Exercise 5.1 Evaluating a working thesis

Choose one of the following preliminary working theses, and after specifying an audience, evaluate the thesis in terms of its interest, specificity, and manageability. Revise the working thesis as necessary to meet these criteria.

  1. The benefits of standardized testing are questionable.

    Question

    The benefits of standardized testing are questionable.
    The benefits of standardized testing are questionable.
  2. Vaccinations are dangerous.

    Question

    Vaccinations are dangerous.
    Vaccinations are dangerous.
  3. Too many American parents try to micromanage their children’s college education.

    Question

    Too many American parents try to micromanage their children’s college education.
    Too many American parents try to micromanage their children’s college education.
  4. Many people are afraid to fly in a plane, although riding in a car is statistically more dangerous.

    Question

    Many people are afraid to fly in a plane, although riding in a car is statistically more dangerous.
    Many people are afraid to fly in a plane, although riding in a car is statistically more dangerous.
  5. An educated public is the key to a successful democracy.

    Question

    An educated public is the key to a successful democracy.
    An educated public is the key to a successful democracy.