WR122 Crumrine

Having trouble finding a topic for your paper? The most important aspect of your topic is that it needs to be interesting to you - because you get to learn (research) and write (paper) about it.

1. Browse for suggested topics in CCC Library's databases.
2. Review your class lecture notes and PowerPoints.
3. Brainstorm topics by making a concept map.
4. Bounce ideas off of your classmates, instructor, or a librarian, tutor, or peer mentor.

A good topic:

• is interesting to you;
• is narrow enough - too broad a topic and you won't be able to cover it in your paper;
• is broad enough - too narrow a topic and you won't be able to find enough information about it; and
• fits the parameters of your assignment.

Before you choose a topic to research, test it out and make sure it is a good topic to use!

Now that you've learned how to choose a good research topic, the next step is to develop a thesis.

Screen blank or would like Closed Captioning? Watch the YouTube video.

  Video created by CCC Library (Feb. 2018).

You're writing a paper where you claim a fact. But what is a fact?

1. Facts can be proven true or false.
2. Facts often include information, or citations, telling the reader where the information came from. Makes them easy to "fact check," if you will.
3. Facts do not include emotional or connotative language.

Examples of facts:

1. Animal experimentation contributes to life-saving cures and treatments for humans.
2. Advertising influences people to live beyond their means.
3. Privately-owned prisons threaten justice because they have the incentive and wherewithal to extend the time convicts remain in prison.
4. Viruses are a greater threat to human life than terrorists are.
5. Stability in the home environment can improve the academic success of children in poverty.