You mentioned a possible "big idea" to pursue this term. For this week's Invention Lab, you will brainstorm four research questions related to that topic or another one if you have changed your mind. These questions are what you would like to find out in the process of your research. After writing the four questions, write down what you think the answer will be to each question, based on what you already know.

Here are some examples for a topic about anti-smoking campaigns:

• How much money is spent yearly in the United States on anti-smoking campaigns?

• How do researchers determine how well an anti-smoking campaign works?

• Is second-hand smoke really harmful?

• Should the United States require tobacco companies to include graphic warnings on cigarette packs?Notice how the first two or three questions may lead to factual answers. However, any answer to the fourth question would probably be a debatable claim, which would make it an appropriate thesis statement for a persuasive argument.