How do I write a thesis statement?

Coming up with the thesis statement is as much of a process as writing the whole paper-and, in fact, the two processes are inseparable. Therefore, while some teachers will ask you to turn in a thesis statement before you write the rest of the paper, remember that this is only a working thesis statement. It's rather like a hypothesis in a science project. As you write your outline and drafts, your thesis will change: your focus will narrow, you'll find that you want to focus on a different area of the subject, or perhaps you'll reconsider your opinion on it. That's OK. You won't actually write your final thesis statement until the last draft of your paper.