64 Writing a Thesis Statement
Readers always want to know “What is the big idea?” Every type of non-fiction writing – from a short essay to a 10-page term paper to a lengthy thesis or dissertation– needs a controlling idea as a “spine” that holds the paper together (see Figure 6.6). Look at Table 6.3: Topics and Thesis Statements for a comparison of topics and thesis statements.
Table 6.3: Topics and thesis statements: A comparison
| Topic | Thesis Statement |
|---|---|
|
Healthcare funding |
To plan and fund healthcare, local health networks are better at improving the patient experience and access to care than a large central body.
|
|
Acute respiratory distress syndrome |
Positioning clients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in the prone position increases ventilation and decreases mortality rates.
|
Figure 6.6: Thesis skeleton
Begin by writing a working thesis statement. You will need this working thesis statement when you begin to outline and organize your assignment. As you continue to develop your paper, you can limit the working thesis statement if it is too broad or expand it if it proves too narrow for what you want to say. Each draft of the thesis statement will bring you closer to the exact wording that expresses your controlling idea.
Student Tip
The Controlling Idea
The controlling idea should be broader for a longer piece of writing than for a shorter piece of writing. Make sure the controlling idea is appropriate for the length of the assignment. How many pages it will take to explain and explore the controlling or main idea in detail? Be reasonable with your estimate. Then expand or trim the controlling or main idea to match the required length.
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