Final answer:
A strong thesis statement should be debatable, one sentence long, and clearly state the topic to be discussed, thereby meeting all the listed criteria. It articulates the main argument in a concise and specific manner, guiding the entire essay.
Step-by-step explanation:
A strong thesis statement should fulfill multiple criteria to effectively set up the argument of an essay. Primarily, it should be something that you can disagree with, meaning it is debatable and not just a statement of fact. It also must clearly state the topic you will discuss in your essay, giving readers a clear indication of what to expect. Additionally, it should typically be one sentence long to ensure conciseness and focus. In essence, a robust thesis statement articulates the main argument of the essay, is short, specific, debatable, and clear. It defines your position on a debatable issue and guides the content of the essay with well-supported claims.
When crafting a thesis statement, consider the following: introduce the issue at hand, ensure it's a debatable topic with at least two sides, state your claim in an arguable manner, support your claim with credible research, and focus on defending narrow, modest claims as they are more manageable within an essay's scope. Remember, the thesis statement sets the tone for the entire piece and helps the reader understand the writer's perspective and the essay's direction.