2 From Topic to Thesis Online Quiz Questions

A topic states the writer’s argument; a thesis names the general area of inquiry.

A topic names the area of inquiry; a thesis states what the writer argues about it.

A topic gives evidence; a thesis lists the paper’s sources.

A topic is always a question; a thesis is always a fact.

True

False

What is campus dining?

Why is food important to students?

Which dining-hall practices contribute most to avoidable food waste at this university?

Should every university improve its dining services?

True

False

“Dining halls can reduce overproduction by preparing smaller batches during low-traffic periods.”

“This paper will discuss food waste in dining halls.”

“The university should track uneaten food because doing so can identify avoidable overproduction.”

“Preparing smaller batches during low-traffic periods can reduce avoidable food waste without limiting meal choices.”

List subjects that raise curiosity or questions.

Freewrite about a subject and note possible problems, causes, effects, examples, or disagreements.

Cluster related ideas or make a mind map.

Turn observations into questions about what is happening, who is affected, why it matters, or what might explain it.

Choose a perfect thesis immediately and look only for evidence that proves it.

Could a thoughtful reader disagree with the claim for a reason other than misunderstanding a fact?

Can the claim be addressed within the assignment’s scope?

Does the claim state a specific point rather than rely on vague terms?

Is relevant evidence likely to be available?

What might readers understand differently if they accept the claim?

Does the thesis preview every paragraph in order?

Is the claim phrased as a question rather than a statement?

“The city has several public libraries.”

“This paper will discuss public libraries.”

“The city should extend evening hours at its downtown library because later access would better serve residents who work daytime shifts.”

“Public libraries are important and should be better.”

Choose the broadest possible topic so the paper can mention many related issues.

Select a scope that can be handled within the assignment’s length and time and for which relevant evidence is available.

Keep the topic broad and rely on general statements if evidence is difficult to find.

Choose a topic based only on personal preference, regardless of assignment requirements.

It reports a fact that can be checked but offers no argument.

It invites reasoned disagreement from a thoughtful reader.

It announces the subject the paper will discuss.

It expresses a personal preference without giving a basis.

True

False

Keep the subject broad so the paper can cover as many related issues as possible.

Choose a manageable subtopic, group, place, time period, or aspect to focus the inquiry.

Decide on the thesis before exploring possible questions or directions.

Add more general background instead of limiting the subject.

The university has three dining halls.

This paper will discuss food waste in dining halls.

The university should reduce food waste.

The university should reduce avoidable dining-hall food waste by preparing smaller batches during low-traffic periods and tracking uneaten food, because these steps target overproduction without limiting students’ meal choices.