Finding a good topic takes some research.
For some assignments, finding a suitable topic requires little thinking on your part. Your professor will tell you exactly what to write; however, if you have not been assigned a topic, there are a huge number of college essay topics from which to choose. Selecting an essay topic that is unique and interesting will make you stand apart from all the other essays. Your college essay topic should be based on something fresh and original.
Determining Topic Categories
Types of topics change with the type of essay you may be asked to write. For example, a cause-and-effect essay would require a different topic than what is required for writing a narrative essay. Scientific logic and fact are the basis for a science essay, while a history essay topic requires presenting the historical facts in an impartial manner. Types of topic categories can be as widespread and diverse as one can imagine. Some examples include art, culture, fashion, literature, business, finance, law, management, health, biology, history and philosophy, to name a few. Within those broad categories are numerous subcategories, and within them, more categories. Once you have selected an area that interests you, begin to narrow your focus.
Limiting the Subject Area
You can narrow the focus of your essay by limiting the subject area. Many of your writing assignments may relate to subject areas you are currently studying. Your task is to select a specific topic related to the general area of study. Select a topic limited enough that you can treat it with some depth in the length allowed for the assignment. For example, energy sources is a general subject area, while using wind power is a limited topic.
Conducting a Topic Search
Sorting through all of the types of topics and finding a writing idea that meets the requirements of the assignment are easy, if you know how and where to look. Check you class notes and handouts for ideas related to the assignment. Search the Internet. Consult indexes, guides and other library sources. The "Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature," for example, lists current articles published on specific topics and explains where to find them. Discuss the assignment with your professor.
Exploring Possible Topics
You can generate possible writing ideas by using one or more of several strategies. Write a journal on a daily basis. Explore your personal feelings and topics you would like to write about. Write nonstop for 10 minutes or longer to discover possible writing ideas. Make a list of ideas that come to mind. Write a key word or phrase in the center of the paper and circle it with ideas. Create a dialog between yourself and an invented reader. Continue the conversation until a possible writing idea begins to unfold. Avoid selecting strange and obscure themes.
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