2. The Preliminary Stages
1. Identify a Topic
2. Create a Research Topic
Question
3. Write a Thesis Statement
3. Identify a Topic
The first step of writing a successful research
paper is Identifying a Topic (*).
* Topic - a subject of conversation or
discussion.
4. Create a Research Topic
Question
Elements of a Topic Question
A topic question asks a relevant and
important question about the topic that is
answered in an essay or research paper.
The topic question can be what other writers
have already considered, but answered with
a new spin.
Example:
Topic: Roe vs. Wade
Possible Topic Questions: (1) What are the
negative/positive effects of the Supreme Court's 1973
ruling? (2) What effect would overturning the federal
court's ruling have on teen pregnancy rates? (3) What
effect did the decision have on its litigants?
5. Create a Research Topic
Question
Although these questions have been
addressed by thousands of writers, there are
still unexplored options.
The topic question can be formulated by the
writer. When deciding to answer a question,
be sure to explain why it is an important
question.
Example:
Topic: Personal Finance
Possible Topic Questions: (1) What effect does
bankruptcy have on pre-school children? (2) How
does investing at a young age shape children's
attitude about different jobs? (3) What effect does
6. Think About the Type of Essay
When creating a research topic question,
think about the type of essay being written.
The writer may identify a theory or a set of
basic principles and use it to solve a problem.
Example: How can [a particular theory]
explain [certain events]?
The writer may want to develop a new
solution to explain a particular situation.
Example: What [new theory] explains [a
situation]?
7. Think About the Type of Essay
The writer may want to focus on the definition of
a word or concept?
Example: How do I define [a particular word
or concept]?
The writer may want to identify the cause of a
specific event or the effects of a specific event.
Example: What was the [causes(s) or
effect[s] of a [particular event]
The writer may want to explain the development
of a specific event.
Example: How did [a particular event]
8. Create a Research Topic
Question
Qualities of a Good Topic Question
A good topic question helps the writer focus.
A good topic question leads directly to the thesis
statement.
A good topic question is open ended
A good topic question guides research.
9. Evaluate the Topic Question
Make sure the topic question isn't too narrow as
indicated by a lack of relevant materials pertaining
to the topic.
A topic question can be broadened by relating it to
broader issues.
Make sure the topic question isn't too broad. If the
writer cannot answer the question in the space or
time provided then the topic is most likely too
broad.
Relating it to a more specific set of facts makes it
more narrow.
Make sure the necessary resources are available.
It doesn't make sense to research a topic with
inferior resources.
10. The Thesis Statement
Think of it as a “Road Map for Your
Essay
ESSAY
IntroductionThesis StatementBody Paragraph #1Body Paragraph #2Body Paragraph #3
11. Thesis Statement: Definition
A thesis statement is a complete
sentence that contains one main idea.
This idea controls the content of the entire
essay. A thesis statement that contains
sub points also helps a reader know
how the essay will be organized. Look at
the introductory paragraph on the
following slide. See if you can identify the
thesis statement and sub points.
13. Thesis Statement: Key
Features
states the main idea of the essay
in a complete sentence, not in a
question.
is usually at the end of an
introduction.
states an opinion or attitude on a
topic. It doesn’t just state the topic,
itself.
14. Thesis Statement: Key Features
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Since the thesis statement is the main
statement for the entire essay, it should
express
a complete thought and be a complete
sentence.
The thesis statement is asserting an opinion
or
idea, so it should not be a question. Look at the
examples in the following slide to see how they
can
16. Thesis Statement: Key
Features
Location
Audiences like to know what an essay
will
be about near the beginning of the
essay
rather than at the end. This is why the
thesis statement is often found at the
end
of the introductory paragraph.
17. Thesis Statement: Key
Features
States an Opinion or Attitude
Good thesis statements often express a
writer’s opinion or attitude on a
particular topic. This makes the thesis
statement more specific and requires
the writer to explain or prove his/her
opinion in the essay. Look at the
examples in the following slide.
19. Thesis Statement: Key
Features
Subtopics
You can make your thesis statement
more
specific by including subtopics or
supporting ideas. By doing this, you
give
your reader a clear idea of what will
follow in the body paragraphs of your
essay.
21. Thesis Statement: Key
Features
Don’t state the obvious
In thesis statements, you should
avoid using statements like, “This
essay will discuss…” or “I’m going
to write about…”. Try to write a
thesis statement that captures your
reader’s attention without announcing
your main topic and stating the
obvious. Look at the example on the
following slide.
23. References
PowerPoint Presentation by Ruth Luman:
Modesto Junior College.
This project incorporates portions of copyrighted
works. These items are included under the fair use
exemption of the U.S. Copyright Law and have been
prepared according to the educational fair use
guidelines. They are restricted from further use.
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-
12/articles/21510.aspx
