Question

True or False: A working thesis in a research paper should include your own opinion.

Answer 1

A thesis statement ought not to be mere opinion. There is no way to defend simply opinion: we each have our own.

But a thesis statement should express the position you will be taking on a given issue.

Answer 2

True.

Answer 3

Here's a succinct exploration of the difference between a thesis statement and either a statement of fact or an opinion --

http://depts.washington.edu/pswrite/thesisstmt.html

A thesis statement is neither. A statement of fact is not arguable, because there is nothing to prove or disprove. There is nothing to argue about. (The arguments generally center on the *interpretation* of facts: not what did or didn't happen, but why, what it means.) A statement of mere personal opinion is likewise not arguable, for the opposite reason. If the fact is too cold and permanent, the personal opinion is too squishy. There's no arguing about taste.

The thesis is a claim, which you will then support with facts and your interpretation (because there is always that) of those facts.

There's much more to writing a strong thesis statement, of course, than simply steering clear of fact on the one hand and personal opinion/taste on the other. You may already be clear on these other aspects, but in case not, here are a few good sources for info --

http://lrc.sierra.cc.ca.us/writingcenter/thesisbasics.htm

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/resources/handouts-demos/writing-the-paper/thesis-statements

http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml

http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/documents/Thesis.html

Answer 4

A thesis statement will include your opinion (stance) and a good one will also include the ideas that support your opinion. So the answer to your question is in fact "true".

Answer 5

Actually, I would agree with you, to that extent.

My "spidey sense" began tingling as I thought about the phrasing of the question -- I was overlooking the qualification of "include" -- and I was just heading back here to clarify, and qualify, what I had posted earlier. So many students veer into the realm of simple personal opinion when first learning to construct thesis statements that I wanted to make the distinction between the two clear. Equally, many veer into the opposite direction, into making simple statements of fact. The good thesis statement is neither simple fact, nor simple opinion. But it does take a position, or a stance. And that stance does in some way incorporate in also an opinion -- a reasoned, well-founded "opinion" though.

Answer 6

Yes also take into account that the question is a true false rather than one asking for advice.

True or False: A working thesis in a research paper should include your own opinion.

AND

Should a working thesis in a research paper should include your own opinion?

are two entirely different questions. ;)