This document provides guidance on selecting a paper topic. It begins by suggesting considering the type and audience of the paper. It then outlines three main types of papers: expository, analytic, and argumentative. The document also advises analyzing the audience's familiarity with topics. It offers strategies for choosing from assigned, course-related, or unrestricted topics. Finally, it lists several types of topics that should be avoided, such as those too broad, unable to be researched fully, emotional, or technical.

1. Tiffany Wong
Amar Bhatti
Denisse Ruiz

2.  What type of paper am I preparing?
 Who is my audience?
 How can I select a good topic?
 What kinds of topics should I avoid?

3.  Study your assignment and understand the
type of project it is.
 Expository
◦ Informing
 Analytic
◦ Analyzing
 Argumentative
◦ Persuading

4.  Are they informed or uninformed about your
topic?

5. Choosing from assigned topics
 Select from the list, develop a claim or approach.
Finding a course related topic
 write about what interests you.
Selecting a topic without any guidelines
 Narrow your subject area- use electronic databases
 Look over class notes, see what interests you
 Consider college based issues
 Freewrite, brainstorm, ask questions.

6.  Topics that are IRRELEVANT.
 Topics that are broad subject areas.
 Topics that can be fully researched with only
one source.
 Biographical studies.
 Topics that produce a strong emotional
response in you.
 Topics that are too technical for you.