1. The Modified Research Paper Part One: Picking the Topic

2. Pick a Topic This essay is designed to teach you about research techniques; Since I want you paying more attention to form than content, it’s important that you pick a good topic. SO WHAT IS A GOOD TOPIC?

3. Anything that interests you...

4. Some people are practical. – What can I do with a photography major? – What’s the best graduate school to go to if I want to get a master’s in creative writing? – How can I lose 20 pounds by Christmas? – How can I improve my golf swing? – Should I re-finance my mortgage?

5. Some people like to dream. – Where should I go on my backpacking trip through Europe? – How can I build my own customized motorcycle? – How can I get rich by playing the stock market? – How can I become a movie star?

6. Some people have problems they’d like to solve. – Should I have LASIK eye surgery (a face lift, a tummy tuck, a boob job)? – How can I save enough to put my kids through college? – How can I cope with my osteoarthritis and continue to be active into my 50s? – How can I quit smoking, drinking (what ever other bad habit I have)? – Who should I vote for in the presidential race? – How can I minimize my pre-menopausal hot flashes?

7. Some people are curious about the world. – Social problems—local or national – Public figures--political and social leaders – Socially divisive issues – Local, state, national and international concerns The war on terrorism Global warming The Religious Right Immigration The War on Drugs, the legalization of drugs

8. Some people want to know more about hobbies and recreational topics How to be a better runner, swimmer, golfer, tennis player, race car driver; How can I break into reality TV? Favorite sports team or sports hero. Favorite movie star or celebrity or popular culture topic

9. Some people are curious about things they never had reason to research before. UFOs Paranormal phenomena Weird jobs— – snake milker, rodeo clown, citrus dyer Various occult subjects – Ghosts, vampires, fortune-telling, tarot cards, Ouija boards, pet ESP, astrology. Cat or dog breeding Alternative medicine, such as – Acupuncture – Chinese medicine – Herbal remedies Folk figures – Robin Hood, King Arthur, Superman Japanese Anime How to do claymation

10. Basically, there are two criteria: Pick a subject that INTERESTS you And pick a subject that you don’t already know a lot about Let your personality come through in this essay!