As you complete your research, create a working thesis statement. A working thesis statement tentatively answers your guiding research question. Returning to our Buddhism question, a working thesis statement might read, “Buddhism can offer several surprising strategies to the 21st American college student.” Using this working thesis as a guide, our Buddhism student might organize his or her paper as follows:
- Introduction, including thesis statement
- Pertinent background information on Buddhism
- Pertinent background information on 21st century college student
- One useful strategy at a time, totaling four
- Conclusion
As you revise your paper through different stages, you may adjust your working thesis. Our final Buddhism thesis might read, “Although Buddhism developed in a particular time and place, it still offers surprisingly useful strategies to the American Millennial college student.”
Next, make sure you do not forgo an outline.