{"id":206,"date":"2025-04-17T16:35:08","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T16:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/choosing-a-topic\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T10:31:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T10:31:28","slug":"choosing-a-topic","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/choosing-a-topic\/","title":{"raw":"Topic Selection: Learn It 2","rendered":"Topic Selection: Learn It 2"},"content":{"raw":"<h2>The Writing Process<\/h2>\r\nYou've likely heard the phrase \"writing process\" before, and the steps below may be familiar to you.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-427\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2016\/05\/23170913\/Writing-graphic-final-2.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;The Writing Process&quot;: Topic, Prewrite, Evidence, Organize, Draft, Revise, Proofread.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"271\" \/>\r\n\r\nThough these steps are often talked about as separate tasks, they are actually much more fluid. Don't overlook the importance of the arrows around each item. These arrows indicate the most vital aspect of the writing process: it doesn't just go in one direction. One step bleeds into the next; sometimes an issue comes up late in the process, such as during revision, which requires going back to the prewriting stage for a bit. This kind of dance through the steps is expected, and healthy\u2014it's called recursive writing. You make your own path through the process.\r\n\r\nThe rest of this module will address the individual stages of the writing process, and how they work together.\r\n<h2>How Do I Pick a Topic?<\/h2>\r\nStruggling to find a topic for an important writing assignment? You\u2019re not alone. Many students wish professors would assign topics for writing assignments instead of leaving them open-ended. However, this flexibility is meant to encourage creativity, prevent repetitive essays, and allow you to explore what genuinely interests you.\r\n\r\nImagine you're in an introductory literature course. Your professor assigns a 3-5 page essay on a Shakespearean play, requiring multiple sources. When you ask for guidance, the response is, \u201cIt\u2019s up to you. Find your research question.\u201d What do you do?\r\n<h3>Tips for Choosing a Topic<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Use Scholarly Sources for Inspiration:<\/strong> Search academic journals and books in your college library\u2019s databases to explore topics that scholars have already studied, which can help spark ideas for your own paper.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Identify Common Scholarly Discussions:<\/strong> Look for recurring themes and debates in existing research, as scholars often build on each other\u2019s work rather than trying to create completely original ideas.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Use Binaries to Generate Ideas:<\/strong> List opposing ideas within your subject\u2014such as fate vs. free will or justice vs. revenge\u2014to help identify areas of debate that can lead to a strong research question.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Engage with the Scholarly \u201cConversation\u201d:<\/strong> Think of academic writing as an ongoing discussion where scholars respond to each other\u2019s work, and consider how you can contribute a fresh perspective or extend an existing argument.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Keep Your Topic Manageable:<\/strong> Choose a research question that fits within your assignment\u2019s page limit, avoiding overly broad topics that may be too difficult to cover in depth. Choose something narrow enough that you will have space to use current sources to strengthen your argument with relevant evidence, while also addressing counterarguments to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<section class=\"textbox watchIt\" aria-label=\"Watch It\">The following video demonstrates the process of selecting and refining a research question.\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/iframe_api \"><\/script>\r\n<p class=\"cc-media-iframe-container\"><iframe id=\"tpm-plugin-hhgcgcfh-I2-krZOfo-c\" class=\"cc-media-iframe\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I2-krZOfo-c?enablejsapi=1 \" frameborder=\"0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"3p-plugin-target-hhgcgcfh-I2-krZOfo-c\" class=\"p3sdk-target\"><\/div>\r\n<p class=\"cc-media-iframe-container\"><script type='text\/javascript' src='\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/ajax.js?cc=1&cc_minimizable=1&cc_minimize_on_load=0&cc_multi_text_track=0&cc_overlay=1&cc_searchable=0&embed=ajax&mf=13492879&p3sdk_version=1.11.7&p=20361&player_type=youtube&plugin_skin=dark&target=3p-plugin-target-hhgcgcfh-I2-krZOfo-c&vembed=0&video_id=I2-krZOfo-c&video_target=tpm-plugin-hhgcgcfh-I2-krZOfo-c'><\/script><\/p>\r\nYou can view the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/Research+Question+-+Library+Research+Tutorial_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \u201cResearch Question - Library Research Tutorial\u201d here (opens in new window).<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2041\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"244\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2041\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2016\/06\/07172437\/Topic.png\" alt=\"&quot;Topic&quot; bullet list: Assignment criteria, brainstorm, personal interest, selection, refinement. \" width=\"244\" height=\"231\" \/> <strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Researching several scholarly sources can help you when narrowing down or refining your topic.