Research+Question


 * What Is Your Research Question? ** **(Essential Question) **

**The Research Question, or Essential Question,** is the main question about your topic that you want to answer through your research. Your RQ (or EQ) provides your focus as you progress through the research steps. It is written as a question because research is not passive; research is an active quest for answers.

Select a topic that interests you & read some background material. Then, use the to find possible Research Questions (Essential Questions). Many examples are included. Print this chart & fill it out.


 * A Reminder… **
 * You will not “find” the answer to your RQ (EQ)
 * You will read, analyze, evaluate, & discuss what the experts say to build knowledge, gain new understandings, refine your ideas, draw your own conclusions, & create new meanings.
 * You will **construct** **your own answer** to your RQ (EQ) based on your research & will support it with the ideas & opinions of experts.
 * **You can change your RQ (EQ) to find a more manageable focus if needed! **

**After you have created your Research Question (Essential Question), you are ready to write your Thesis Statement. **