Selecting a topic for a research paper is not as difficult as it seems. However, sticking to the topic till the very end and seeing it through is a completely different story. It’s okay, though, as everyone has some commitment issues. To make sure you’re fully satisfied with the topic you chose from the get-go, all you have to do is follow the following steps.
Brainstorm
It’s super easy to skip over this step, but it’s one of the most crucial ways to get to the perfect topic. It’s pretty easy: you only need to list down your areas of interest then branch out further to more specific topics from those themes.
You can start by looking at the latest trends, like what’s in the news and what’s being discussed on social media. This will help you bring out your creative side. Now all that’s left to do is shortlist the topic and identify the one that interests you the most.
Argumentative Research Question
Choosing a competitive research paper topic is tough. It has to be interesting and relevant to your course and subject, while at the same time having a clear research question. While it may seem like a good idea to make some broad statement, you’ll need to include a solid argumentation in your research paper.
Read Up
Before you commit to the topic, you need to make sure there’s enough material on it for you to do a lengthy paper. Research and find scholarly articles about your topic of choice and read up carefully. This can help you identify gaps in the literature that you later explore in your own paper. Reading background information will also help you strengthen your research and create a theoretical framework for it.
Select a Topic
Selecting a topic for your essay might sound like an easy step, but it’s important to make sure you don’t make any mistakes here.
One common mistake is getting too specific. However, if you want the rest of the process to be smooth and easy, make sure you choose the right topic for your paper.
You’ll save time when you start with a finalized idea, but it’s best not to rush the beginning of the process. The time spent researching, planning, sketching, and creating will help you with the rest of the process.
The key to choosing a topic is to start with the larger, more widespread topics. Writing about something like music is perfect because it can cover so many different categories. The next steps are just to clarify your idea and move closer to that final draft.
Interested Topic Select
You must be passionate about the topic you choose. It’s more than just a simple persuasive essay — it’s an important topic with a message that needs to be heard. If you don’t care about limiting cigarette advertising, don’t select it as your topic. You’ll have more to say on something you care about and it will make for better writing.
Be Specific
Rule number one to a successful research paper is specificity. A topic that’s too broad or too narrow is not a good option.
An example of a broad topic is ‘gender equality.’ Now the next step is to limit it by the specification. Identify a geographical area where you’ll be looking at gender equality, shortlist a time frame, population group, and culture; doing this will make your life so much easier.
List Keywords
Create a list of keywords that relate to your topic or theme. This list will come in handy when you’re researching your topic on the internet. Type these terms in different databases and or catalogs to find published articles related to your topic.
Be Flexible
During the research phase, if you find that your topic is taking a completely different direction, one that you never expected, don’t panic. Here’s when you need to be flexible. Explore this newfound tangent; it might lead to a mind-boggling discovery. What we’re trying to say is, be open to modification in your topic during research.
Be Innovative
Students often think that discussing The French Revolution or Pearl Harbor is the only way to gain an edge in a writing competition.
However, by being innovative, you can gain an edge over other competitors. For example, you could provide a new perspective on the topic. If you do your research, you may even find some little-known facts that will blow your reader’s minds.
Develop a Thesis Statement
This is probably one of the most important components of your research paper. Your instructor might judge you on the strength of your thesis statement and how you prove or disprove it.
Drafting a thesis statement will also make you feel confident with your topic and you’ll know exactly what you’re exploring. You’ll be looking for evidence to support your thesis statement and your mind won’t have a chance to wander anywhere else.
If the assignment you’re assigned requires research, pick a subject that you can research information. Even if you’re not conducting a research paper ensure that you choose the subject you can create with enough details. Once you’ve chosen a subject Don’t be afraid to modify the subject if it’s not doing the job. Your instructors would prefer that you write a well-written essay rather than grind out pages on something you think wasn’t the best selection.
Read Also: How to Write A Research Paper
Create an Outline
An outline is a roadmap for your research paper. Use it to divide your paper into sections, including introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and references. Moreover, note down what you need for each of these sections. This will help you stay focused. You can also create a timeline and follow it to complete your paper.
Do you have the perfect topic for your research paper in mind? The next step is to start working on your paper. If you require academic writing service from professionals, get in touch with Academics Writer right away. We guarantee 100% customized content with complete customer satisfaction. Visit our website for more information.
