How to Identify a Topic Question

A topic question, on the other hand, allows you to direct your research toward a realizable goal, to formulate a clear and coherent thesis statement, and to present your argument in an organized and logical manner. 

Of course, finding a topic question is not easy often, it is one of the hardest things that you will do. The best place to start is with the questions that you asked about your topic (see Chapter 1) How do you feel about the books you have read Do you agree or disagree with the opinions of the leading authorities on your subject Why is this topic particularly important and/or relevant at this time Consider these questions, and see if you can add more to your list. Finally, ask yourself whether you can organize and write an answer to any of these questions. Why is it important and interesting to do so  

Tip Ask open-ended questions, that is, questions that permit more than one possible answer. At this stage of the writing process, you do not need to formulate an answer to your topic question. You only need to ask it. Once you have done more research, you state 

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A topic question asks an important and relevant question about your topic that you answer in the form of a written essay. 

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Before you can formulate a thesis statement, you must start with a topic question. You cannot skip this essential step. If your instructor has assigned you an essay question (we call it a topic question), then you are ready to write a thesis statement. If you are writing a research paper, we suggest that you review Chapter 2, How to Identify a Topic Question. ... 

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