A quality thesis statement must make an impression on the reader, as it should be persuasive. Thesis statements must make the author's stance immediately clear, and the reader must be able to argue a counterpoint. After reading a thesis statement, a reader also should be able to identify what direction the work is headed. These statements must guide the reader to the rest of the essay, and writers should avoid being too broad with them. The body of the essay shouldn't stray from the topic presented in the thesis.
Thesis statements should not be written before other work on an essay has been done. Rather than try to craft a quality thesis statement at once, writers should come up with a general framework for the essay and then begin researching to locate supporting information. During this process, writers can develop ideas for the thesis statement. After thoroughly researching the topic, writers have a better idea of an appropriate thesis for the subject matter. Once a thesis is complete, a writer must ask herself if the thesis accurately embodies her stance.
Writers often seek assistance from other writers when attempting to cultivate a good thesis statement. Those writing in an academic setting are wise to have their thesis statements checked by a teacher or professor. Many learning institutions also have writing assistants or writing labs to help students with their work. Peers are also a good source of help. Other writers often can ensure that a thesis statement is appropriate for the material that follows.