Writing Essays - Choosing a Topic and Topic Sentences

• What are the assignment requirements?
  • Type of assignment ( speech, essay, research paper, project, presentation)
  • Purpose of assignment (persuasive, analysis, literature review, research, compare/contrast)
  • Size/length of the assignment
  • Particular types and number of references/sources required
  • Who generates the topic? (You or Professor)

• Interest:
  • Pick a topic you are interested in. If you are not interested in it, you will probably not get very far in the process.
• Broad vs narrow:
  • Picking a topic that is broad may seem easy to research but it often is more difficult. Take note that sometimes these broad topics can be difficult to research because of the sheer amount of information about them.
  • If you pick too narrow of a topic, you have the problem of finding sources that pertain to what you are looking for. Make sure your topic is focused, but allows for there to be information available on it.
  • Strike a happy medium between broad and narrow, try a specific angle, section, or aspect of a broad topic, or looking how a narrow topic is influenced by other factors, or how it influences other factors in the field.
  • Start early. Talk with friends, fellow students, professors, and Librarians. Discussing your topic can help clarify questions and provide direction.
• ‘W’ Questions:
  • Who:
    • Who are you talking about? Why should the reader know about them? Also who is publishing the articles you are referencing? Who is doing the research on your topic?
  • Where:
    • Where is your topic being researched? Where is your topic relevant? Where are people talking about your topic? Are there specific places where your topic takes place or influences?
  • When:
    • When is your assignment due? When did the majority of the research on your subject get published? Are you in a position to historical and contemporary information?

Brainstorming Topic ideas:

• Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy?
• Did you read or see a news story recently that has interested you?
• Do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you would like to know more about?
• Is there an aspect of one of your classes that you would like to learn more about?

Keywords: Keywords are the main terms that describe your research question or topic. Keep track of these words so you can use them when searching for books and articles.

• Identify the main concepts in your research question. Typically there should only be two or three main concepts.
• Look for key words that best describe these concepts.
• You can look for keywords when reading background information or encyclopedia articles on your topic.
• Use a thesaurus, use your textbook, and subject headings in databases to find different key words.

Topic Sentences

A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces a paragraph by presenting the one topic that will be the focus of that paragraph. It is a mini thesis statement and must relate to the larger thesis. You do not need a topic sentence if writing a narrative.

Every topic sentence should include the following:

• The topic of the paragraph
• The central point of the paragraph.

After the topic sentence, you expand on it throughout the rest of the paragraph. Make sure to use examples and evidence!