College Composition / Unit 13 CMP 0315 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Testing a Thesis
The idea
A draft thesis can be tested against a short list of questions before the paper is built on it.
In practice
Ask the questions in order. First, does it have both a topic and an angle? Second, is the angle debatable, or is it a fact anyone would accept? Third, is it specific enough to guide the paper, or so broad it could support anything? Fourth, does it fit the assignment's purpose and genre: a stance for an argument, a central idea for a report? Fifth, is it worded in one or two declarative sentences, without announcing the topic? Sixth, can you imagine the evidence that would support it?
Where people slip
A thesis can pass every test and still be wrong for the paper if the evidence points elsewhere. When the support keeps pulling away from the claim, follow the evidence and revise the thesis.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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