Question

research questions can help a writer define the scope of a research paper, identify important sources, and craft a thesis statement. to write an effective research question, writers should address an important issue or problem that needs a resolution. like a thesis statement, then, a research question should engage a debatable topic; it should not be answerable with a fact. its answer should require not only research but also an analysis and synthesis of research findings. further, it should strive to contribute increased knowledge to the topic being discussed or to improve a particular situation. also like a thesis statement, the research question should be broad enough to allow for a variety of potential answers and sources yet narrow enough to provide a focused direction. thus, when formulating a research question, a writer should consider whether or not it is feasible to answer within the scope of the project that has been assigned. to evaluate your own understanding of research questions, complete the activities. what are the characteristics of effective research questions? check all that apply. they are narrow enough that they can be answered with a simple statement of fact. it is possible to uncover their answers by analyzing and synthesizing information obtained through research. they push writers to investigate subjects about which there is some debate. they are not so broad that they force writers to sort through overwhelming amounts of information.

Explanation:

• The text states that a research question's answer should require research and analysis/synthesis, so the second option is correct.
• It mentions that a research question should engage a debatable topic, so the third option is correct.
• It says the research question should be broad enough but also narrow enough (not too broad), so the fourth option is correct.
• The text clearly says it should not be answerable with a fact, so the first option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. It is possible to uncover their answers by analyzing and synthesizing information obtained through research.
C. They push writers to investigate subjects about which there is some debate.
D. They are not so broad that they force writers to sort through overwhelming amounts of information.