what is an open or closed thesis statement

Open Vs Closed Thesis Statements: Read Writing Tips With Examples

The most important aspect in the development of an essay is the thesis statement. It contains more than one central sentence, guides and controls the paper. Basically, there can be two kinds of thesis statements: open and closed. The difference between open and closed thesis statements will enable you to develop far better and more prominent essays.

In this blog, we’ll look at how to write both open and closed thesis statements. And will discuss which is more perfect thesis statement writing process, with related examples to explain the differences.

Purpose of a Thesis Statement

Through recognizing the perfect points of this discussion, let’s review what is the purpose of a thesis statement.

Focus: It provides focus to the structure and argument in the essay.
Clarity: It starts a clear signal to the reader about the main message.

In other words, a good thesis statement simply sets the tone of the essay. It offers the reader an idea of where the author comes from and where the essay is heading.

How to Write an Open Thesis Statement

The open thesis statement is broad and assists the author to implement a more examining approach towards the topic. It’s linked to essay types where the writer wants to explore an diversity of points or viewpoints without certainly investing in just one primary argument.

Select a topic: Choose a common topic in which you are interested and that reduces within the limits of your assignment.
Simplify your point: Provide a thesis that states the whole direction but does not include all the supporting points that will be discussed.
Allow for flexibility : Your thesis statement should be able to set a limit multiple range of the topic to be discussed.

Example of an Open Thesis Statement

“Online writing services changed the face of academic writing because of impacts on students’ skills, academic integrity, and educational standards. The online writing services has significantly influenced academic writing practices”

In this example, the thesis statement posits that the effect of online writing services on practicing academic writing shall be examined without reflecting on which elements will be discussed. This therefore allows the writer to discuss several elements such as:

Changes in writing quality : How the approach to online writing help has altered the quality of students’ academic assignments.
Impact on student learning : How the use of writing services affects or affects students’ learning experiences and writing skills.
Evolving writing trends : How online writing services impact new trends in academic writing and format.

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Tips for Writing an Open Thesis Statement

Choose a General Subject: Narrow down a general subject you would like to adopt from a variety of viewpoints.

Be an exploratory thesis : An exploratory thesis-your direction in which the essay will move without being closed to several views.
Focus on themes : Larger themes or issues relatively than specifics or arguments even – what your subject will talk about.
General terms of broad language : Avoid reducing your thesis too early. Use general words or terms that include many ideas or discussions.
Be flexible : An open thesis enables you to change direction when you are structuring your essay. Be ready to adapt therefore to any new exposes arising.
Example tip: For an essay about online writing services, an open thesis would be something like, “online writing services impact many aspects of academic writing,” then you can highlight the several impacts, such as the impact it has on the quality of writing, in students’ education, and the evolving trends.

How to Write a Closed Thesis Statement

It is more specific; it gives a plan for the major argument of the essay. Mostly, it’s used for those essays where one argues about something.

Define your argument : Intentionally decide on what accurately you want to argue or put across.
Be specific : Present your argument in specific terms-state what precisely you will prove or discuss.
Outline your main points: A short-term explanation of key points that will support your point.

Example of a Closed Thesis Statement

“Online writing services increase academic writing by offering professional improving for grammar and clarity, improving structural consistency through better association, and providing personalized feedback that addresses specific weaknesses in student writing”

This is a closed thesis statement, as it identifies the three points to be discussed in the essay, which include professional editing, structural consistency, and altered feedback. It does indeed show the route or direction the essay will take and gives the reader an idea of completely what to expect.

Why is a Closed Thesis Effective?

A closed thesis statement is effective for several reasons:

Specificity: It gives the essay clear direction – the writer can keep on track, and so can the reader, following the argument.
Focus: The closed thesis grants the essay to focus on whatever points are made inside of it, thereby not allowing it to get too broad or even become unfocused.
Structure: This allows the structure of the essay to be arranged, since each point developed in the thesis could be explained distinctly in various sections or paragraphs.

