1、How to Write a Dissertation in EnglishChapter 2Narrowing Down the Research Topic2.1 Considering the Audience2.2 Working Out a Preliminary Thesis2.3 Considering the Available Source MaterialsQuestionsChapter 2Narrowing Down the Research Topic When a broad research area is chosen,the student may need
2、to begin narrowing down his or her investigation into a more specific topic.The following are a few techniques to help narrow a broad topic to a workable one.2.1 Considering the Audience2.1 Considering the Audience The awareness of the readers throughout the writing can never be overemphasized.Gener
3、ally speaking,the instructors at colleges and universities who assign the papers are the primary and immediate readers.When a paper is aimed at publication,people in the field are the target readers.When planning a research paper,students should remember that the readers are well-informed and knowle
4、dgeable in the field.They want to know more and to be convinced of the paper thesis.The following questions are helpful when considering the readers:1.Who are my readers?2.What do my readers know about the subject?3.How much do they know?4.Could I add something new to what the readers know?5.Why is
5、the concept so important?Are there any new ideas in my paper?How to Write a Dissertation in English2.12.22.3QCon2.1 Considering the Audience6.What can I discuss to enlighten the readers further about the topic?7.What is the practical or theoretical significance?8.Is it feasible or possible to enlarg
6、e the reader knowledge about the current subject?How to Write a Dissertation in English2.12.22.3QCon2.2 Working Out a Preliminary Thesis2.2 Working Out a Preliminary Thesis A thesis statement declares the main point or controlling idea of an essay.It is a scholarly statement that needs to be proven
7、or maintained against argument.A thesis statement can be formulated at different stages.Some students may draft a working statement before they set out to write because they regard it as a most useful organizational tool to guide their research and writing.Once the students know the paper main point
8、,what they need to do is to explain and back up their thesis statement.In other words,everything in their papers should support their thesis.Anything off the point should be eliminated.Students may develop and revise their thesis statement from time to time as their writing proceeds because they may
9、 find something novel and significant but inappropriate to their original thesis statement.Such revisions or modifications satisfy their new understanding of the topic.Some other students even deliberately avoid formulating any thesis statement before their initial research and first draft are compl
10、etely finished.How to Write a Dissertation in English2.12.22.3QCon2.2 Working Out a Preliminary Thesis Jean Wyrick formulates the following guidelines for preparing a good thesis statement:1.A good thesis states the writer clearly defined opinion on some subject.2.A good thesis asserts one main idea
11、.3.A good thesis has something worthwhile to say.4.A good thesis is limited to fit the assignment.5.A good thesis is clearly stated in specific terms.6.A good thesis is clearly located,often in the first or second paragraph(Wyrick 28-32).How to Write a Dissertation in English2.12.22.3QCon2.3 Conside
12、ring the Available Source Materials2.3 Considering the Available Source Materials Available sources are important in narrowing down a topic.Some students may have interesting topics and they may begin writing without considering the available sources.They often have to give up because they can hardl
13、y find any relevant materials.To avoid such fruitless labour,what the students should do is to check the relevant publications before deciding on their topics.If there are too many publications on a particular topic,they should give it up because they can hardly add anything new.Similarly,if there a
14、re few resources on the selected topic,it is sensible to consider changing it for they may have insufficient sources to back up their analysis and conclusions.Robert Dees formulates the following checklist for selecting and narrowing down a topic:1.Be sure the topic meets the requirements of your re
15、search assignment.2.Focus on a topic that you want to learn more about.How to Write a Dissertation in English2.12.22.3QCon2.3 Considering the Available Source Materials3.Pick a topic for which you can meet an audience needs and expectations.4.Check to see that sufficient resources are available.Depe
16、nding upon the materials involved,using interlibrary loan or trusting the mail may take more time than you have.5.Avoid philosophical topics or those based on personal belief.Topics like the value of the family or why you play sports rely upon personal opinion and values rather than objective resear
17、ch and discussion.6.Avoid strictly biographical topics“Abraham Lincoln as a Father”that are already discussed fully in book-length studies.7.Avoid describing processes such as how cocaine is sold on the street or why getting suntan may be dangerous.Such information will not allow for original insigh
18、t and judgment on your part.8.Avoid topics too narrow or too recent for discussion.A paper on local airport conditionsHow to Write a Dissertation in English2.12.22.3QCon2.3 Considering the Available Source Materialsor last week international event will not allow for adequate use of research material
19、s.9.Avoid standard,popular topics commonly chosen for student research papers.Unless recent developments have added new information or conditions,it may be difficult to impress your instructor with another paper on the death penalty or animal intelligence.Besides,all the resources on these topics wi
20、ll be checked out by others when you need them.Pick a topic that shows your individual abilities and interests.10.Cease consideration of any topic that you cannot get very far with in terms of an approach or finding resources.If you seem to be meeting a dead end with a topic,ask your instructor or a
21、 librarian for help,but recognize that some topics may just not be right for you and your circumstances(Dees 52-53).How to Write a Dissertation in English2.12.22.3QConQuestions1.What factors of audience do you often take into account when you plan your research paper?2.What advice do you often get f
22、rom your supervisor when you plan your research paper?3.What is a thesis statement?4.What is the difference between a thesis statement and an abstract?5.How do you usually respond to your source materials?What criteria do you refer to when you select the materials available?How to Write a Dissertation in English2.12.22.3QCon
