Tips for Choosing a Paper Topic
(Ball State University Libraries)

Choosing a topic to research can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help.

• Within the boundaries of your assignment, are there any topics you've discussed lately that seem interesting?
• What have been your favorite topics in class so far?
• Hav ethere been topics you hoped would be covered but have not or will not be covered in your class?
• Have you found yourself describing this class to a friend lately? If so, what were you talking about?
• Have you noticed anything in the news lately that seemed relevant to the course and might be interesting to follow up on?
• Try making a list on paper, surfing the web, discussing with a friend, or browsing in a reference book, and see where this takes you. Get a few ideas and then move to the next few steps in the research process.