How to pick a good topic

Topics that are typically chosen fall into 4 categories Remember, topics about choosing a college are off the table If you have any topics that are just one word, try to phrase it into a question. Do that right now.

The topic you eventually choose must have 3 solid secondary sources (research from the library: books, databases, one Internet source) 2 solid primary sources (interviews with actual people: one face to face and/or one site visit) A personal connection to your life. Once you get all this information, you have to be able to do something with it.

Type 1 Either/or :This is the kind of topic where you are trying to decide between two things (I wouldn’t make it 3 or more). The two things might be career options, vacation spots, car choices, where to live. Should I become a doctor or lawyer. Should I buy a Toyota or Ford? Should I go to Mexico or Europe for spring break? Look on your list and CIRCLE any either/or topics.

Type 2 How to (related to self): This kind of topic is about a process you want to know more about: how buy something, start something or do something. How do I buy a car? How do I start a bakery business? How do I buy the right guitar? Look at your topics and put a SQUARE around “how to” topics related to yourself.

Type 3 How to (related to others): This kind of topic is about relating to or helping others through something. You want a better understanding of a certain topic so you can be of more help to this important person in your life. How can I help my mom deal with her diabetes? How can I better understand my grandfather’s experiences in WWII? This topic can also include a “what” part to it. What is diabetes and how can I help my mom deal with it. Look at your topics and UNDERLINE “how to” topics related to others.

Type 4 Take a stand: These topics are about understanding more about a social issue of some kind and trying to figure out what you can do about it so you can either change it or your thinking. What can I do to get healthier lunches at school? Since I will be able to vote soon, how do I figure out my political beliefs. Look at your topics and put a STAR next to any topic that requires that you take a stand.

Now look at the topics that don’t have anything done to it (starred, underlined, circled or squared). Are these important to you still? If so, what kind of topic will it become? Can you form it into a question that you can answer? If not, cross it off your list.

With the people next to you Share all your topic ideas individually first After the first person has gone, group members may ask any clarifying questions about the topics given. Do this with each person until everyone is done. Then as a group, create a pros and cons list for your topics. Brainstorm as a group the pros and cons for EACH type of question

Pros and Cons for Either/Or questions Pros/cons for “how to” related to self Pros/cons for “how to” related to others Pros/cons for “taking a stand” Questions to consider as you create your pros/cons list: What kind of research do you think you will find? What kind of interviews will you be able to get? How hard will the paper be to write? How much do you already know about this topic (did you write about this in health class already?) Will you get bored easily? Will you stayed interested? Be ready to share with the class.

Homework Read pages tonight. Be ready to start eliminating poor topics choices tomorrow. You will pick one person to be your writing partner tomorrow.