Grade 7 Fall — Research Process, MLA Citation, Source Evaluation, and Multi-Source Synthesis
English · RES G7 eng.g7.f.res.research_question_formulation

Formulate a focused, answerable research question (CCSS W.7.7)

Distinguish a TOPIC ('the Maya') from a RESEARCH QUESTION ('How did Maya astronomical knowledge shape their architecture?'). Generate 3 candidate questions for a chosen topic; evaluate scope (too broad / too narrow / just right) and answerability (can multiple sources actually address this?). Refine the question as evidence accumulates — Murray's research-as-discovery framing.

Mastery threshold
85%
Min instances
8
Typical minutes
45
Spaced intervals (days)
1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60
Prereqs
Successors
Common misconceptions
  • Confuses topic with question (writes 'My research is about the Maya' rather than a question).
  • Asks a too-broad ('Tell me about World War II') or too-narrow ('What did Lincoln eat for breakfast on July 4, 1863?') question.

Exercise pool (2)

Diff Stem Type
2 Take this topic: 'space exploration.' Generate 3 candidate research questions of focused scope. For each, label whether it is too broad,... topic to question conversion
3 Evaluate these 4 candidate research questions for scope. Label too broad, too narrow, or just right + justify. (1) 'Tell me about the... scope evaluation