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English 101: Controversial Issues Paper: Research Paper Process Guide

Choose your topic

Can't think of a topic? 

Brainstorm.
  • What aspects of your research assignment are you interested in?
  • What time period of geographic area are you interested in?
  • What do you already know about the topic?
Some tips to consider:
  • Be sure to pick something that genuinely interests you.
  • Ask your instructor, a librarian, or even a classmate for advice or feedback on paper topic ideas.
  • Finally, once you've settled on something you want to work on, try to express it as a question. 
General Reference Resources

Browsing a general reference resource on some subjects areas that interest you might give you some good ideas. 

Current events

Read through current newspapers and see what is happening in the news that interests you.

A few "Hot Topic" sources

Here are a few places that outline many important social issues.

Keywords and Subjects

Need help finding the right search terms to help you broaden or narrow your search?