(my topic is lucy craft laney) 1) what is your topic? be specific, based on the research you have done. my (improved, narrowed) topic: 2) now, what thesis can you propose and prove based on your topic? 3) check your 5 w’s who: who was involved? who was affected? 4) what: what happened? what was the main event? 5) where: where was/were the place(s) it took place? 6) when: when did this start? when did it end? 7) why: why did it happen? what caused it? 8) why: why is it important? what were outcomes? 9) connection to theme: tragedy and triumph in history how is your topic connected to the theme? are there examples of one or the other or both? 10) put it all together into a thesis statement. answer this question, “so what? ” what is significant? why is this important? why should we pay attention to the true story you are telling? 11) can you prove it? how? summarize your sources. what evidence have you found?