Persuasive Topic Selection

If  you do not have enough time to reflect and explore, don't be fazed.  Instead focus on your interest and project scope.  Start with a preliminary idea (a working idea) about a topic you find interesting, not a commitment cast in stone.

Having trouble coming up with a topic? Try these strategies:

• What is your interest?  How will it tie into your life, this course, other courses,  job, or career?
• Collaborate, network with your mentors, friends, college support groups or other community support groups
• Brainstorm out loud with learning groups, friends, librarians, or your instructor.
• Think about class readings and class discussions, especially if your project is for a specific discipline, like history, biology, art or math.
• Watch the evening news.
• Browse the headlines in newspapers and magazines.
• Scan credible news sites, such as NPR, (National Public Radio), CNN, or theNew York Times
• Browse the Reference and materials you can borrow from the library.  Look for books that cover a range of issues, such as Social Issues in America: An Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia of Social Issues, or CQ Researcher. Scan the table of contents, bibliographies, and indexes for ideas.
• Search your library's catalog for book series, such as Opposing Viewpoints and Current Controversies, that offer the "pros and cons" of popular topics.  
• Explore "topics" web sites:
  • IDEA: International Debate Education Association
  • Debate Central
  • Public Agenda for Citizens
  • Public Policy Issues and Groups

Combining Keywords by the University of Auckland Library, New Zealand.