Name__________________________ Class_____________________________

              
               Identifying Key Words or Phrases and Their Synonyms

 

After you have developed your research question, you will then begin to identify key words or phrases in your question.  Next you will develop a list of synonyms for these key words/phrases.  Then you will use these key words/phrases and their synonyms to begin searching resources for answers to your research question.

 

A key word or phrase is the word or words that the question is about. They are the important words in the question.

Example:  Would reinstating a draft bolster the U.S.'s national security efforts

                 or provide a less-motivated fighting force?

                          (Key words or phrases are in bold.)

 

Your research question

 




Go back and circle the keywords in your research question.

List key words or phrases here.

List synonyms here.


1.

1.
2.


2.

1.
2.


3.

1.
2.


4.

1.
2.

 

 

Additional examples of identifying key words and phrases in research questions.

 

  • How do people use sponges today?
  • Should parents be allowed to spank children?
  • How does television violence affect children?
  • Why might it be necessary to give up some of our civil liberties in order to protect our national security?