A thesis statement is the central crux of your paper. In the case of the research paper, it is one sentence that clearly states the argument of your paper. A thesis statement must not be a fact; it must be an arguable position on a topic. Consider the following two statements:
Example 1: The Statue of Liberty is a monument in New York City.
Example 2: Bullying in schools can be reduced when a school implements a character-education program.
Of these two sentences, which would make the better thesis? Which one is arguable and has multiple points of view? Example two is the better thesis because it is an argument. Example one is a fact. It is not arguable.
Your task is to craft one sentence, known as the "thesis statement," that clearly and concisely states your argument. Avoid first and second person.