Finding a Topic, Part 2
Browse Sources for Topics
In addition to using some brainstorming strategies, you can also look through sources to browse for ideas. Here are some good places online that you can browse:
- CQ Researcher Links to an external site.: This library database provides reports on a variety of contemporary issues.
- The New York Times Links to an external site.: This newspaper provides excellent coverage of current issues related to politics, society, culture, sports, and the arts.
- Science Daily Links to an external site.: This website provides coverage of breaking news related to all areas of science.
- SIRS Issues Researcher: Links to an external site. This library database provides pro/con viewpoints on current leading issues. Links to an external site.
Finding Topics of the Appropriate Scope
When you choose a topic, you should avoid having a topic that is so broad that your assignment becomes unmanageable or so narrow that you can’t meet the required assignment length.
At first, you may choose a broad topic. But as you continue to think about it, consider ways that you can narrow your topic to a manageable scope. For example, if you are interested in researching animals or space exploration, you can use a step-by-step process to narrow your topic, as demonstrated below.