How do I choose a topic?
Answer
Generate Ideas
The best way to choose a topic is to brainstorm. Try the following:
- Talk with your friends and family members.
- Think about your personal and professional interests.
- Read newspapers and catch up on current events and issues.
- The News & Fact-Checking Guide can help!
Databases
The Westmoreland Library offers the following databases to assist:
OneSearch: OneSearch is a great place to search for broad topics. Once you search for a topic, use the limiters on the left-hand side to search the "Subject" limiter. There, you will see all sub-topics related to your search. This can help you narrow your topic or choose whether or not the topic is the right choice for you.
Credo: Credo Reference's homepage features listings of popular topics. Once you click on a topic, you will see a mind map on the right-hand side of the page. The mind-map maps connects the topic to related terms and sub-topics.
ProCon (open access): "To promote civility, critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting the pro and con arguments to debatable issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, freely accessible way.”
Topic Tips
- Choose something that interests you! This will make your research easier and more exciting.
- Do preliminary research and make sure your topic will have enough supporting research. That way, you can be sure to achieve the source and length requirements of your assignment.
- For an argumentative assignment, try to avoid simple topics everyone agrees upon such as "animal abuse is wrong."
- Narrow broad topics. Try to focus on one aspect of your topic rather than the entire topic as a whole. This will help you with your research.