Analyze your sources. If you want your thesis to be credible, your readers need to sense that you know what you are talking about. Take the time to sufficiently analyze your sources and draw your own conclusions to form a basis for your thesis. Be sure to use objectivity and note whether or not the author is promoting an agenda or contradicts him or herself. Analyzing and interpreting your sources will make the difference between developing a thesis and making a simple observation.
Take a stand or establish a definable argument. A good thesis is clear, concise and to the point; readers understand the point of the paper just by reading it. A strong thesis usually takes a stand or makes a specific argument, which gives the paper direction and structure. Stay away from vague terminology or wording and generalizations and be as specific as possible.
Provoke discussion. One of the clear signs of a good thesis is that it makes people think, incites ideas and provokes discussion. Your thesis should make a statement and make a stand so clearly that people want to talk about it afterward, whether it is to debate your claims or agree with your point of view. Structure your thesis to stimulate reaction and discussion in your peers. You should anticipate counter-arguments and prepare statements or rebuttals in advance to show that you are informed about your subject and argument.
Express one main idea. A well-developed thesis is focused and gets straight to the point, letting readers know immediately why they are reading your paper. Your thesis statement should express one clear, main idea and one idea only, which keeps your thesis strong and direct. Picking one idea avoids any confusion about the subject of your paper and the point you are trying to make.