Writing & Citing

A thesis is the central argument or purpose of an essay. It acts as a map for your reader by telling them where your essay is going and how it will get there. There are two types of thesis statements:

Standard Thesis

Use when you are being asked to do only one writing task.

For Example: Describe the most important characteristics of a great job.

Topic:  "Characteristics of a great job" is the topic in the example below.

Focus: In the example below "The most important" is the focus.

Main Points: In the example below "flexibility, a good work environment, and nearness to home are the main points." 

Statement of Intent

Use when you have several different writing tasks in one assignment.

For Example: In the essay,

1. identify the main communication issues in the case study
2. discuss how these problems impact the situation, and
3. provide suggestions on how communication can be improved.