Narrowing from Topic to Thesis in Argument

Before you begin drafting an argument paper, you need to decide (tentatively, at least) what it is that you will be arguing about the topic you have chosen. The following prompts should help you focus your argument from a topic to a position on that topic.

1. What is your topic? 

2. What are three controversies associated with this topic? 

3. What are three questions people might ask about these controversies? 

4. Decide which of these questions you are most interested in exploring. 

5. Now list several ways people might respond if you ask them your question. 

6. Finally, decide where you stand in this range of responses. Think of a thesis that expresses your view. Write out your thesis and revise it throughout your research process until it is specific and takes a single arguable position. 

Assignment:

Write down the process in which you try to narrow your topic and  work out a thesis (argument) in your exercise book. List 1-6 steps.