Part I: First, choose a controversial topic, that is, a topic for which you can find supporters on both sides of the issue.

Part II:

Second, begin formulating aresearch question.

First, you shouldidentify a research question that will guide your research and keep you on track. Start bybrainstorming a list of possible research questions for ten minutes, and then use the five criteria below to narrow down your list to ONE research question that might work for you:

Debatable Subject: Could two reasonable people looking at evidence about this issue come to different conclusions?

• Researchable Issue: Can you locate or collect adequate evidence to support a position on this issue?
• Feasibility: Is the scope of the research question manageable, given the amount of time you have to research the issue and the amount of space in which you will make your argument?
• Contribution: Will your response to your question contribute to the ongoing conversation about the issue?

(NOTE: If your answer to any of the questions is a definitive "No," then the research question might not be a good choice, or you might need to revise it to make it work for your research project.

Part III:

Finally, using your research question, create a thesis statement (your stance on the topic)