ENG 105

Choosing a topic for your paper is like joining a conversation that is already happening

•  Make sure your topic meets the assignment requirements. If you are unsure, do NOT wait to ask your instructor for feedback. Ask right away!
•  Choose a topic that others have written about to ensure you are able to find enough resources
•  Carefully consider the scope of your topic

Complete the choosing a topic tutorial for more assistance.

Tips for narrowing topics:

• Limit to a specific group or person, geographic location, or time period
• Limit to a specific aspect of the topic. What would you like to know more about? Or, what problem needs to be resolved?


Tips for broadening topics:

• If you have limited to a group and location, remove one of these limits (e.g. just focus on the group and not the location.);
• Go "up" a level. If you are focused on a city and can't find information, look at the state or country level instead.
• Add an additional aspect or perspective, such as social and economic factors.

Complete the Narrowing Your Topic tutorial for additional assistance

Adapted from CSU Global's Research Process and Information Literacy Foundations