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Research 101: Lesson 2:
Develop a Topic

Generate Topic Ideas

Choosing the right topic can make or break your paper. Your topic should meet two broad criteria:

  1. Your assignment requirements: the characteristics or broad subject areas for your topic as well as how the topic should be treated (Lesson 1: 'Task' words). 

  2. It should interest you:  this will make the entire process more enjoyable and your enthusiasm will show in your writing.

Whether the topic selection is wide open or limited by assignment requirements, you may sometimes need a little help. Where can you go for inspiration?