Improving a Thesis Statement

This lesson will show you how to write a clearer thesis statement for a specific question essay. This is the introduction paragraph and is applicable to both the GT and academic paper.

Many people think that job satisfaction is important in work.

Do you think young people these days should be sure of getting job satisfaction before taking a new job or should they put salary first?

What can we see from this essay question?

  1. The essay question asks for your opinion (“Do you think….?”)
  2. The essay is about what people look for when they take a new job
  3. It is often thought that people should choose a new job for job satisfaction
  4. Others think that people should choose a new job for the salary

Here’s a student’s thesis statement for their introduction. How would you improve the thesis statement? Try to write this thesis statement again before you look at the models.

While work satisfaction should be a motive for a successful employee, I do not think that salary must be a priority.”

Model Thesis Statement

Here are two possible ways that the above thesis statement could be better written to make the answer clearer for the reader.

1. In my opinion, I think that work satisfaction should be the main motive for choosing a job rather than salary.

2. In my opinion, it is better for people to put satisfaction at work as a priority for choosing a job instead of aiming for a competitive salary.

Model Introduction

Below is a model introduction with both a background and thesis statement. This offers yet another way to write the thesis statement:

People have different views as to whether job satisfaction or money is more important for a young person when choosing a new job. In my opinion, job satisfaction rather than a competitive salary should be the deciding factor and should be prioritised when accepting a new job.

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Comments

  1. Hey Liz, thanks for all the content and help. I really appreciate it. What I wanted to ask was about the segments of the thesis sentence. Our teachers used to say that the thesis should at least mention the main ideas of the body paragraphs. I don’t know how true this is.
    How necessary is this in IELTS? For example in this example on this page, would it be better to say sth like “In my opinion, job satisfaction should be regarded as the most important thing in the work life rather than the income because it fosters worker’s mental health and increases productivity” The two body paragraphs will focus on 1. mental health and 2. increased productivity.

    • I understand your confusion. IELTS introductions are about presenting your opinion – your position. It’s your answer in a short statement. It should not contain details. In this case, you are asked whether job satisfaction or income are more important so your thesis statement should provide an answer to that.
      For example, “In my opinion, job satisfaction is more important than income for various reasons.” This gives the examiner a clear idea what your position is. The rest of the essay will support and explain your position.
      However, it is also possible to introduce the main points with your position so that it is all very clear. This way the examiner knows what you are going to write about in your essay: “In my opinion, job satisfaction is more important than income because it promotes mental health and increases productivity.” . This is also fine to do. But make sure it doesn’t become too long.

      Which one is best? They are both fine because they both fulfil the requirements of a thesis statement in IELTS. I personally usually introduce the main points when possible but avoid too much detail and avoid lengthy introductions.

  2. Hey liz. I hope you re doing well,
    Big thanks for all the free sources that haven been provided. All materials are precious and sorted out well. You have saved so much time for my preparation and for others as well. Thanks again, you have done so much for us. You’ll be blessed!

    Sincerely,
    Kevin

  3. Thanks very much for your amazing assistance to students, you are really making a lot of dreams comes true. I finally got my results yesterday (21st August) and I will be an ingrate if I fail to tell you that your site contributed in no small measure to the achievement. Once again, thanks a million.

  4. Sarang Bargale says

    Hi Liz,

    Thanks for the amazing lessons.
    Could you please review my introduction to this question?

    A large number of people believe that job satisfactio plays an important role in work. In my opinion, job satisfaction is an extremely important aspect of work and should always be prioritised by youth before opting for a job. However, I also believe that salary is an important part of work and should not be completely neglected while opting for a job.

    • You have the right technique, but be careful with paraphrasing. Youths is not a good paraphrase for young people (young adults).

  5. Nadine says

    Hello Liz,I would like to get your feedback on an introduction that I wrote:
    It is often thought that job satisfaction is vital for a successful career with the salary provided being of less importance, however, despite the fact that job satisfaction can’t be overlooked I believe that the salary offered is of imperative importance as it would have a dire impact on an employee’s quality of life.

    • It is essential that meaning is your priority. You are over complicating your English to the point that the meaning is not 100% clear and the grammar is not strong. Try writing it again with meaning and accuracy as your primary and only aims.