[\/caption]\r\n<h3>The Problem of Topic vs. Approach<\/h3>\r\nSome instructors let you pick your own topic, while others give you a set list to choose from. Either way, you still have room to make the assignment your own. The real challenge isn\u2019t just <em>what<\/em> you write about\u2014it\u2019s <em>how<\/em> you approach it. If you see writing assignments as just another hoop to jump through, they\u2019ll start to feel like a chore, making the whole process (and maybe even the class) way more frustrating.\r\n\r\nInstead, try shifting your mindset. Pick a topic that actually interests you, or find a way to connect it to something you enjoy. Think of your paper as an excuse to explore what made you sign up for the class in the first place. When you approach writing with curiosity rather than obligation, it becomes a whole lot more enjoyable\u2014and your work will be better for it.\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1f0cbf0c-e6ad-4653-b918-de5c108e7c14\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\r\n\r\nTry not to think of assignments as just boxes to check off. Even if you\u2019re in a required course, you chose your program for a reason. There\u2019s always a way to make a writing task meaningful and relevant to your learning\u2014you just have to find the right approach.\r\n\r\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\" aria-label=\"Try It\">[ohm2_question]40580[\/ohm2_question]<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<h2>The Writing Process<\/h2>\n<p>You&#8217;ve likely heard the phrase &#8220;writing process&#8221; before, and the steps below may be familiar to you.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-427\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2016\/05\/23170913\/Writing-graphic-final-2.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;The Writing Process&quot;: Topic, Prewrite, Evidence, Organize, Draft, Revise, Proofread.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"271\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Though these steps are often talked about as separate tasks, they are actually much more fluid. Don&#8217;t overlook the importance of the arrows around each item. These arrows indicate the most vital aspect of the writing process: it doesn&#8217;t just go in one direction. One step bleeds into the next; sometimes an issue comes up late in the process, such as during revision, which requires going back to the prewriting stage for a bit. This kind of dance through the steps is expected, and healthy\u2014it&#8217;s called recursive writing. You make your own path through the process.<\/p>\n<p>The rest of this module will address the individual stages of the writing process, and how they work together.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do I Pick a Topic?<\/h2>\n<p>Struggling to find a topic for an important writing assignment? You\u2019re not alone. Many students wish professors would assign topics for writing assignments instead of leaving them open-ended. However, this flexibility is meant to encourage creativity, prevent repetitive essays, and allow you to explore what genuinely interests you.<\/p>\n<p>Imagine you&#8217;re in an introductory literature course. Your professor assigns a 3-5 page essay on a Shakespearean play, requiring multiple sources. When you ask for guidance, the response is, \u201cIt\u2019s up to you. Find your research question.\u201d What do you do?<\/p>\n<h3>Tips for Choosing a Topic<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use Scholarly Sources for Inspiration:<\/strong> Search academic journals and books in your college library\u2019s databases to explore topics that scholars have already studied, which can help spark ideas for your own paper.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify Common Scholarly Discussions:<\/strong> Look for recurring themes and debates in existing research, as scholars often build on each other\u2019s work rather than trying to create completely original ideas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use Binaries to Generate Ideas:<\/strong> List opposing ideas within your subject\u2014such as fate vs. free will or justice vs. revenge\u2014to help identify areas of debate that can lead to a strong research question.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Engage with the Scholarly \u201cConversation\u201d:<\/strong> Think of academic writing as an ongoing discussion where scholars respond to each other\u2019s work, and consider how you can contribute a fresh perspective or extend an existing argument.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep Your Topic Manageable:<\/strong> Choose a research question that fits within your assignment\u2019s page limit, avoiding overly broad topics that may be too difficult to cover in depth. Choose something narrow enough that you will have space to use current sources to strengthen your argument with relevant evidence, while also addressing counterarguments to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"textbox watchIt\" aria-label=\"Watch It\">The following video demonstrates the process of selecting and refining a research question.