Selecting A Research Paper Topic: 15 Sample Questions

A key element of a good research paper is its topic. When a topic is selected properly, you’ll be able to compose a quality thesis statement and raise good arguments. However, it’s difficult for students to come up with a good academic paper topic right away. Here are some tips on how to pick a great topic for your paper.

• Select a topic that is interesting to you.

If you can choose any topic, it’s advisable to pick something that you would personally want to learn about. In this case, it’ll be interesting for you when you’re gathering the necessary information and writing your paper. Your enthusiasm will be noticed by your professor and other readers.

• Select a topic that you know well.

Another option is to pick a topic in which you feel you’re very knowledgeable in. In this case, you won’t have to do a lot of research and you will be able to focus on your arguments and actual writing. When you are an expert in your topic, it’s easier to convey your ideas to your readers.

• Select a topic that is important for everyone.

If the tips above didn’t help, you can try to think about a topic that concerns almost anybody. If such a topic is presented properly, you’ll definitely get an excellent mark for your work. You may consult with your teacher to choose a better topic.

In the list below there are good topic ideas for research papers on different subjects:

1. Should every woman be allowed to have an abortion or should there be some limitations?
2. Discrimination on grounds of race causes reverse discrimination.
3. Students should be able to choose what subjects they want to study.
4. Does the Internet help children socialize or does it make them less social nowadays?
5. The positive and negative effects of steroid use on the human body.
6. Comparison and analysis of body languages used by men and women.
7. Marketing and advertising techniques focused on children.
8. Pros and cons of Barack Obama as the President of the U.S.
9. Good and bad sides of the feminist movement.
10. Ordinary schools in comparison to boys-only or girls-only schools.
11. The best treatment available for people who are infected with HIV.
12. The consequences of drunk driving and talking on the phone while driving.
13. Particular types of medical research violate animal rights.
14. The best natural ways to increase athletes’ performance.
15. Does censorship make our society better or this is only an illusion?