What a Thesis is Not

• It is not a statement of fact, such as “The Canadian Forces often play a role as peacekeepers.” Rather, it makes a claim about the topic, angles at an explanation, or offers a reason: “Because of its multi-functional approach and emphasis on understanding and negotiating ethno-political conflict, the Canadian Forces are very effective in their role as peacekeepers.”
  
• It is not a self-evident statement. A good thesis should be contentious in some way. After all, the whole point in writing your essay or paper is that you are trying to convince the reader of the validity of your position on a particular issue. No one will be dazzled by or perhaps even interested in, for example, your obvious (and overly broad) claim that “Studying history can teach us some lessons.”
  
• It is not a matter of personal opinion that cannot be argued against: “This training requirement is a dumbheaded idea and should be dropped from the program.” As the Romans would say, de gustibus non est disputandum—which means there is no arguing in matters of taste or personal preference. While you are entitled to your opinion on a subject, if you put forward as a thesis something that is simply a matter of judgement or preference that cannot be defended or refuted, then there is no room or reason for discussion.
  
• It is not a question. Resist this too easy alternative to crafting a clear and conclusive opening argument. If you have a question, such as “Why do the Canadian Forces need to increase the number of reservists?” position it in the first sentence of your opening paragraph instead of at the end, by which point you should have presented the reader with a statement of your thinking or findings on the matter.
  
• It is not a universal truth that you need to defend to the death. Remember that your thesis is an argument. There may be other persuasive arguments made from the same evidence. Your task is to present and support your argument to the best of your ability based on your interpretation of the evidence at hand.

A good thesis statement is specific; it avoids vagueness or generalities. It clearly cuts to the main point of the essay, which you are best to have nearly completed before you revisit your controlling idea or working thesis and hone the edge on it.