English: Find a Topic

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Find a Topic

Sometimes deciding on the right topic can be one of the toughest parts of writing a research paper. To get started:

• Review your assignment instructions. Before you type one word, thoroughly read all guidelines and be sure you understand them.
• Make a list. Think about what topics interest you that relate to your assignment.
• Formulate a thesis or topic statement that fulfills your assignment requirements. Consider whether you can effectively address this topic, or answer this question, in the number of pages required. If you feel that you would need  many more pages than are required, considering narrowing your subject. If your topic could be answered with yes/no or answered with a short explanation, it is likely inadequate for a research project and should be broadened.
• Research early and revise as needed. As you begin your research, you may find that there is very little information available about your topic, or that there is an overwhelming amount that is difficult to adequately address. If you start the research process early, this will give you time to adjust or change your topic according to what information is available. 

(Note: Always check with your instructor before changing your topic, if the due date for topic selection has passed.)

If you find yourself stuck, try:

Experiment with the Credo Reference Mind Map tool. To access it, go to Credo Reference and click on "Browse Credo" at the top of the page, and select "Mind Map."

CREDO menu, (c) Sarah Sowa, Mitchell Community College, all rights reserved.

Next, enter your search terms in the box at the top of the screen. This example searched for "minimum wage."

CREDO search bar, (c) Sarah Sowa, Mitchell Community College, all rights reserved.

If your search terms are recognized by Credo, an interactive web of terms related to your search will appear. Use these terms to brainstorm your topic, to find information on a particular subject, or to come up with database search terms. Clicking on one of the related terms will make that term the new center of the web and change the structure of the web.

CREDO Mind Map, (c) Sarah Sowa, Mitchell Community College, all rights reserved.

Browsing subjects or issues in databases like Gale Opposing Viewpoints or SIRS Issues Researcher. Databases aren't just great for articles, they can help you find a topic, too! Try going to Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context and clicking "Browse Issues" in the top left corner of the page. Or, visit SIRS Issues Researcher and click "View all issues" in the top right corner of the page. In both cases, you will see alphabetized lists of current social issues, which can also be sorted by category/subject. Both of these resources are great places to brainstorm topics (and find sources later!). 

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