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National History Day: Thesis

Resources for NHD

Thesis Statement Definition

Thesis Statement - a short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.

Thesis Helpful Hints

The following links will help you with writing a strong thesis statement.

How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One

      Before developing your thesis statement, conduct some research and ask the following questions:

     Why did my topic happen at this particular time and in this particular place?

     What were the events or the influences that came before my topic?

      How was my topic influenced by and how did it influence the economic, social, political, and cultural climate of the time period?

  "Entering the Contest Getting Started." National History Day. National History 
     Day, 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015. 

Thesis Examples

Thesis Statement Example One:

  • State your claim and summarize the impact and/or significance of your topic

The International Olympic Games offer athletes an opportunity to be exposed to new cultures, ideas and people.

Thesis Statement Example Two:

  • State your claim about your topic, followed by example(s) of exploration, encounter and exchange.

The Olympic Games offer the participants the ability to encounter new cultures, explore new countries, and exchange ideas.

Thesis Statement Example Three:

  • Introduce a brief counter claim, followed by your claim and the impact or significance of your topic​

Although hosting the Olympics leaves many countries in debt, the Olympic games offer host citizens exposure to new cultures, ideas and people.

What's Your Point?