  6. In my opinion I believe that while taking up a job one should look for job satisfaction than the amount of salary it is offering

  7. Jacqueline says

    Hi Liz! I’m very fond of learning with you!!!
    You are the best!!
    I have some questions in relation to some Brazilian ways to write:
    1- In Brazil we usually initiate a paragraph with a space in the line, as a tab of the computer, about 2 cm.
    2- We also separate syllabus, if necessary, at the end of the line.
    3- And can we leave an empty line between paragraphs in Essay Task 2?
    I’m worried about that.
    What do you think about?
    Thank’s a lot!
    Congratulations about your job!!

    • There are no rules about how to make your paragraphs clear in writing task 1 or task 2. I personally prefer students to leave one empty line between paragraphs – it’s so easy to see which makes it easier for the examiner. You don’t need to leave a space or an indent, if you already leave one line empty.

  8. TiJesunimi says

    Hello Liz, thanks for the lectures
    What do you think of this answer:
    A lot of individuals believe that being happy with one’s profession is crucial to work. This essay discusses my opinion which is that youths should focus more on getting a vocation they enjoy rather than wages which can come later.

    My IELTS exam is this Saturday 21st January

    • You don’t need “This essay discusses my opinion “. Just write ” In my opinion”…

  9. Hello =)
    I do hope and pray that you are always in a good condition.

    Can ask an advice for this?

    The majority of the population believes that being fulfilled in their current occupation is essential. I acquiesce that the newer generation must ensure to achieve their fulfillment from their prospected field rather than prioritizing the monetary benefits they can procure from it.

    People often employ themselves to earn for a living due to a fact most of the people inquires about the compensation allotted for a certain position before they submit a resume. With the income of the person, the basic necessities and luxuries can be garnered thus, marks his completeness and happiness. An example of this is if a person can afford to, at least, have a regular vacation to be able to travel to marvelous locations he opts to go such as a romantic tryst on a magnificent island, without having to worry how to pay the bills later, it is believed that his job is satisfying.

    On the other hand, different people have a different perspective of the work satisfaction per se. A plethora of those I know prioritize other factors such as colleagues, location, job description, company profile, and the organizational framework since, these aspects will define if one person can thrive with the institution. The compensation can be dismissed if the work will be detrimental to a person.

    I believe that money cannot buy happiness. Therefore, the younger generation should see to it that they engage with a company where they can be an asset and develop themselves to be a better person in the process upon their longevity. Salary will never be sufficient for someone even if the people from the lowest rank-and-file to the president of the company are queried.

    To recapitulate, I opine that new job-seekers take into consideration all the benefits he can acquire from a prospected position. Money is not a sturdy basis henceforth, security and stability in the job is of utmost importance.

    Thank you very much,

    Steph

  10. Hi Liz
    I can’t stop laughing when someone asks you to give band score only for a part writing like introduction, a body paragraph or conclusion….

    Thanks so much for your wonderful work, for providing students free lessons with lots of advises and strategies to improve their band score.

  11. it’s exellent examples of thesis statement!

  12. I’m sorry, can you explain what’s the main of the word prioritising ???

  13. Hi Liz,
    Here is my introduction.

    It is commonly thought that job satisfaction is crucial in work. Even though salary is very important in choosing a new job, I believe that job satisfaction is the underlying factor for which people should look prior to getting a job.

    Thanks

  14. Hi and thanks for the lesson.

    One question to your model thesis statement:
    Isn’t “In my opinion, I think that…” a double-up?

  15. Hello Mum,

    Please what would I suppose to write in the thesis statement after my introduction, if the essay question do not ask for opinion totally?
    I’m a bit confused mum.

    Thanks in advance.

    • The thesis statement is part of the introduction. Please see my video lesson on the writing page about writing an introduction.
      Liz

  16. Learner says

    Hi Liz, thanks for the useful learning resources you provided. The following is my introduction, may I know the mistakes that I should improve?

    Job satisfaction is considered the major requirement by the majority of people when they look for an employment. In my opinion, whether the job is in high salary should also be one of the element for choosing the job. However, if one job can provide the youngster new knowledge and satisfy their working objective, it will be a wonderful working experience and worth to seeking for.

    Many thanks!

  17. Quang Tuan says

    1. He should begin with “In my opinion,” to make it easy to follow.
    2. He ought to express his opinion clearer, easier to catch.
    I rewrite:
    …. . In my opinion, I think that work satisfaction should be a priority when choosing a job instead of salary.

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