Research Questions and Thesis Statements

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Objective

I can develop a research question and thesis statement for an academic paper.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Scribbr · 4:12Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by Scribbr on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    A thesis statement sums up the main point of your paper in one or two sentences and usually appears at the end of your introduction.

  2. 2

    A strong thesis statement should mention the main topic of your paper, take a position and state your argument, and summarize the evidence you’ll use to support your argument.

  3. 3

    The best thesis statements are concise, disputable and coherent.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

7 questions

1

What are the three key components of a strong thesis statement, according to the video?

2

Why is it important for a thesis statement to be 'disputable'?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Develop a thesis statement based on the following research question: What impact does social media have on political polarization? Be sure your thesis includes the main topic, your position, and a summary of evidence you might use to support your argument.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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