WRD098 Sean Warren

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 (a good database option for topic browsing is listed above).
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.

Not have a topic yet? You will need one to use for the librarian session. Choose one of the broad topics below for use in the class, we will narrow them down during the session:

• Plastic Waste
• Pollution
• Gun Control
• Privacy
• Factory Farming
• Genetically Modified Foods
• Vaccines
• Mental Health
• Social Media
• Homelessness
• Immigration

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).