Examples

The following example has some promise but needs refining.

It doesn’t leave the reader with a clear idea of what, exactly, the paper is going to argue. We get the impression that the author has a pathway in mind, and the paper has the potential to be engaging. However, the specifics of this idea are not made explict to the reader, so there is no obvious argument. 

The author might consider:

• What is the context? Will this paper address all gods, or those of a specific culture?
• What texts are used? 
• What is the end result of stagnant generations versus chaging generations? 
• Are we focused on stability or the struggles?

This is a strong thesis, and many elements are made explicit.

• Object of analysis = Corinthian theatre; especially the artistic framework and subject matter of the scaenae frons
• Time period = up to the Hadrianic period
• Argument/ "so what?": The sculpture project manifests hybrid identity, which has socio-political implications (Roman imperial ideology; Greek, geo-historical past)

This is a relatively weak statment

It speaks in generalizations and does not make an argument. While it is clear what text the author will use as evidence (Ovid), it does not tell the reader anything substantive or new about this text. The statement suggests that the author will simply summarize and synthesize pre-existing information, which is not the goal of a thesis-based research paper, which makes an arguement and tells us something new. 

This is a strong thesis.

It clearly lays out what texts the author will use, picks a methodology (compare and contrast), identifies a specific topic they look at, and takes a stance on what they want to argue. If the student selects passages from the text that support their stance, this will make a good paper.