Keep it simple: composing easy research paper topics

Finding the topic can be the hardest part for some students. Are you unable to move forward on your project because you can’t decide what to write about for your research paper? You’re not alone. Every student goes through this eventually, and some struggle with it every time they sit down to write their homework. In order to not let the frustration or stress eat at you, you need to relax and plan what you’re going to do. Look at your schedule and realistically estimate the number of hours you can dedicate to this assignment. Then, build your schedule around that.

Finding Topic Ideas

For those who have problems finding anything interesting, here are some ways you can look for new topic ideas. Start with one or two of these, and then follow your instincts if something suddenly piques your interest.

  • Take a look at both your public and school libraries
  • Research online through organization and government websites, digital magazines, history sites and others
  • Set up an interview with a professional and talk about their industry
  • Ask your classmates what they’re doing for topics
  • See if your teacher will give you a list of topics that students in the past have successfully written about
  • Incorporate a hobby you have into the topic; if you’re in a biology class and you like collecting rocks, for example, you could fit that into your paper to make it more fun to write

Narrowing Down Topic Ideas

On the other hand, students who have too many ideas have the similar problem of not being able to decide. When there are several topics that would work well, you need to decide your priorities for this assignment. This is as much a problem as having no ideas.

  • You can choose to follow the topic you’re very passionate about, even if it presents a challenge, you’ll be more motivated to work on it
  • Or you could pick an easy topic that could be boring, but it’ll get done faster
  • Number your topics and use a random number generator app on your phone or the internet to decide
  • Ask a friend or classmate to choose for you
  • Write a little bit about each one and then see which topic you have the most inspiration and creativity for
  • Narrow them down by only choosing between numbers one and two, and then choose one out of numbers three and four, etc. until you have half as many topics, and then repeat until you’re left with only a few
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