Take the time to clarify your own beliefs with writing and research. Proceeding without knowing how you feel about the topic and why will result in an unfocused thesis. Exploring the topic and opposing views helps solidify your own views while backing them with facts.
Review your thesis question. Then compose one or two sentences that answer the question. Tell readers who benefits and how.
State your position explicitly. For example, if you are writing in support of schools regulating the behavior of guest speakers, avoid taking two sides. Pick a position and state your stance directly, such as writing "because some guests are abusive, the university should create guidelines to protect students."
Focus on one topic. The following lacks focus: "The three main subjects in the film are the affects, consequences and need to reverse global warming." Clearer is: "The film argues that humans should alter their behavior to reduce the harmful effects of global warming."
Examine whether the topic is arguable. Avoid topics that most people would agree on, such as animal or child abuse is harmful. Select a topic that is debatable, such as arguing that libraries should eliminate print books in favor of e-books, which saves space, time and maintenance resources.
Create a tightly focused argument. Avoid broad statements, such as "Communities should get rid of gangs." Pick a single neighborhood and state what is at stake: "Because gang violence has increased in Smithville, we should establish a neighborhood watch to preserve the safety of the residents."
Make sure the thesis lives up to the expectations it has set up. Tweak a tentative thesis statement to reflect the final draft of the paper. If including a blueprint - the paragraph topics - match them to paragraph order to clarify how the paper's argument is organized.
Read your thesis aloud to ascertain whether it informs readers what the paper is about all in one sentence. Do not make readers hunt for the thesis. Place the thesis at the end of the introduction to make the purpose clear.