Abstract: Topic design is the first step to writing a graduation thesis, and selecting an appropriate topic determines quality of the thesis. Based on analysis of topics of 351 undergraduate graduation theses of English majors in Chuxiong Normal University, this paper first identifies some existing problems, such as insufficient innovation, high repetitive rate, and inappropriate selection of broad but unspecific topics, then proceeds to suggest some constructive countermeasures, including laying emphasis on curriculum construction of major courses, strengthening teachers' guidance and supervision in the process of topic selection and attaching importance to practical activities and professional internships, so as to cultivate the students’ research awareness and improve their critical thinking.

Key words: English major, undergraduate graduation thesis topic, problem, countermeasure