5.2: Working Thesis

The next step is to write a working thesis. This, in an academic argument research paper, is the so what, the thing you are trying to change, the thing being addressed as what ought to be one way rather than another way:

Sample thesis: Placing Native American children with non-Native families happens more often than with other cultures and can cause problems not only with the children’s social and psychological development, but it also impacts tribal communities and their futures.

That’s a good start although it will probably not end up being your final thesis. As you continue throughout the writing process, your thesis might change to fit the information and ideas that continue to develop.

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