Sometimes the hardest part of writing is simply deciding what to write about. There are so many interesting things out there, how could you ever pick just one?! In this post, we share some of our favorite tips for *sparking* an idea and finding the topic you want to write about.
First, you need to see what guidelines you need to follow. Your assignment should give you a place to start. Read it closely. Your professor may even given you a broad, umbrella topic that your writing needs to focus on. Next, look at the kind of paper you need to write. Is it narrative, in-depth research, contrast/compare, expository, argumentative, or persuasive? The goal of the paper will give you some idea of what kinds of topics will meet the requirements. Finally, consider the page length or other "logistical" requirements. A short paper will need a different topic than a long one. You simply have fewer pages to explore big ideas.
Once you understand the guidelines, you can start thinking about what you are interested in. It's much more enjoyable to write a paper on a topic you're curious or enjoy. Ask yourself some of the following brainstorming questions to get yourself thinking:
As you work through these questions, write down a list of topics that come to mind. After you complete your list, you can go over it again and cross-out anything that does not meet the requirements of the paper. With the remaining topics, you can start asking yourself a series of "why" questions.
See this as an opportunity to free write or journal. Brain dumping what's in your head on paper can help you find clarity about what interests you and why. You can even try some mind-mapping to connect ideas together.
By now, one or two topics should start to jump out at you. If you're still deciding which topic is the most interesting, it's time to do some background research. This kind of research can help you see which topic you are more interested in. Check out our blog post on background research to learn more about this process.
Still stuck? We've all been there! Our librarians are happy to chat and help you brainstorm writing topics. Feel free to send us an email or schedule an appointment.
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