Author:
Melissa Janes
Subject:
English Language Arts, Language, Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Informational Text
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Level:
High School
Tags:
  • ELA
  • Reseach Paper
  • Research
  • Unit
  • Writing
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Downloadable docs, Text/HTML, Video

    Topic Selection and Brainstorming

    Topic Selection and Brainstorming

    Overview

    This Remote Learning Plan was created by Joanna Pruitt as part of the 2020 ESU-NDE Remote Learning Plan Project. Educators worked with coaches to create Remote Learning Plans as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    *I have remixed this lesson to use for a 9-12 grade research paper class. The only changes I made were to break it up into smaller sections (Topic Selection and Brainstorming) in order to fit it into our course schedule. 

    Step 1: Pick a Topic

    This needs to be something that you have an interest in or an opinion on that can be answered or supported through research. You will spend a huge amount of time on this paper so make sure that the topic interests you.

    After you complete some research, you should be able to narrow you topic. In choosing a suitable topic, ask yourself the following questions:

    • Is there enough material on my topic?
    • Do I have time to contact all the sources I need?
    • Will I be able to narrow this topic?
    • Will I be able to develop a thesis?
    • Is this topic interesting enough to work on for two months?
    • Will I be able to cover the topic in the assigned length of the paper?

     

    a. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXNztCLYgxc

    How to Develop a Good Research Topic

    Note: If you Google research paper topics, you will get a ton of lists.