LIBS 351: Critical Food Studies

A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, includes the points discussed in the paper, and is written for a specific audience. Your thesis statement belongs at the end of your first paragraph, also known as your introduction. Use it to generate interest in your topic and encourage your audience to continue reading. Strong thesis statements:

• State the essay's subject -- the topic that you are discussing
• Reflect the essay's purpose -- either to give your readers information or to persuade your readers to agree with you
• Include a focus -- your assertion that conveys your point of view
• Include why - indicate why this topic is important
• Use specific language -- avoids vague words and generalizations
• May (but don't have to) state the major subdivisions of the essay's topic

To focus your research topic, do some exploratory research and ask yourself questions like: 

• What approach to this topic do I want to take? Biological and Nutrition/Health? Social and Political?
• What interests me about this topic as I learn more about it?
• What relationships are there between different aspects of this topic?
• How does the topic relate back to the larger themes discussed in this course? 
• How does this topic relate to broader societal issues or academic ideas?
• What societal problems will you be addressing and/or solving?
• What are the major issues, debates, and disagreements of the topic you are studying?

Ask Dr. Beauchesne for feedback on your thesis statement.

Once you've picked a research topic for your paper, it isn't set in stone. It's just an idea that you will test and develop through exploratory research. This exploratory research may guide you into modifying your original idea for a research topic. Watch this video for more info: