Having trouble finding a topic for your assignment? 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.
Try the steps below:
A good topic is not too broad or too narrow. You may need to do some searching in the library catalog or online to figure out if your topic is too broad or narrow, and adjust.
Before you choose a topic to research, test it out and make sure it is a good topic to use!
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A great place to begin research on contemporary topics. Reports are written by journalists and fact checked. They include a topic overview and background, current situations, pro and con viewpoints, images, and timelines.
Begin your research on hot topics and current events here. Opposing Viewpoints (OV) offers "viewpoint articles" and opinion pieces that provide multiple perspectives on issues. Additional coverage includes magazine, newspaper, and academic journal articles.
Background information is general, overview information that introduces you to a topic.
Building a basic understanding of your topic at the beginning of your research process helps you identify keywords and narrow down a focus within the topic. This is also a good time to decide to switch your topic if it isn't initially interesting.
The best place to find background information is in an encyclopedia. Encyclopedias are a type of resource that offer information on many subjects, or on many aspects of one subject.
Contains full text online reference books on the subjects of art, business, education, environment, history, medicine, multicultural studies, religion, science, and social science. This alternative to Wikipedia is a great place to start your research.