“So what?” Test
The “So what?” test tells you if your thesis is strong enough. If you read your thesis and think “so what?”, then keep working on it until it has a specific point to make.
To pass the “So what?” test, go step by step through the drafting process:
First, name a topic.
For this exercise, let us use “climate change in the Arctic.”
Then, ask a question
○ "How is climate change in the Arctic bad?"
Then, do your research and find a gap/research interest.
Climate change in the Arctic is causing ice to melt. Animals are losing their habitats. Not many have written about walrus habitat loss.
Then, convert the previous question into a statement
○ “Climate change in the Arctic is bad.”
Then, revise the statement to be more specific to your research.
○ “Climate change in the Arctic is dangerous for wildlife.”
Then, do more research and revise it to be even more specific.
Pacific walruses rely on sea ice to hunt, rest, and feed their young. Without it, they cannot survive.
○ “Climate change in the Arctic endangers Pacific walruses because it melts floating sea ice, which is used for hunting, resting, and nursing.”
Then, to be more specific, try to recognize any opposition, obstacles, or exceptions.
“Despite green initiatives to protect the Arctic, climate change continues to endanger Pacific walrus populations by melting floating sea ice, essential havens for hunting, resting, and nursing.”
Finally, revise it as many times as needed. Reasons for changing it include new research or personal preference.
“Despite green initiatives to protect the Arctic, ocean acidification from climate change continues to reduce algae, mollusk, and snail populations, which endangers Pacific walruses with starvation.”
Avoid being too general or too vague. Be confident and opinionated but only if you back it up with research.