Often viewed as the elusive and enigmatic element of academic writing, open thesis statements send chills down the spines of even the most experienced and seasoned scholars. Reason? Because of its wider reach than a closed thesis, which commands attention and requires meticulous scrutiny.
Open thesis statements present a unique opportunity for creative exploration and expression. However, it is essential to ensure that these statements are lucid, succinct, and comprehensible to readers. How, then, can one demystify the complexity of open thesis statements and present them in a more accessible and discernible manner? Here are the 6 best tips to aid in crafting an open thesis statement that is approachable and lucid for your intended audience.
An open thesis statement is a statement that is not fully formed or definitive in nature. It leaves room for interpretation and discussion, allowing the writer to explore various angles of a topic.
On the one hand, it allows for more creative expression and exploration. But, on the other hand, it can be confusing and difficult to understand for readers.
An open thesis statement differs from a closed thesis statement because it is not a definitive claim. It's more of a starting point for the writer to explore a topic. For example, a closed thesis statement might be something like, "The death penalty is immoral and should be abolished." On the same topic, an open thesis statement may be, "The death penalty raises ethical concerns and merits further investigation."
The key to making open thesis statements more understandable is to ensure they are clear and concise. Avoid using vague or abstract language that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Instead, use specific language that leaves no room for confusion. Instead of expressing, "The economy is bad," say, "The unemployment rate has increased by 5% in the past year."
Open thesis statements can be made more understandable by using definite or concrete language. Concrete language is a language that refers to tangible, observable things. Abstract language, on the other hand, refers to intangible concepts or ideas. Rather than stating that "love is a powerful emotion," you may add, "When I'm with my partner, I feel happy and content."
Context helps the reader understand the writer's perspective and gives them a framework for understanding the argument. For example, instead of saying, "The education system needs to be reformed," you may say, "As a teacher, I've personally seen the negative impact of standardized testing on student learning."
Supporting evidence provides the reader with tangible examples illustrating the writer's argument. When selecting supporting evidence, choose relevant, reliable, and compelling examples. For example, instead of writing "Many people support gun control," state, "According to a recent poll conducted by McKinsey, 65% of Americans support stricter gun control laws."
Examples provide the reader with concrete instances that illustrate the writer's point. When selecting examples, choose ones that are relevant, memorable, and thought-provoking. Instead of saying, "Fast food is bad for your health," for instance, say, "In 2019, a man ate nothing but McDonald's for 30 days and gained 17 pounds."
Hence, open thesis statements can seem daunting, but they don't have to be. Follow these six tips and make your open thesis statements more understandable and engaging for your readers. Being clear, concise, and specific is all you need to be here!
Subscribe to our newsletter for regular insights from the research and publishing industry!
Subscribe to our newsletter for regular insights from the research and publishing industry!
