The task of presenting your argument in a paper must be preceded by testing, developing, and organizing your ideas into a focused, cohesive, and intelligible viewpoint. In some papers, your viewpoint will be expressed as a thesis, in others as a purpose statement.

The working thesis/purpose statement will guide you through the rest of your research, helping you to know what to focus on. It will also guide you in organizing and drafting your paper. After defining what a thesis/purpose statement is, this page will guide you through the critical thinking required to develop one

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