Unit 6: Argumentative Essay Writing
43 Developing Research Questions and Thesis Statements for Argumentative Essays
Research Questions (RQ) for Argumentative Essays
A research question guides your research. RQs help you identify sources and locate appropriate information in your sources (and ignore information that may be irrelevant) during the research process. As you read, you will become familiar with the topic and the answers to your research question. Once you have found the answers (the evidence), you can formulate your thesis statement and identify supporting ideas.
Effective Research Questions are:
- Clear: Provide enough information to convey the writer’s purpose.
- Narrowed: Limited to the amount and type of information that can be included in the writing.
- Arguable: The answers to the question are debatable and not simply accepted facts.
Examples:
| Research Question | Possible answers (= thesis statements) |
|---|---|
| 1. What are the most important benefits of requiring international university students to have an American roommate in the dorms? | International students benefit from having an American roommate in three main ways: A, B, and C.
Universities should require international students to have an American roommate because A, B, and C. |
| 2. What happens when instructors use collaborative projects in undergraduate university content classes? | Undergraduate university students retain content more effectively if they participate in collaborative projects for three main reasons: A, B, and C.
It is advisable for instructors to use collaborative projects to promote academic success in undergraduates because A, B, and C. |
| 3. Should children under ten years old be allowed to use social networking sites? | The use of social networking sites by young children harms their development by A, B, and C.
Parents should restrict the use of social networking sites for children under ten because A, B, and C. |
| 4. Are current recommended guidelines restricting the use of screen time for children under 10 effective? | The recommended guidelines limiting screen use for children under ten have been ineffective because A, B, and C. |
| 5. What impacts does the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have on developing countries? Or, How does the IMF impact developing countries? | Through its structural adjustment programs and fiscal and monetary policies, the IMF undermines labor rights, educational opportunities, and the health of people in developing countries. |
What are the Criteria of an Argumentative Thesis Statement?
An effective thesis statement for an argumentative essay should:
- Be debatable. Reasonable people can disagree with your claim.
- Clearly state an opinion. Avoid statements which are vague or lack a position.
- Be supported by evidence. Claims based on value systems or religious beliefs cannot be effectively supported with evidence.
- Be narrowed. A narrowed claim will be more persuasive and is easier to support.
Knowledge Check
Thesis statements: Arguments or reports?
An argumentative essay expresses a position, or opinion, on the topic; it does not merely summarize or report on information. In the list below notice the language used to express a position:
- International students benefit from …
- Universities should require …
- Undergraduate university students retain content more effectively …
- It is advisable for instructors to …
- The use of social networking sites by young children harms their development …
- Parents should restrict …
- The recommended guidelines limiting screen use for children under ten have been ineffective …
In the examples below, note the difference between an “argument” and a “report.”
- REPORT:
- RQ: What are the negative consequences of alcohol addiction?
- Thesis statement: Alcohol addiction leads to family problems, job loss, and health issues. (Here, the writer simply lists the impacts.)
- ARGUMENT:
- RQ: Should the legal age for drinking be lowered from 21 to 18?
- Thesis statement: The legal age for drinking should not be lowered to 18 because of three risks: drunk driving, alcohol poisoning, and violent behavior. (Here, the writer states their opinion by recommending a call for action.)
- BUT: Argument:
- RQ: What are the negative consequences of alcohol addiction?
- Thesis statement: The most important impacts of alcohol addiction on family problems are job loss, and health issues. (Here, the writer has included their evaluation of the many problems by selecting the three most important.)
Adapted from Carlock et al (2010), The ESL Writer’s Handbook
Writing a Good Research Question
Watch the video below to learn how to write a research question for an argumentative essay.
From ARC Library
Using your RQ to Brainstorm Key Words for Research
Once you have your research question, you can begin conducting Internet and database research. Watch the video below to learn strategies for brainstorming “key words” from your RQ.
From Oslis Elementary Videos
Using Generative AI for Writing a Research Question
Below are prompts for writing a research question
You should begin writing a research question for your topic yourself. Grappling with the writing process builds your critical thinking skills.
Research Question Prompts
- Here is my narrowed topic: [topic]. Help me write one research question using how or should.
- Can someone disagree with this research question? If not, how can I change it?
- Does this question ask for opinions and reasons, not just facts?
Key Takeaways
Type your key takeaways here.
- A research question (RQ) guides your research and focus.
- Good RQs are clear, narrow, and arguable.
- Answers to RQs often become thesis statements.
- An argumentative thesis states a clear, debatable opinion.
- Strong theses are specific and supported by evidence.
- Argumentative essays take a position, not just report facts.
