How do I write a thesis statement when my argument keeps shifting?

[Barbara]

I thought I knew my argument. I wrote a thesis. Then I wrote the paper, and my argument changed. Now my thesis doesn't match what I actually argued. My TA said: “Your thesis should guide the paper, not be an afterthought.” But what if I don't know my argument until I've written the paper? A professor said: “That's normal. Write a working thesis to start, then revise it after you finish the draft.” So I'm supposed to write my thesis twice? That feels inefficient.

Another tip: “Your final thesis should be the last thing you revise. Write the paper first, then distill your argument into one clear sentence.” I'm trying that this time. But I'm worried my thesis will still be vague. How do I know when it's specific enough?

 

[Gavrr]

Barbara, here's how you know your thesis is specific enough. Ask yourself three questions:

1. Could someone disagree with this? (If no, it's a fact, not an argument.)
2. Does it include a "because" or "through" that explains your reasoning? (If no, it's probably vague.)
3. Can you point to specific evidence in your paper that supports it? (If no, it's not grounded.)

A good test: read your thesis to a friend. If they say "well, obviously," it's too vague. If they say "wait, really? show me," you're on the right track.

Write the paper first. Then run your thesis through these tests. Revise until it passes.