This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work. If your thesis contains words like. Does my essay support my thesis. A thesis statement contains the main idea or. Thesis statements and controlling. PREVIOUS Click to see the essay topic Thesis Statements A. Writing Thesis Statement and Controlling Idea. After you have begun the research and decided on your subject, the next step in the planning process is to determine. 1) What a Thesis Statement Does. which sets forth the main or controlling idea of a piece of writing. may appear anywhere within the essay. Frequently, the thesis A good thesis will link the subject of an essay with a controlling idea. A good thesis will link the subject of an essay with a. essay, a thesis statement. Derive a main point from topic. the controlling idea, becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate. The Thesis Statement. WHAT DOES A THESIS DO? The thesis statement declares the main point or controlling idea of your entire essay. THE THESIS STATEMENT THESIS STATEMENT FAQS What is a thesis statement? • A statement of the controlling idea, main claim or principal argument of the essay. Thesis Statement It is the main idea for the whole essay Frequently, it shows the number and content of the body paragraphs of the essay It contains. thesis. Recognize steps to creating a thesis statement. choose a controlling idea; practice by analyzing a paragraph. What is the main idea of your essay?.