Skip to Main Content

Assignment | Argument Essay (Saul) : Topic Development

ENGL 1301 | Prof. K. Saul (Fall 2024)

Topic Selection

Some library resources provide topic browsing content. Find a list of possibilities on these database pages!

Opposing Viewpoints: Provides an alphabetical list of topics and issues. (Click on the video tutorial in the     Find Information     tab to see more.)
CQ Researcher: Provides a list of hot topics.
Issues & Controversies: Find a list of Pro/Con articles.

Topic, Research Question, Thesis

First, you develop and narrow down your topic -- the general idea of what you're going to be researching. Questions may be prompted by your growing knowledge of the topic. As you read, let what you are learning guide your thesis and talking points.  

From your central topic, you develop your research question(s) to investigate, and then finally develop a thesis statement which answers your chosen question.

Mind Map a Topic