What is a “thesis statement”?

1. What is a “thesis statement”? A statement that presents the main point(s) that you will argue for and provide supporting evidence for in your paper. It tells the reader what you aim to show, prove, explain, convince, etc… In other words, what you believe is “true” about your particular topic of interest, given the available knowledge and information.

2. Thesis Statement: Example 1 Fire suppression in Southeastern longleaf pine forests has caused a change in the fire regime from low intensity surface fires to high intensity crown fires. This change threatens the ability of long-leaf pine forests to regenerate and sustain themselves in this region. Restoration of these ecosystems requires implementation of prescribed fire.

3. Thesis Statement: Example 2 The red-cockaded woodpecker requires a fire regime of frequent low intensity fires in long-leaf pine ecosystems in order to survive. Fire suppression in these ecosystems is threatening the sustainability of red-cockaded woodpecker populations. Restoring the habitat of the woodpecker will require frequent prescribed fire.

4. Paper Outline: Example • Introduction • Definition of the major problems or issues to be addressed • Thesis statement • Background information • Argument 1 • Supporting evidence… • Argument 2 • Supporting evidence… • Argument 3 • Supporting evidence… • Conclusions • Summarize how you addressed your thesis statement • What were the main findings and implications?