Developing Your Topic

Exploring a general idea is the first step in developing your topic.

It is likely that the first idea you have for a thesis will be perfect.

"Drugs in School" Select a topic, and a thesis, for this idea. You should narrow the topic, then take a position (positive or negative) for your thesis statement. *Do not use the example in your answer. Example: Topic: Prescription drug abuse is rising among teenagers. Thesis: Resources and information regarding prescription drug abuse should be part of health education for high school students.

Please select the word from the list that best fits the definition Smoking contributes to air pollution.

A thesis statement makes up the entire first paragraph of your paper. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

"Kids today eat 25% less fresh fruit than kids in 2000." Why is this not a strong topic idea? a. Too broad c. The statistic came from an unreliable source b. Too narrow d. This topic idea is acceptable

Outside of traditional encyclopedias and basic Internet searches, what are three other ways to gather information about your topic?

"Drugs in Schools" Why is this not a strong research topic?

Topics with problems or controversies are strong topic ideas.

Which of these is source for finding general information and ideas about your topic? a. Textbook c. Trade magazines b. Interview d. All of these

Melinda has always wanted to know about export rates between the U.S. and China. Why is this a good research topic for her? a. Melinda is curious about the topic c. Melinda saw a tv show and thought she could find more information about China b. Melinda's mother says China exports a lot of goods to the U.S. d. None of these

Evaluate this topic idea: "Teachers gave 18.5% more homework in 2007 than in 2005." a. The topic is satisfactory c. The topic is too narrow b. The topic is too broad d. This is a thesis statement

Your research supports your thesis.

Who should be interested in the topic chosen for a research paper? a. Whoever writes the paper c. Whoever reads the paper b. Whoever grades the paper d. All of these

A position is either a. True or false c. Positive or negative b. Happy or sad d. A thesis can be any of these

Please select the word from the list that best fits the definition 20% of smokers decide to quit everyday.

If you have selected a topic that you do not like, you should change your topic. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Creating a thesis statement is the first step in developing your topic. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Which question may be used to start your initial research about "Global Warming"? a. How do you spell "global warming"? c. When did global warming first become a concern? b. Who is Al Gore? d. None of these

Please select the word from the list that best fits the definition 25% of candy bars contain more saturated fat than cereal bars.

Which is the best thesis statement? a. I think Cheerios is the best cereal. c. Cheerios should be given a "Healthy Heart" award. b. Cheerios is one of the most popular cereals on the market today. d. Cheerios is one of the most healthy cereals available today.

A research paper which has been turned in for credit is a final product.

Topics that are too broad cover too much information.

Please select the word from the list that best fits the definition Cereal bars are a healthy alternative to candy bars.