F.I.R.S.T. Tutorial

Chapter One: Preparing for Research
In this chapter: Developing a research strategy and a topic, background reading, identifying keywords, using synonyms and related words

Iona » Academics » Libraries » FIRST Tutorial

Bookmark and Share

Choosing the Topic

It's a familiar scenario to all of us. We have to write a paper, or give a presentation in class. It has to be about something...but what? We shudder at the thought of "all that research" and often neglect something important: choosing the topic.

AND YET... choosing the right topic can make the difference between a paper that's a pleasure to write, and a paper that is a chore from start to finish.

So...What's a "Good" Topic?

A good topic is one you are interested in!
If you care about your subject, then any other obstacles to writing the paper will seem easier to overcome.
A good topic is one that suits the requirements of the project you're working on.
How long does the paper have to be? What kinds of sources does your professor want you to use?
A good topic is one that you can find information about.
This is one good reason for beginning work on a project early. It's very distressing to find out on the night before a paper is due that you can't find anything on your subject!
Possible sources for topics:

Your textbook (if you haven't cracked it yet, now's a good time!)
Your course syllabus
Encyclopedias and other reference books in the library
Online resources (electronic indexes, the Internet)
Brainstorming with your friends