Here's a breakdown of what that means and how it works:
The Job of a Good Research Essay Question:
* Provoke Thought: It should make the reader think critically and consider different perspectives. It shouldn't have an obvious or easily-researched "right" answer.
* Encourage Analysis: It should require you to analyze evidence, synthesize information, and draw your own conclusions.
* Lead to Multiple Interpretations: There should be room for different interpretations of the evidence, allowing you to present a nuanced and thoughtful argument.
* Engage the Reader: A debatable question keeps the reader interested and eager to see how you approach the issue.
Example:
Bad Question: "What are the causes of World War II?"
Why It's Bad: This has a clear, well-established answer. It's more of a factual inquiry than a topic for debate.
Good Question: "To what extent did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the outbreak of World War II?"
Why It's Good: This question is more complex and requires you to weigh different factors, like economic instability, nationalism, and political tensions, to reach your own conclusions.
How to Find a Good Question:
* Start with a broad topic: Think about areas you're interested in.
* Narrow it down: Ask "why" or "how" questions about the topic to get more specific.
* Consider different perspectives: Think about the arguments that could be made for and against different viewpoints.
* Research the topic: See what arguments have already been made. This will help you identify gaps in the research or areas that need further exploration.
Remember, the goal of a research essay is to present your own original argument based on evidence and analysis. A debatable question sets you up for success in achieving this goal.