How to understand the precise implications of a thesis topic?

Question

i'm gonna write an article under under the general topic "The Power of Natural Resources".
this is my syllabus:
1.the usage/function of natural resources and its impact on the world.
2. natural resources are becoming more and more scarce.
3.how to protect natural resources and maximize their utility.(this is the main part)
after reading my syllabus, my classmates told me that it is out of focus since the theme is "the power of natural resources", whose focus/gravity is "power". So focusing on reserving natural resources and maximizing their usage is not to the point.
what's your idea? how do you think should i compose this article?
thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Even though it is improper to say, "I would like to prove..." in any part of a formal thesis (no self-referencing), it might help you to greater focus on the kernel of your topic by using these very words--for instance, in an outline. Outlines can be a drag, I know, but they truly are an incredibly useful tool when writing a thesis paper. So, after you insert you main argument ("I would like to prove: xyz, etc..."), try going on, towards whatever support might help you prove this idea. Put another way, "I am going to prove this by demonstrating/ providing such-and-such evidence/ showing the cause and effect of some relationship, etc..." But THE most important aspect of any thesis is that it remains arguable. In other words, the topic must be one that is both provable, while it also affords a counter argument, or at least makes available the possibility for another perspective.

I worked at my college's writing center for quite a while. All we did was discuss thesis' with students, both undergrad and graduate. Believe me, there are some hard and fast rules (some of which I haven't scratched the surface of!), so make sure that, once you have an outline, you find another willing soul to check it out for clarity and significance.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I would suggest not being general with your topic. For my graduate thesis I had a very specific topic and i still managed to write 36 pages (after i reduced it in length) The more focused your topic the easier it is to focus your research, outline your paper, and clearly illustrate what it is you are arguing. If you and your classmates cant agree opn what you should be focused on...then your topic isnt clear or presise enough.