Working thesis — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- The answer to your research question, refined and supported after you have gathered and weighed evidence. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
- A provisional answer to the research question, held loosely and revised as evidence accumulates. (English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory)
Where it is taught
- Research Questions & Inquiry — Research & Source-Based Writing, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
- Developing a Research Question — Research & Source-Based Writing, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
As evidence accumulates, an answer begins to take shape — your working thesis.
Research Questions & Inquiry
As evidence comes in, a working answer begins to take shape, and that provisional answer is your working thesis — emphasis on working.
Developing a Research Question
Questions using working thesis
Problem 1
Why is a 'working thesis' described as working?
- Because it is the final claim you must defend no matter what the evidence later shows.
- Because it is a provisional answer you expect to refine, or even reverse, as evidence accumulates.
- Because you may only write it during class work time.
- Because a research paper must always be about jobs or the economy.
Answer and explanation
Because it is a provisional answer you expect to refine, or even reverse, as evidence accumulates.
A working thesis is provisional — earned from evidence and revised as research continues — not a fixed position chosen in advance and defended against the facts.