<br \/>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/iframe_api\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p class=\"cc-media-iframe-container\"><iframe id=\"tpm-plugin-hhgcgcfh-I2-krZOfo-c\" class=\"cc-media-iframe\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I2-krZOfo-c?enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div id=\"3p-plugin-target-hhgcgcfh-I2-krZOfo-c\" class=\"p3sdk-target\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"cc-media-iframe-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/ajax.js?cc=1&#38;cc_minimizable=1&#38;cc_minimize_on_load=0&#38;cc_multi_text_track=0&#38;cc_overlay=1&#38;cc_searchable=0&#38;embed=ajax&#38;mf=13492879&#38;p3sdk_version=1.11.7&#38;p=20361&#38;player_type=youtube&#38;plugin_skin=dark&#38;target=3p-plugin-target-hhgcgcfh-I2-krZOfo-c&#38;vembed=0&#38;video_id=I2-krZOfo-c&#38;video_target=tpm-plugin-hhgcgcfh-I2-krZOfo-c\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>You can view the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/Research+Question+-+Library+Research+Tutorial_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \u201cResearch Question &#8211; Library Research Tutorial\u201d here (opens in new window).<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2041\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2041\" style=\"width: 244px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2041\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/85\/2016\/06\/07172437\/Topic.png\" alt=\"&quot;Topic&quot; bullet list: Assignment criteria, brainstorm, personal interest, selection, refinement.\" width=\"244\" height=\"231\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2041\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Researching several scholarly sources can help you when narrowing down or refining your topic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>The Problem of Topic vs. Approach<\/h3>\n<p>Some instructors let you pick your own topic, while others give you a set list to choose from. Either way, you still have room to make the assignment your own. The real challenge isn\u2019t just <em>what<\/em> you write about\u2014it\u2019s <em>how<\/em> you approach it. If you see writing assignments as just another hoop to jump through, they\u2019ll start to feel like a chore, making the whole process (and maybe even the class) way more frustrating.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, try shifting your mindset. Pick a topic that actually interests you, or find a way to connect it to something you enjoy. Think of your paper as an excuse to explore what made you sign up for the class in the first place. When you approach writing with curiosity rather than obligation, it becomes a whole lot more enjoyable\u2014and your work will be better for it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1f0cbf0c-e6ad-4653-b918-de5c108e7c14\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\n<p>Try not to think of assignments as just boxes to check off. Even if you\u2019re in a required course, you chose your program for a reason. There\u2019s always a way to make a writing task meaningful and relevant to your learning\u2014you just have to find the right approach.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\" aria-label=\"Try It\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"ohm40580\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/ohm.one.lumenlearning.com\/multiembedq.php?id=40580&theme=lumen&iframe_resize_id=ohm40580&source=tnh&show_question_numbers\" width=\"100%\" height=\"150\"><\/iframe><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Picking a Topic for Your Essay\",\"author\":\"Legible Larry\",\"organization\":\"Writing Spaces\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/www.thepaperexperts.com\/blog\/2013\/04\/picking-a-topic-for-your-essay.html\",\"project\":\"The Paper Experts Notepad\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"copyrighted_video\",\"description\":\"Research Question - Library Research Tutorial\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\" University of Maryland Global Campus Library\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=I2-krZOfo-c\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"arr\",\"license_terms\":\"Standard YouTube License\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"How do I pick a topic?\",\"author\":\"Marianne Botos, Lynn McClelland, Stephanie Polliard, Pamela Osback \",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pvccenglish.files.wordpress.com\/2010\/09\/eng-101-inside-pages-proof2-no-pro.pdf\",\"project\":\"Horse of a Different Color: English Composition and Rhetoric \",\"license\":\"cc-by-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"Modification, adaptation, and original content\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Strategies for narrowing a topic\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Virginia Tech University Libraries\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/info-skills.lib.vt.edu\/choosing_focusing\/11.html\",\"project\":\"Information Skills Modules\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"part":202,"module-header":"learn_it","content_attributions":[{"type":"cc","description":"Picking a Topic for Your Essay","author":"Legible Larry","organization":"Writing Spaces","url":"http:\/\/www.thepaperexperts.com\/blog\/2013\/04\/picking-a-topic-for-your-essay.html","project":"The Paper Experts Notepad","license":"cc-by-nc-sa","license_terms":""},{"type":"copyrighted_video","description":"Research Question - 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