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Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing: Select a Topic

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Pay attention to those ideas and subjects about which you’ve been curious. Note what interests you. Think about your experiences. A great research topic can grow out of our curiosity, interest, and experience. 

Select a Topic

  1. Look at any requirements regarding the topic listed in the assignment description. For example, do you need to address a current issue or a historical event?  

  1. Build a list of interests and use that to direct your topic choice. 

  1. Conduct some research to narrow down your topic and assess whether there is sufficient source material related to your topic. 

  1. Is your topic relevant and relatable? Will your reader have an interest in what you have to say? 

Video by University of Utah Libraries, 2017.