Question

What exactly is a thesis statement, where do I put it, and how long should they be?

Answer 1

The thesis statement should include the basic summary of what you are writing, but not in a conclusion format. It should be why you write it, more of an argumentative statement than a reason for writing.  It goes in the first paragraph of your essay. The thesis statement should be at most two sentences long.

Answer 2

A thesis statement focuses your ideas into one or two sentences. It should present the topic of your paper and also make a comment about your position in relation to the topic. Your thesis statement should tell your reader what the paper is about and also help guide your writing and keep your argument focused.