III. Conclusion
Not sure?
Yes, you cannot be sure of what you will conclude until after you do the research. This is important to remember. Do not try to write the thesis statement or plan the conclusion until after you have done your research. Also, be willing to change your outline based on the sources you find.
A focus on Minnesota would narrow it and make it specialized/specific, but you can also include info from all over the nation.
The topic can be further narrowed based on themes that emerge in the research. Read some articles, and see what specific theme you are starting to develop. Show me any group of articles, and I can find a common theme among them... it is a creative thing... looking for a common thread.
Enjoy it! The theme for your paper is not something you work to come up with.. it is something you find while leisurely reading.
When you have read 8 articles about banning smoking in public, you will see that each article is about a specific concept or perspective on the issue. Put them all together and see what they become.