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Reed Library

Academic Research Starter Guide

Find & Narrow Your Topic

Topics are tough

Picking a topic can be challenging. Sometimes your instructor will give you guidance with suggested topics relevant to the course. Other times, you will be completely left to do this on your own. In either case, it is important that you select something that is meaningful for you.

Pick something interesting

Being invested in the topic is crucial to a successful research paper. So, ask yourself: What am I interested in? What topics are currently important? It helps to brainstorm at this stage.

Picking Your Topic IS Research