SCC Research Guides: Choosing a Research Topic: 3. Narrow Your Topic / Thesis Statements

Narrow Your Topic

Once you have completed your background research, you will want to start narrowing down your topic a little further. You probably learned a ton of new information about your topic when you were doing your background research, but you cannot write about everything. You need to focus your ideas into one clear, concise research question.

The good news for you is that you already started subconsciously doing this before you began your background research, when you were brainstorming ideas in your concept map. Now that you have done your background research, you're ready to narrow down your topic further and develop a research question and a thesis statement.

What is the difference between a research question and a thesis statement?

The reason that we do research in the first place is to answer a question.

Your research question is the question that you answer while you complete your assignment. Think of your research question as your topic, but in question form.

Research Topic: Cost of college tuition.

Example: How does student loan debt affect students below the poverty line?

Your thesis statement is the answer to your research question. You will spend your whole paper working to prove your thesis statement.

Example: Student loan debt affects students below the poverty line by further hindering their ability to purchase a home, have a family, and pay off their debt.

What makes a good thesis statement?

As you narrow down your topic and develop your thesis, keep in mind, a thesis statement should:

Clearly answer your research question. Your thesis statement is the answer to that question.
Outline the position you will take in your paper. Your reader should know exactly what point you are making in your paper.
Show how you will support your position. Your reader should know exactly how you will support your position.
Have multiple sides to the issue. Your thesis should not be a common fact or something that can be answered with a "yes" or "no."
Be flexible. It is common and normal if your thesis statement ends up changing during the research process. As you learn more, your position may change.

The below video from Scribbr gives a great overview of how to write a strong thesis statement for an argument essay.

Thesis Statement

Next, you will transform your research question into a thesis statement, which is the answer to your research question. Your thesis statement will clearly show the position you will take in your paper and how you intend to argue that position including some of the supporting information you plan to cover.

For example, if your research question is How can humans stop the Polar Ice Caps from melting?, an answer to that question (and the position to take in a paper) might be: Humans can stop the Polar Ice Caps from melting by becoming more conscientious with their use of electricity.

It is ok for your research topic, question, or thesis to be adjusted, especially as you do more research and learn more about your topic. Remember, research is a process, and you can always go back and revisit steps when needed.

For more information on creating a thesis: you can visit the other tabs for videos, webpages, and articles.

If you are still having issues coming up with a thesis statement, your instructor or the TLC are the best resources to help with that. The TLC has English tutors that have the expertise in helping students with their writing.

Crafting a Thesis Statement Video (1:25 min)
Video from Tutor.com writing resources on how to craft a thesis.
How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement Video (4:12 min)
In this Scribbr video, the host breaks down the 3 things needed to create a strong thesis.
Harvard College Writing Center: Thesis
This website has a good explanation of the different types of thesis in addition to a basic definition.
Writing a Thesis Statement
From the database Writer's Reference Center, a document defining thesis statements with examples of thesis statements.
Thesis statement: a vital element in expository essays.
In this article, the authors review the definition of the thesis statement, mistakes on the construction of thesis statements and how to write captivating thesis statements.

If you are still having issues coming up with a thesis statement, your instructor or the TLC are the best resources to help with that. The TLC has English tutors that have the expertise in helping students with their writing.

How to Write an Advanced Literary Thesis Video (5:19 min)
This video goes over how to create a thesis for a literature thesis.
How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Literary Analysis Essay Video (3:30 min)
This video gives several examples of literary theses as well as discussing the different parts of the thesis and gives questions to ask yourself when coming up with a thesis.
Bloom's Literature Thesis Statement
This is Bloom's Literature write-up about a thesis statement so it will have more of a literature angle.
UTA Libraries Literary Criticism Sample Thesis Statements
This webpage has some good examples of literary theses as well as sample patterns for theses on literary works,
Colorado State Thesis Statements for a Literature Assignment
This webpage gives a good overview of what you should include and not include in your literature thesis statement.

If you are still having issues coming up with a thesis statement, your instructor or the TLC are the best resources to help with that. The TLC has English tutors that have the expertise in helping students with their writing.

TLC (Tutoring Center)

The Learning Center (TLC)

The Learning Center (TLC) offers free tutoring (in-person or online).

Free, online virtual tutoring is available 24/7 through NetTutor (link found on the TLC Page or in D2L)
Visit the TLC in-person at Giles or other campuses. Visit the TLC Portal Page (SCC Log in Required) for hours and English and Computer tutor availability.
Email your paper/project to them at askatutor@sccsc.edu. They offer a 48 hour turn-around on papers (excluding weekends and holidays), and ask that you send a copy of the assignment as well. The paper needs to be Microsoft Word format (don't share a copy of your OneDrive/cloud account), and please include your due date and SCC college ID number in the email.

Visit the The Learning Center located in the P. Dan Hull Building, rooms E2, E5, E6. See TLC Portal Page (SCC log in required) for additional locations. Contact The Learning Center for more information.