II. Choosing a topic.pptVIP

II.Choosing a topic论文选题 Purpose Process Product (Good Questions) (Systematic Approach) (Valid Answers) Criteria of topics Choosing a topic is the most important crucial part of the entire thesis process. Adequately restricting and focusing topic What needs to be considered in topic-selection? Personal interest Avoid overly ambitious and challenging topic A small piece of an important topic or a small piece of an area that intrigues you. A good topic? Interesting Significant Researchable Modest Familiar Topic, question and thesis statement Topic: a broad range or general field of interest (Metaphor) Question: a particular part or aspect of a topic that is narrow enough to investigate and write about (What are the effects of metaphorical use of language in communication?) T.S.: An assumption about the topic, an approach to it, an attitude toward it, a proposition to be examined. (Metaphors at different levels add lots of power and glory to the language in communication.) How to choose a topic? the requirement of your school. Identify a research interest or research topic Narrow the topic down as much as possible Review the literature on the topic as completely as possible State the problem in a question form. Translate or turn your research question into a thesis statement. Subject areas: English literature English linguistics English language teaching and learning Translation studies Language and Culture How to narrow down the topic? “Who”, “What”, “How” “the acquisition of English Vocabulary” Who: English/non-English major university freshmen What: productive vocabulary in speaking How: interview, questionnaire, observation, measurement, Formulating general specific questions Research topic: L2 argumentative writing Topic focus: A study of university students’ argumentative writing in English; rhetorical knowled