ENGL U102 - Composition II - Richie: Focus Your Topic

The following databases may provide background information on controversial topics, as well as different viewpoints. Resources you find here may help you focus your topic and come up with search terms.

Check with your instructor before using these as sources in your papers.

It is important to come up with a.research topic/question that is neither too broad or too narrow. 

 The 5 W's, described in the video below, are a helpful tool for focusing your research question/topic.

When you begin your research, you start with a broad topic. It is important that you focus your topic to make it manageable. For your assignment, you'll need to come up with a well-developed thesis statement.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Who is affected by the problem and what groups are involved? (people, culture, demographics)
• Who else cares about/has an interest in the problem?
• What is the issue?
• Where is your problem most important? (typically United States, but may be international)
• When is/was your problem most important? Most times, this is current (now).
• Why is this problem important to address?

Source: Mesa Community College. Determining your research question.