Writing: The Structure of an Essay
B2 Lesson 2: How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement
Listen to the examples in this lesson.
Before You Start 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
These are the core concepts for this lesson.
What is a Thesis Statement?
The thesis statement is the engine of your essay. It is one sentence, usually at the end of your introduction, that tells the reader your specific claim or argument.
It is not a fact. It is an idea that you must prove with evidence in your body paragraphs.
WEAK THESIS 😴 (Common Mistakes)
1. The Fact: "Angkor Wat is a famous temple in Cambodia."
(This is a fact. There is nothing to argue.)
2. The Announcement: "In this essay, I will discuss social media."
(This states your topic, not your argument.)
3. The Broad Statement: "Social media has good and bad sides."
(This is true, but it's too general. It's not specific.)
STRONG THESIS 💪 (Arguable & Specific)
1. Arguable Claim: "Preserving Angkor Wat's structure is more important than expanding tourism."
(This is debatable. Someone could disagree.)
2. Specific Argument: "Banning cars from downtown Phnom Penh is the most effective solution to reduce air pollution."
(This is a specific claim that must be proven.)
3. "Roadmap" Thesis: "Social media negatively impacts teenage mental health by creating unrealistic social comparison and disrupting sleep."
(This is specific and tells the reader the two main points of the essay.)
Your 3-Point Checklist for a Strong Thesis
Before you write, check your thesis against these three questions. A good thesis answers "YES" to all three.
Is it ARGUABLE?
Could someone reasonably disagree with you? If not, it's a fact, not an argument.
Weak: "The city is hot."
Strong: "The city needs more trees to combat the heat."
Is it SPECIFIC?
Is your claim narrow enough to be covered in one essay? Avoid "all," "everyone," or "everything."
Weak: "Remote work is good."
Strong: "Remote work increases employee productivity."
Is it a "ROADMAP"?
Does it suggest the *reasons* for your claim? This gives your essay a clear structure.
Good: "I like it."
Better: "I like it because of X and Y."
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Which is the Strongest Thesis?
Read the options and choose the best thesis statement for a short essay.
1. Topic: Tourism in Cambodia
2. Topic: Online Learning
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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Thesis Statement
One sentence in your introduction that states your main argument.
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Argument (Claim)
Your main idea or opinion that you will prove in the essay.
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Debatable
An idea that people can disagree with (not a fact).
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Specific
Clear and exact; not general or broad.
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Broad
Too general; not focused. (e.g., "The world is big.")
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To Assert
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Write Your First Thesis Statement
Choose one of the topics below. Your mission is to write one strong, B2-level thesis statement that is arguable, specific, and provides a roadmap.
Topics:
1. The impact of smartphones on young people in Cambodia.
2. The best way to preserve Khmer culture.
3. The future of remote work (working from home).
Example Thesis (for Topic 1):
"Although smartphones provide access to information, their overuse is damaging to young Cambodians by increasing social anxiety and reducing in-person communication skills."
(Notice this thesis is arguable, specific, and gives a roadmap with two main points: social anxiety and communication skills.)
Write your own thesis in a notebook or in the comments section!