Step 1: Choosing a Topic

Choosing a topic is very important. The right topic will allow you to move through the process more easily than a poorly chosen one. Of course, your teacher may have limited you to choosing from a list, but it helps if you can find a topic in which you are genuinely interested. You will typically do MUCH reading, and so it makes sense to enjoy as much as possible the reading material. There are, however, other factors in choosing a topic. Here are some questions to help you make the decision:

• Are there enough resources available? It makes little sense to explore a topic for which there simply is not enough information.
• Does the topic meet the requirements of the teacher? Check the assignment carefully.
• Is the topic one which you can do in the time you are given for the paper?
• Is your topic too broad, too narrow, or too undefined? For example, ‘the Civil War’ is far too broad. The topic ‘the 60’s’ is not just too broad; it is unclear as to direction.

• Once you have a good starting point as noted in the chart above, you will need to come up with a solid SHAPING QUESTION which your paper will specifically answer.
• Later on, your THESIS STATEMENT will be the ANSWER to this shaping question and your paper's content will provide the evidence and analysis that PROVES your answer.

Examples of categories of inquiry to consider (This is not a comprehensive list ...there are MANY possibilities!):

1.) Education

2.) Careers and workplace

3.) Families

4.) Health

5.) Sports and Hobbies

6.) The Arts

7.) Science and Technology

8.) Violence and Crime

9.) Society and Culture

10.) Politics

Remember, a good topic will make the assignment easier. If you’re not sure, ask a librarian or your teacher for help.