A thesis statement is the main claim or central idea of an essay, paper, or argument. It tells the reader what the writing is trying to explain, prove, compare, or defend.
What makes a thesis strong
A strong thesis is specific, arguable or meaningful, and focused enough for the assignment. It should guide the paragraphs that follow, not simply repeat the topic.
Thesis versus topic
A topic is the subject. A thesis is what the writer says about that subject. A research question can help lead to a thesis after the writer investigates the evidence.
A thesis statement is the anchor that keeps an essay from becoming a loose collection of facts.