Writing a Paper: Choosing Your Topic

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Many times a search for any subject will return a list of related topics. For example, searching "Renaissance" in Credo will also generate a list of related topics such as Renaissance artists, historically significant events, philosophies, and related search terms. These links will lead to materials about that topic, and can be especially helpful in continuing your own research. 

1.  Make sure you understand the assignment. Are you writing a historical overview?  Making an argument?  Comparing two things?

2. Read as much as you can about whatever it is that you've been assigned.  Keep track of what you've read (you will need a record of these sources later when you make your "Works Cited" page). 

3. Think about what you read about. What are your observations, reactions, arguments, and/or insights?  Write them down. 

4. Organize your written thoughts into a logical sequence.  This will be the outline of your paper.

Generally speaking, a good research paper either answers or addresses some or all of the following questions: 

► Are there any counter-arguments to your thesis/hypothesis?  What is your response to these arguments? 

► How have scholars normally explained a particular event or trend? Are there any weaknesses to this explanation? 

► Do you have any evidence in your research to suggest an alternative explanation? 

► Does your evidence or research differ from conventional wisdom or opinion? 

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