Tips for Writing a Closed Thesis Statement

Identify an argument : Clearly identify a specific and clear argument or point that you want to make about your topic.
Be concise: State the argument in a concise method by indicating just what your essay will prove or argue.
Mention major supporting points : Briefly list the main supporting points that prove your argument in this thesis statement to give an overview of your whole essay.
Maintain focus: Each point included in your thesis should severely be about your argument and be developed in the essay.
Avoid ambiguity : A close thesis should leave no doubt on the direction of your essay; the area to be discussed must be clear in the thesis.
Example tip : For an essay on online writing services, a closed thesis could be: “Online writing services enhance academic writing through professional editing, improved coherence and personalized feedback,” which sets up a clear structure through discussing these three benefits.

Through following these tips, you shall be able to write effective thesis statements which serve to bring clarity and focus to your essays and hence make your arguments more convincing and logically flowing.

Final Thoughts

In all, this blog is to be helpful in learning how both open and closed thesis statements can be developed. The ability to master such approaches allows you to highlight how to bring clarity and focus on your essay for the purpose of making your arguments more proving, thereby sending your ideas across.

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What Is Open Thesis? 6 Tips to Make It More Understandable For Your Readers

what is an open or closed thesis statement

Often viewed as the elusive and enigmatic element of academic writing, open thesis statements send chills down the spines of even the most experienced and seasoned scholars. Reason? Because of its wider reach than a closed thesis, which commands attention and requires meticulous scrutiny.

Open thesis statements present a unique opportunity for creative exploration and expression. However, it is essential to ensure that these statements are lucid, succinct, and comprehensible to readers. How, then, can one demystify the complexity of open thesis statements and present them in a more accessible and discernible manner? Here are the 6 best tips to aid in crafting an open thesis statement that is approachable and lucid for your intended audience.

What Is an Open Thesis Statement?

An open thesis statement is a statement that is not fully formed or definitive in nature. It leaves room for interpretation and discussion, allowing the writer to explore various angles of a topic.

On the one hand, it allows for more creative expression and exploration. But, on the other hand, it can be confusing and difficult to understand for readers.

6 Tips to Write the Most Efficient Open Thesis Statement

1- understanding the open thesis statement.

An open thesis statement differs from a closed thesis statement because it is not a definitive claim. It's more of a starting point for the writer to explore a topic. For example, a closed thesis statement might be something like, "The death penalty is immoral and should be abolished." On the same topic, an open thesis statement may be, "The death penalty raises ethical concerns and merits further investigation."

2- Importance of Clarity in Open Thesis Statements

The key to making open thesis statements more understandable is to ensure they are clear and concise. Avoid using vague or abstract language that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Instead, use specific language that leaves no room for confusion. Instead of expressing, "The economy is bad," say, "The unemployment rate has increased by 5% in the past year."

3- Use of Concrete Language

Open thesis statements can be made more understandable by using definite or concrete language. Concrete language is a language that refers to tangible, observable things. Abstract language, on the other hand, refers to intangible concepts or ideas. Rather than stating that "love is a powerful emotion," you may add, "When I'm with my partner, I feel happy and content."

4- Providing Context

Context helps the reader understand the writer's perspective and gives them a framework for understanding the argument. For example, instead of saying, "The education system needs to be reformed," you may say, "As a teacher, I've personally seen the negative impact of standardized testing on student learning."

5- Use of Supporting Evidence

Supporting evidence provides the reader with tangible examples illustrating the writer's argument. When selecting supporting evidence, choose relevant, reliable, and compelling examples. For example, instead of writing "Many people support gun control," state, "According to a recent poll conducted by McKinsey, 65% of Americans support stricter gun control laws."

6- Use of Examples

Examples provide the reader with concrete instances that illustrate the writer's point. When selecting examples, choose ones that are relevant, memorable, and thought-provoking. Instead of saying, "Fast food is bad for your health," for instance, say, "In 2019, a man ate nothing but McDonald's for 30 days and gained 17 pounds."

Hence, open thesis statements can seem daunting, but they don't have to be. Follow these six tips and make your open thesis statements more understandable and engaging for your readers. Being clear, concise, and specific is all you need to be here!