writing in the disciplines

articulating one’s argument in a thesis statement

While a thesis or main point is a typical feature of writing in most academic disciplines, the thesis in history writing is essential. A thesis makes history writing what it is: a meaningful interpretation of the past rather than a simple list of things that happened.

The thesis states the overall claim of a historical essay—a good claim in history tells the reader what historical evidence says and why what it says is significant in some larger context. It usually appears as the last sentence or two in the introductory section of a paper, and it should serve as a point of reference for readers to understand the writer’s main point about a historical subject and its significance. All subsequent analysis in the body of the essay should serve to forward the thesis statement. (Counterarguments also serve to forward the thesis.)

examples of weak and stronger theses

For more advice, see Indiana University’s How to Write a Thesis Statement.