1. The Preliminary Stages
To know what a research essay is.
To understand how to structure a research essay.
To be able to plan and formulate a thesis statement for my research essay on a social issue.
RESEARCH PAPER
The Preliminary Stages
CODE: WcU

2. The Preliminary Stages
Identify a Topic
Create a Research Topic Question
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 religion have on paying off debt?

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] develop?

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
Introduction
ESSAY
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #2
Body 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.

12. Thesis Statement Example

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.
often lists subtopics.
does not directly announce your main topic.

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
be made into thesis statements.

15. Main Idea in a Complete Sentence

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.

18. Thesis Statement: Key Features
States an Opinion or Attitude

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.

20. Thesis Statement: Key Features
Subtopics

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.

22. Thesis Statement: Key Features
Don’t state the obvious

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.
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