Choose a topic that interests you. Even if a topic has been assigned, you may be able to choose a particular aspect of the topic that interests you personally. Use the following questions to help you generate topic ideas:
- Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy?
- Did you read a newspaper article, or see a TV broadcast recently that piqued your curiosity or made you angry or anxious?
- Do you have a personal issue, problem, or interest you'd like to know more about?
- Do you have a research paper due in a class this semester?
- Is there an aspect of one of your courses you are interested in learning more about?
Look at some of the following topically oriented websites and research sites for ideas:
- Are you interested in current events, government, politics or the social sciences?
- Are you interested in health or medicine?
- Are you interested in the humanities; art, literature, music?
- For many other subject areas
Write down any words or phrases you could use as search terms.