Is this thesis any good?

Question

"Through history, Imperial Russa was far more successful than today's Russian Federation."

Sort of a shot in the dark as to a thesis for my senior research paper. Please be brutal, I'm in AP English.

Answer 1

The edited version of the thesis by Estimirabilis is much better than the first one you offered. Why? Your thesis is too vague and you are not explaining to the reader how you came up with your central idea. The key to writing a good thesis and assuring that you are going to direct your reader to see exactly what you mean is to use the journalistic questions after you write it.

Who? What? When? Where? Why? & How?

Now that you've developed this thesis statement, you will probably need to begin drafting the supporting paragraphs. Focus on the central ideas and the points you wish to expand upon. If you use quotes, back them up. Too many times I will see students plop a quote in a paper just to make it longer without explaining why they use the quote. If you quote someone, back it up with why you feel that this is important.

Write some of the paper--walk away from it, then print it out. Go through each sentence as ask yourself those questions..Who, what, when, where, why, and how, after each thing you say. This way you can assure that you are making your paper as solid as possible and that you are supporting your points.

Answer 2

Sounds like an interesting thesis statement -- but you have to be a little more specific and say in which way(s) Imperial Russia was more successful than today's Russian Federation.

Throughout history, Imperial Russia has been far more successful in (promoting prosperity) (acquiring new land) (achieving economic stability) etc.etc.etc.
Pick whichever one you want, or substitute whatever you are basing your thesis on, but you have to be specific in your thesis statement.

Answer 3

it is fine. a better thesis would be "Throughout history, Imperial Russia was far more successful than today's Russian Federation in military strength, economic stability, political...."

now i just added that stuff in but it may not be true so don't take my suggestion too literally. i only inserted these things to show that you should mention a few of the major points from your argument in the thesis to introduce them. then later on you can expand.

Answer 4

Its a good arguable thesis. You are setting yourself up for a compare and contrast organization. In the complete thesis give several reasons why so you have a plan to discuss and defend.

Answer 5

I think that's very wonderful, but perhaps too vague. Pick one way it is more successful and expand upon that idea.

Answer 6

I agree with estmirabilis, more needs to be said. It seems a little short.

Answer 7

Sounds interesting to me and I thought theses were uninteresting.