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Turning your Research Question Into a Thesis Statement A research question helps get you started with your research. However, as you begin to write about that research, you need to turn that question into a working thesis. Questions often do not work well as a thesis. So how do you change a research question into a thesis? First, let’s define what creates a good thesis, then we’ll learn how to change a research question into a thesis statement.

Definition of a Good Thesis:

• The thesis statement holds up your paper. You can compare it to the foundation of a building: if your foundation is poorly built or too weak – if your statement is too general or flimsy – the building will fall down. It’s key to build a strong foundation, one that will hold up the many parts of your building.

• The thesis statement announces the argument you intend to make and explain, describe and prove in the main body of your essay. You might view it as a road map for your analysis since tells the reader what to expect in the essay. Be sure to write a clear and direct road map that contains the essential elements of your argument.

• The thesis, which can be one or two sentences, should be placed somewhere in the

introduction of your essay. It will often appear as the last sentence(s) in the paragraph.

• A successful thesis statement not only keeps your building standing and helps the read find their way through the essay, but it also should be thought provoking and engaging.

• Your thesis statement should include two

parts: WHAT and WHY:

o WHAT: What claim are you making about your topic?

o WHY: Why should we care about that claim? Why is your claim

important to you and your analysis? In other words, your thesis should answer the “so what?” question.

Changing a Research Question into a Thesis: The research questions from your previous handout include the following:

• What can we do in the United States to prevent acid rain? • What impact do fishing regulations have on commercial fishing in New England? • How will China’s effort to censor the Internet affect its citizens? • How does distance education impact the social skills of high school students?

The question has helped you to learn a bit about your topic. For instance, you have found several sources that indicate that coal burning creates acid rain. Therefore, you can write a working thesis that includes both the problem and solution (the “WHAT” and the “WHY):”

• What can we do in the United States to prevent acid rain?

o EXAMPLE THESIS: Since many factories and electrical plants burn coal that causes acid rain (the WHY), Americans should transition to cleaner technologies, like solar and wind power (the WHAT).  Note that the research question has produced a result -- coal

burning plants cause acid rain – and suggested an alternative – solar and wind power.

• What impact do fishing regulations have on commercial fishing in New England?

o EXAMPLE THESIS: The fishing regulations in New England create a

hardship for fishermen who legally can only harvest specific species of fish in a limited time period (the WHY). To help keep the fishing industry thriving, laws can expand the fishing season for some species of fish that are not endangered (the WHAT).

 Note: This working thesis is contained in two sentences, which is fine if you have a complex topic.

• How will China’s effort to censor the Internet affect its citizens?

o EXAMPLE THESIS: China’s effort to censor the Internet causes Chinese people to use develop websites and blogs that appear to come from the United States (the WHAT), which can be deceiving for the student who is seeking academic research online (the WHAT).

• How does distance education impact the social skills of high school students?

o EXAMPLE THESIS: Since distance education cannot adequately teach social skills to high school pupils (the WHAT), online students are encouraged to join local clubs, sport teams or volunteer groups, which will help them make friends as well as learn how to navigate social situations (the WHY).

Notice how the research question is addressed in the thesis statement (Since distance education cannot adequately teach social skills to high school pupils), as well as a conclusion of the research (students are encouraged to join local clubs, sport teams or volunteer groups.). Therefore, your thesis will include a portion of the research question as well as the results of research done on the question.

Template: Research Question: ______________________________________________________. Thesis Statement: Research Question portion: _____________________________________________________________________

Results of research or suggested solution to the Research Question: Check to make sure your thesis contains the “WHAT” and the “WHY.”