Choose a topic
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Transcript of Choose a topic
Choosing a TopicStep #1
Surge has a project in his English class. He has to write a 3-6 page paper about any topic he chooses. Where to begin??
Where can I get a topic idea?
Where can I get a topic idea?
0Course materialWhat are you learning about in class?
Where can I get a topic idea?
0Course materialWhat are you learning about in class?
0AssignmentDoes the assignment give you any topic ideas?
Where can I get a topic idea?
0Course materialWhat are you learning about in class?
0AssignmentDoes the assignment give you any topic ideas?
0Current literature in the fieldLook at articles from magazines and journals in your field of study for ideas.
Where can I get a topic idea?
0NewsWhat’s happening in the world right now?
Where can I get a topic idea?
0NewsWhat’s happening in the world right now?
0Personal interestsIs there an appropriate subject you’re passionate about you could use?
Where can I get a topic idea?
0NewsWhat’s happening in the world right now?
0Personal interestsIs there an appropriate subject you’re passionate about you could use?
0ProfessorYour professor might be willing to give you some ideas.
Where can I get a topic idea?
Remember, your professor might have specific instructions or parameters for your topic, so keep those
in mind!
Surge decides to follow his interests … he has dreams of being a rock star someday. So he chooses the music industry as his topic.
Developing a Research Question
Once you have a topic …
… it’s time to turn it into a question you can answer with your research.
Developing a Research Question
What about Surge’s topic, the music industry? His question might be
What skills and training are required to be successful in the music industry?
Background Information
Before going any further, you might want to get some background information about your topic.
Background Information
So what is background information?
Background information consists of the basic facts and vocabulary associated with your topic.
Background InformationYou can find background information in sources like
Encyclopedias
Background InformationYou can find background information in sources like
Encyclopedias
Dictionaries
Background InformationYou can find background information in sources like
Encyclopedias
Dictionaries
and Handbooks
Background InformationYou can find background information in sources like
Encyclopedias
Dictionaries
and Handbooks
You can also find information online, but be careful—it might be inaccurate!
Background InformationUsing the reference collection at the library, Surge found lots of good background information on his topic. He learned:
Background InformationUsing the reference collection at the library, Surge found lots of good background information on his topic. He learned:
1. The music industry consists of people who make money by creating or selling music.
Background InformationUsing the reference collection at the library, Surge found lots of good background information on his topic. He learned:
1. The music industry consists of people who make money by creating or selling music.2. Professionals in the music industry include musicians, producers, recording engineers, talent managers, radio broadcasters, and many others.
Background InformationUsing the reference collection at the library, Surge found lots of good background information on his topic. He learned:
1. The music industry consists of people who make money by creating or selling music.2. Professionals in the music industry include musicians, producers, recording engineers, talent managers, radio broadcasters, and many others.3. The music industry has drastically changed since the advent of digital music creation and distribution.
Identify Keywords
Once you have your question, it’s time to brainstorm some keywords.
Keywords help you expand your perspective about a topic and find search terms to use in the
catalog and databases.
Identify Keywords
From your research question, identify 2-4 important words or phrases. Underline them.
What skills and training are required to be successful in the music industry?
Identify Keywords
From your research question, identify 2-4 important words or phrases. Underline them.
What skills and training are required to be successful in the music industry?
Identify Keywords
Now brainstorm some words that are related to those important words and list them below.
Don’t be picky right now, just list the first words
that come into your head!
And don’t forget to use the background information you found for inspiration!
Identify KeywordsTopic Question: What skills and training are required to be
successful in the music industry?
Identify KeywordsTopic Question: What skills and training are required to be
successful in the music industry?
Skills & TrainingSuccessful
Music Industry
Identify KeywordsTopic Question: What skills and training are required to be
successful in the music industry?
Skills & Training
• Ability• Knowledge• Experience• Talent• Digital music
creation
Successful
• Popular• Recognized• Sell• Talent• Create
Music Industry
• Rock band• Popular music• Entertainment• Producer• Radio broadcaster
Identify Keywords
Once you have a strong list, you can always add or remove words as you do your research.
Use these words in the catalog and databases to narrow and expand your search.
Surge has lots of keywords to use in his searching. He decides to search for “music industry” AND ability. Let’s see what results he gets!
Surge has lots of keywords to use in his searching. He decides to search for “music industry” AND ability. Let’s see what results he gets!
Looking good, Surge! Now get researching!
Questions?
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask a librarian at [email protected]!