2
Best:
Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while Southerners defended their own right to
self-government.
This statement is specific, clear and thoughtful. Though some might disagree with your stance,
your readers will know what to expect in your paper. Now it’s up to you to defend your thesis
with good evidence and persuasive writing!
Types of Essays
• Analytical
▫ Breaks down and evaluates an issue.
Example thesis statement: Shaped by religious tradition and belief the
th
century United States foreign policy
has reinforced racism against the Middle East.
• Argumentative
▫ Makes a claim about a topic and defends this claim
Example thesis statement: High school graduates should be required to
take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering
• Expository
▫ Presents facts and research on a subject.
Example thesis statement: The life of the typical college student is
characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with
peers.
(Some information found at http://writingcenter.unc.edu/resources/handouts-demos/writing-the-
paper/thesis-statements ; http://www.esc.edu/online-writing-center/resources/academic-
writing/process/shaping-information/analyzing-thesis-types/ ;
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/.)