LibGuides: ELRL6010: Theoretical Foundations of Literacy: Getting Started

Developing your Research Topic

Start with a topic that interests you.
Get Background Information
Note keywords, names, places, organizations
Develop your research question
Is your research question too broad or narrow (some prelimary searching/reading will help you determine this)
Develop a thesis statement

For example,

Topic keywords: Charter schools

Your Research Question/Interest might be: Do students learn better in charter schools?

Thesis Statement: Students in urban charter schools have better test scores than students in urban public schools.

Developing a Strong Thesis Statement (Purdue Owl)
A helpful discussion from the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University.
Keywords: A Quick Guide
Sometimes finding the right articles and resources for your class projects isn't as easy as it should be. The problem might be with the keywords you're using! Check out this quick introduction to finding the right search terms for your research!
Thesis Builder: Online Tools for Thesis Statements and Outlines
Online tools to help find a topic, write a thesis statement, and create an outline for a persuasive essay.
Thesis Statements
A discussion of thesis statements from the Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Need help with writing your paper. Try one of these resources.

Acknowledging Sources
This tutorial from the University of Texas at Arlington will help you learn how to acknowledge sources and avoid plagiarism.
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Probably the best known online source that provides assistance with all types of writing. Also provides extensive resources for APA style.
WPUNJ Writing Center
The Writing Center provides one-on-one tutoring for students in any stage of writing. Sessions typically take 30 to 60 minutes, and can cover style, logic, voice, transitions, grammar, and organization. They do not proofread students' work. The Writing Center can be found on the main campus in Atrium 128, or at the Valley Road building, V3048.