How to write a thesis statement for an essay?

This is a handout from one of my teachers. Good luck!

I usually write the essay in its entirety first, using what I know is a crappy, approximate thesis to begin with. Write whatever; even re-stating the prompt is ok at this point. This is because writing is one of those weird things in life where you don’t really know what you’re doing until you’ve already done it. After I write my conclusion I have a much better idea of what my essay is about, so that’s the best time to go back to the beginning and tell my readers what I’ve just discovered by rewriting the crappy thesis. The easiest way to do this is to find a friend and tell them about the subject matter of the essay. Within a few sentences you’ll realize you’ve just accidentally said the perfect thesis out loud in trying to explain things to your friend.

The thesis statement is the central idea that you are arguing for or discussing in the essay.

There’s an example ^^

Is your essay trying to prove or explain something? Then the thesis statement is what you are trying to prove or explain. Does your essay tell a story? Then give a brief description of what your story is about.