Research Ess@y

Typical problems with thesis statements:

· The problem of not taking a stand:

· “Some people are for and some people are against an advanced recycling program in Coon Rapids.” (Not a thesis!)

· The problem of not being subject to disagreement:

· There is a lot of argument over whether or not puppy mills in the United States should be stopped. (This is fact—not a thesis!)

· The problem of no scope:

· Immigration is a huge problem all around the world, and something must be done. (Woah!—Too big and lacks focus!)

· The problem of not being a complete sentence/statement:

· Should felons have their voting rights reinstated after being released from prison? (Not a thesis!)

Check your thesis:

· _____ Does it take a stand? It must to be a thesis. (It cannot be a question.)

· _____ Is it subject to disagreement? It must be to be a thesis. (It cannot be stating a fact or use “I.”)

· _____ Is it a complete sentence/statement? It must be to be a thesis.

· _____ Does it convey the scope of the paper’s focus?

· For example, if you’re writing about something education-related, does it specify what levels of education—primary, secondary, post-secondary?

· Another example, if you write about something related to children, do you specify if you mean all children under 18 or if you’re examining a more specific group?

· Or if it’s about a law, is it clear if it’s state or federal?

· _____ The thesis may be one to three sentences.

· _____ Good thesis statements include why. Include a word like “because” in your thesis statement.

· _____ Have you done all of this? Hooray!

Topic

First, know/list your topic:

Research Question

Thesis

Finally, your thesis answers the research question:

Second, write your research question: