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