First-Year Composition
Need more help?
Step One
IDENTIFY YOUR TOPIC
You can brainstorm topic ideas by using the internet or library resources. For example, if you’re interested in writing about self-esteem in teenagers, you could use various search engines to find information, check Wikipedia pages, or view library resources to see what aspects of “self-esteem in teenagers” people are talking about. Doing this might help you identify gaps of knowledge or narrow your topic so that it’s not too broad for a short assignment.
Having trouble deciding what to write about? Try exploring the links below to get some ideas.
NOTE: These sites are very useful, but check with your instructor before citing any information from them! Your instructor may require only scholarly, peer-reviewed articles.
Tools for Exploring Topics
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Opposing Viewpoints Resource CenterA database that contains an A-Z list of current controversial issues and articles from a variety of viewpoints.
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ProCon.orgA website that provides information and research on different sides of the debatable issues of the day, as well as summaries and pro and con arguments.
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Pew ResearchThe site of a nonpartisan research center that lists topics under various areas, like politics and policy, religion, science, international affairs, LGBTQ+ and gender studies, and more.
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Brookings InstitutionAnother nonpartisan source with very thorough and substantial research reports on all kinds of issues. The reports can also be used as sources in your papers.
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The ConversationA nonprofit, independent source for scholarly news about critical issues. ASU is a contributor and member of The Conversation, and many ASU scholars and professors have contributed articles that have reliable, authoritative information.
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ScienceDailyA collection where you can learn about new discoveries and developments in the world of science, including the realms of medicine, health, technology, environment and society.
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Research Topics: Association for Psychological ScienceA nicely organized sample of topics for browsing previously published news stories, features and articles.
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A-Z Topical Index: National Criminal Justice Reference ServiceAn index with a long list of topics in criminal justice from an important information source: the Office of Justice Programs.
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Policy Topics: Harvard Kennedy SchoolA fantastic collection of all kinds of topics relating to public policy.
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ASA Topics: American Sociological AssociationA collection of ethics cases related to all kinds of social issues organized by category of possible ethical question or concern.
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Areas of Research: Economic Policy Institute (EPI)An independent, nonprofit think tank that touches on all kinds of political and social issues through an economics lens.
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Education WeekA trusted source for K-12 education, this page contains a list of trending topics in education and schooling, as well as options to organize content by subtopics, main topics, and state.
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News Habits & Media - Pew Research CenterSite that contains short reads, fact sheets, reports and other information related to a variety of information.
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Religion News ServiceAn independent, nonprofit, and award-winning source of global news on religion, spirituality, culture and ethics.
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PsychPORT: Psychology NewswireSponsored by the American Psychological Association, this resource offers news articles relating to psychology, mental health, behavior, stress management, and more.
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Medical News TodayA health information resource that offers the latest news in medical research and in-depth health information.
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