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Writing and Research Assistance: Planning

Choosing a Topic

LISTS OF TOPICS AND IDEAS

Choosing a Topic - Broad Topics for Inspiration
A basic list of common topics to get you started.

Guide to Choosing A Topic
A comprehensive list of controversial, research and other topics.
100 Research Paper Topics to Consider
From the wage gap to social anxiety, Midway College have created a resource for help choosing a topic.
Points of View - Analysis of Current Issues
A balanced viewpoint on current events and issues. A great place to find topics!

CHOOSING A TOPIC BY TYPE OF ASSIGNMENT

Choosing a Research Topic ( < 2 min)
A video by students at Yavapai College about how to pick a good topic.

Choosing Topics for Research Projects
When you get stuck, sometimes you have to dig around to find a good topic. Here are some suggestions on how to search for a good topic.
Choosing Topics for Personal Essays
Even personal experience essays need a thesis statement. Learn how to convert a summary to a story with a point.

Brainstorming and Developing a Thesis

DEVELOPING YOUR TOPIC

A checklist for writing your research paper
The BEST list you'll find on the steps to writing a research paper!
Choosing and developing a topic
A slideshow explaining how to develop your research question for further research.

Develop a topic & identify search terms (< 2 minutes)
Advice from the Library at Cal State to start your background research.

UNDERSTAND AND DEVELOP THESIS STATEMENTS

Quick Explanation of How to Write a Thesis Statement
Explains that research starts with a question that you seek to answer. Teaches you how to develop a working thesis statement.

Understanding Thesis Statements
Explains the premise of a thesis statement and provides a worksheet for students to develop a working thesis statement.
Tutorial: From Topic to Thesis
A presentation that explains how to use background research to develop your thesis.

Steps to Writing a Research Paper

Prewriting
Gathering Background Information
Develop a Thesis Statement
Further Your Research
Organize Subtopics with Supportive Evidence from Research
Create an Outline
Revise Your Thesis Statement
Draft Your Research Paper
Revise
Final Drafting and Editing

Prewriting and Outlining

BRAINSTORMING AND ORGANIZING IDEAS

Prewriting Video Tutorial ( 6 minutes)
Explains how prewriting helps to develop a paper.

Brainstorming Worksheet
Using concept mapping can help to organize your thoughts on a topic.

OUTLINING FOR PAPER STRUCTURE

How to Outline
An overview of how to go from thesis to outlining with evidence from background research.

Outline Creator
An outline generator to help you create an outline.