Research paper topic checklist

Deciding on a suitable subject and narrowing it down to manageable proportions is crucial to the success of your research paper. How can you decide if you have correctly narrowed your topic? Use this checklist every time you select a topic:

 1. Is my topic too limited?

Problem: Sometimes in your zeal to make the topic more precise, you may narrow it so much that you don't have enough left to write about.

Solution: Always remember how many pages you have to fill-say, six pages (1500 words). The overly narrow topic may be just right for a 350-500 word essay, so save it for that assignment. Then find a topic that will fill the length required by the research paper assignment.

2. Is my topic still too broad?

3. Is my topic too technical?

Problem: The topic you have selected is highly technical and you don't have the background to address it.
Solution: Get a new topic. Unless you have the background you need for the topic, you're going to end up spending most of your time filling in the gaps in your knowledge. This is not the time to teach yourself nuclear physics, calculus, or computer programming in С++.

4. Is my topic stale?

Problem: Everyone seems to know everything about your topic. Who wants to read another paper about legalizing street drugs, euthanasia, or gun control? If your topic bores you before you've even started writing, you can bet it will bore your audience.

Solution: Get a new topic that is fresh and original. A sparkling topic automatically gives you an edge, even if your writing is a little weak.

5. Is my topic too controversial?

Problem: You fear that you are going to offend your audience with a controversial topic such as abortion, gay marriage, or sex education.
Solution: Don't take the risk. Start with a new topic that suits both your audience and purpose. Papers that shock and offend take unnecessary risks.

 6.    Is my topic not controversial at all?

Problem: If there's only one opinion about your topic or the vast majority of people think the same way as you do, there's no point in arguing the issue.
Solution: Since you can't argue two sides of the issue if your topic has only one side, get a new topic that is controversial (without being offensive, of course).

7.    Is the topic too new?

Problem: If the topic is too recent, there may not be sufficient information available yet to fill a paper on your specific subtopics.

Solution: Find a topic that affords you sufficient information to cover the issue thoroughly.

8.    Do I like my topic enough to want to write a research paper on it?

Problem: Your instructor likes your topic, your par¬ents like your topic, your buddies like your topic. Even your dog likes your topic. The problem? You don't like your topic.
Solution: You guessed it: Get a new topic.