How to Write a Thesis Statement That Actually Argues Something

A thesis statement tells your reader what your essay will prove. A weak thesis describes a topic. A strong thesis takes a position someone could disagree with.

Three tests for a strong thesis

• Is it arguable? Someone reasonable could disagree.
• Is it specific? It names what, why and how.
• Can you prove it in the word count? A 1,500-word essay can’t settle a whole field.

Weak vs strong examples

Weak: “Social media affects teenagers.” Strong: “Daily use of image-based social media increases body-image anxiety in teenage girls more than text-based platforms do, because it invites constant visual comparison.”