Write your finished thesis or your working thesis at the top of a piece of paper. As a work in progress, the thesis can still be a phrase, an idea or only a few words.
Draw a line down the middle of the paper. On the left side, you will write the worksheet's objectives/exercises; on the right side, you will describe how your thesis either fails or succeeds to meet the objectives, as well as any ensuing revisions to your thesis. Leave room across the bottom of the worksheet for your completed thesis statement.
Write objective No. 1 on the left side of the worksheet and next to that, write a comprehensive statement that explains what the research paper is about. On the right side, critique your thesis according to these terms.
Write objective No. 2 on the left side and define the parameters (the scope) of your paper, realizing that you are setting expectations for the issues/topics the paper will cover. On the right side, critique your thesis according to these terms.
Write objective No. 3 on the left side of the worksheet: Do not state the obvious. Otherwise known as the "ho-hum factor," a boring thesis will engender only yawns, not interest. On the right side, critique your thesis according to these terms.
Write objective No. 4 on the left side: Break new ground and say something original -- as long as you can support your assertions with credible evidence. On the right side, critique your thesis according to these terms.
Write objective No. 5 on the left side worksheet: Fulfill objectives No. 3 and 4, but do not over-reach and strive for unbridled controversy. Strive for a balance between originality and integrity. On the right side, critique your thesis according to these terms.
Evaluate your working thesis against these five objectives, make the appropriate revisions and write your final thesis statement across the bottom of the worksheet.