The first step in writing an effective essay is finding a strong thesis. The thesis is more than the main idea of your essay; it makes a point about your subject. You should try to avoid some of the common mistakes people make when creating a thesis: your thesis should be neither too broad nor too narrow; it should not merely announce your subject, and it should not contain more than one idea.

Directions: In the following exercise, identify the problem with each of these potential thesis statements. Is it too broad? Too narrow? An announcement rather than a statement? Does it contain more than one idea? Or do you think the thesis is okay? Click on the statement that best expresses your answer.