Mar 2 - Choosing a Topic (Part 1)

Today we will...

1. identify the different citeria for an appropriate and effective research paper topic
2. brainstorm together as a whole class and choose your own research paper topic

What is a Good Topic?

Before burying yourselves in the long and tedious process of research paper writing, what is the very first thing you have to do?

Yes! Choose the TOPIC!!!

Remember what I said in class about choosing the right direction in your life? It works exactly the same when you choose your topic. If you choose a good topic for your research paper, then you are heading up north all the way. However, if you choose a bad one, you will be going all the way down toward the south.

So, what makes a good topic then? Let's first take a look at Eric's beautiful research paper and see if you can identify some of the key aspects of a good topic.

Any ideas? What makes a good topic?

Good Topic Criteria

Here are some critical criteria you need to think about when you choose a topic for your research paper. First, you need to know the characteristics of a good topic. Second, you need to avoid these kinds of topics.

Friends, Your Turn!

Okay, now we have understood the characteristics of a good research paper topic and how to avoid some bad topics, it is your turn to think of some good topics you want to use for your research paper. Please open this document and follow the instructions to come up with 2 topics.

When you are done, please get into groups of 3 and vote for the best topic in your group. When you discuss about your topics in your groups, please follow the instructions.