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Library Resources: Writing Program: (English 101 & 115): Find a Topic

Guide to library resources and services

Resources to Find and Explore a Topic

Prior to searching for sources, the first step is to 

  1. Find a topic that fits your assignment
  2. Learn more about your topic
  3. Develop your knowledge of your topic
  4. Discover sub-topics of your main topic

Prepare a Keyword List

Once you have utilized some of the topic finding and exploration resources, you are ready to prepare to search for resources.

  • Before you begin researching in the library resources, begin by brainstorming a list of keywords that you can use for your searches.

    • what do you already know about your topic?
    • what do you want to know about your topic?
    • what questions do you have about your topic?
    • what makes your topic interesting?

 

  • The below attached Topic Worksheet will help get you started thinking about your topic and organizing your thoughts on it.
    • There is a blank copy that you can save and use
    • There is also an example of a worksheet already filled out
  • Use the Exploring a Topic worksheet to develop ideas further and to develop a thesis statement.