In an academic paper, the thesis statement is the core part that is generally written using one or two sentences. Its main purpose is to present the summary of the important points of the argument and inform your readers about what to expect from your dissertation. Usually, when writing an academic paper, many people wonder “Can a thesis statement be a question?” In case, you too also have the same doubt, continue reading this blog to find the answer. For your comprehension, here, we have explained how to format a thesis statement with examples.
What is a Thesis Statement?
A thesis statement is a sentence that summarizes the central point of an academic paper, article, or essay in a concise manner. In general, it is presented at the end of the introductory paragraph of an essay. Moreover, it primarily helps the readers understand the context and scope of your topic of discussion. In addition to that, with the help of a thesis statement, anyone can easily search for different kinds of academic papers on a specific topic.
Basically, there are different ways to craft a powerful thesis statement. Since several doubts revolve around writing a thesis statement in the form of a question; below we have given clarifications on it.
Can a Thesis Statement Be a Question?
No, you should not frame your thesis statement in the form of a question because it might turn out to be a debatable claim or argument to your readers, which in turn may lead to confusion on whether to agree with the point or not. To put it another way, it would become assertive rather than inquisitive.
Remember that your thesis statement should inform your audience about the position your dissertation takes. Most importantly, when you provide your facts and arguments, you should attempt to back up your claim. But, in case, you present your thesis argument as a question, you will not have claims to defend. Therefore, making it a question is not a smart idea.
Particularly, when writing a discursive essay or dissertation, make sure to keep your thesis argument in mind, and ensure to support every point of your research study with a claim. This may appear difficult. However, it would become beneficial because writing with your core point in mind can help you stay on track without deviating from the topic.
Here is another way to think about the subject, “Should a thesis statement be a question?” Typically, any dissertation’s objective will be to pose a question and obtain a statement as a response. Furthermore, throughout your entire research, you should demonstrate to your readers how you reached that solution. Specifically, you should also show them the analytical pathways you took to meet your objective i.e. the conclusion.
Example 1
Incorrect
Are Macbeth’s three witches imaginative diversionary characters meant to take the audience’s attention away from the play’s tragedy, or are they a potent plot device that advances the story’s themes?
Correct
The three witches in Macbeth may initially appear to be whimsical diversions from the play’s tragedy, but they really function as an effective narrative device that emphasizes the irresistible force of fate.
Can a Question Be Asked in a Thesis Statement?
Always remember, in academic writing, it is not appropriate to use a question as a thesis statement because unlike a statement or a claim, a question cannot be proved. Moreover, it cannot be discussed or questioned. Actually, the ultimate goal of a thesis statement is to respond to a question. Therefore, expressing it as a question would completely destroy its original intent.
While you wonder “Should a thesis statement be a question?” make sure not to confuse a thesis statement with a topic sentence. In general, a topic sentence will express the core idea of your body paragraph and inform the readers what it will focus on by stirring their curiosity. Note that, you can use questions to express a topic sentence. However, you must ensure to present the answers to those questions in the following paragraph.
Before you frame a thesis statement in an interrogative format, think in a different aspect by considering these questions
- Is it possible for a question to be a thesis statement, and if so, how?
- What exactly are you attempting to say with your thesis statement?
- Is there any way you could phrase it to sound assertive?
Furthermore, try rephrasing the question into a statement in a few different ways.
Answering the query posed by the thesis statement is one simple remedy. This will assist you in formulating a claim that is more certain and assertive.
Example 2
Incorrect
Was the practice of magic accepted or rejected by the community in medieval Islamic culture, and did attitudes towards magic evolve through time?
Correct
Magic’s position in medieval Islamic culture underwent changes throughout time and between various geographic areas. However, most magical practices continued to be practiced over the years, demonstrating how medieval Muslims’ daily lives frequently contradicted conventional wisdom.
Can a Thesis Statement be Introduced with a Question?
You can incorporate a question in your introduction paragraph in academic writing as long as your thesis statement is not a question. To support your response, you may, for instance, restate the essay question just before your statement.
Since you are less confident in explaining your point, you might wonder can a thesis statement be a question. We know how challenging it would be to stay assertive while crafting an academic paper. However, your readers and instructors are specifically seeking it. As a result, your argument should be brief and accurate.
Typically, your argument can be of one phrase. However, it is better to break it out into numerous phrases depending on the structure of your research study or how in-depth your argument is. This does not imply that you should stop aiming for clarity and accuracy.
In case, you are in a dilemma whether or not you have appropriately rephrased your statement, cross-check with your instructors. They will definitely guide you. Getting expert assistance on this critical aspect of your dissertation in prior will be really beneficial to you.
Keep in mind that the central idea of your work is your thesis assertion. Writing your dissertation will be much easier if you have a strong claim from the beginning.
Also Recommended: Best Art History Thesis Topics to Deal With
Example 3
Incorrect
Does the reader’s experience of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit differ as a result of the differences in J.R.R. Tolkien’s narrative voice?
Correct
While Tolkien uses a lighthearted tone in The Hobbit and addresses the reader directly, he uses a somber tone in The Lord of the Rings to emphasize the seriousness of his subject matter.
Conclusion
We hope you have got the answer to your question ‘Can a thesis statement be a question?’ Whenever you write an academic paper, never use the question format to present your thesis statement. Always, try to present it in the form of a concise and accurate sentence that is engaging to your reader. In case, you are still unsure how to write a strong thesis assertion, approach us immediately.
