《writing 4 lesson 3 part 2》.ppt

* * * * From interest to topic An interest is a general area of inquiry of that you wish to explore A topic is a more specific interest, one that can support a research project that can be reported on, and begins the process of focusing on the research problem. Summing up… From research problem to purpose and research questions The purpose of research is to contribute to addressing the problem You’ll realize this purpose by answering the research questions Clarifying Approach/Method Problem/Purpose Topic of Interest Field of Research Research Question Focused and Aligned statement Asking good questions (Q’s) Good Q characteristics Specific Significant Relevant Good research questions If successfully answered, will address the research problem. Are empirically answerable. Are reasonably bounded and focused. Are the foundation around which you design your study. Fit within a big picture. Go from general to specific Ask one central question (open-ended) “what” and “how” Qs vs “why” or “yes/no” Qs Ask focused Q Turn your topic into a single, overarching Q and several sub-Qs All questions should direct at the TOPIC Sub-Qs cover areas of info needed (descriptive, explanatory) to answer the focused Q Zhang’s example: one central Q + sub-Qs What are the problems that affected students’ motivation? How do students perceive the problems… How do you like the lit courses? How do you like the textbooks, exams, etc Can you describe the major way of teaching What are some causes… What killed students’ interest to learn What makes them passive in class How do the tests discourage students Sample research questions Topic: Transition of English Learning from High-School to College What do the students say about the factors and problems that affect the transition? What are the causes of these problems? How do the students deal with those problems? How to developed your Topic Talk into a Topic Statement? 150-word Topic Statement Topic 4: Making a Good Topic Statement