1. Select a topic that interests you
2. Select a topic that can be researched with reasonable thoroughness
3. Formulate a thesis question around which your research will be centered and focused.
4. As you gather information, your thesis will "write itself."

Two characteristics of a working thesis:

1. It is fine-tuned (not too broad)
2. It is limited enough to make it manageable

Sample Thesis Number 1

Too Broad: Abuse

More Specific: Child abuse

Thesis Questions: Is child abuse a myth of reality? What laws protect our children? Who are the victims and perpetrators? What is being done to combat abuse? What are the types of child abuse? Where does abuse occur?

Working Thesis: More must be done in homes, schools, and daycare centers to protect our children from sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect.

Sample Thesis Number 2

Too Broad: Psychology

More Specific: ADD

Research Questions: What is ADD? What causes ADD? What treatments are recommended? What are the effects?

Thesis Questions: How should parents identify and treat a child having ADD?

What treatments for ADD show the most promise?

Are herbal treatments best for ADD sufferers?

Working Thesis: A combination of herbal remedies, behavior modification and therapy is the best way to treat ADD in terms of safety, efficacy and long-range benefits.

Sample Thesis Number 3

Too broad: Education

More Specific: Bilingual Education

Research Questions: What is bilingual education? Where is there bilingual education? What are the laws concerning bilingual education?

How effective is it? How do students having received bilingual education fare in the long run compared to other?

Thesis Question: Is bilingual education in our high schools in the best interest of our children?

Working Thesis: Bilingual education in high school is doing a disservice to our students and to the taxpayers