Planning

Find a Focus

KW Chart

Start with your topic web in Smart Ideas. Select your topic, then click on the green arrow to enter another level. Then, brainstorm what you know and what you want to know about a topic.

Click to see Possible Sources of Information

Focus Questions / Thesis

Use your KW Chart to develop focus questions for your project. These questions will keep your research on track and can be used to create a thesis or purpose statement.

  • Who, what and where questions will give you a purpose statement for a report.
  • Why and how questions can be used to develop a thesis.
    • Pick one question and answer it. This is your tentative thesis.

Ok, how can I develop a thesis?

  1. Did you find any controversies about your topic? State those controversies as questions. The answer to one of these questions just might be your thesis.
  2. Look back at your focus questions. The answer to a how or why question can be used as a thesis.

Compare your thesis statement with these examples:

Acid rain is a concern Statement of fact - weak thesis. Take a stand.
Something must be done about acid rain. Weak thesis. What must be done? Take a stand.
Acid rain hurts Ontario's water life. Good thesis.
Acid rain will have a long term impact on Ontario's lakes and rivers. Excellent thesis.
Taken from Toronto District School Board - Research Guide 2002.

Next : Plan your schedule

Last updated: April 4, 2008