Research Guides: ENGL 1301 SO Koch: Getting Started

Understanding Your Assignment

What should I look for in my assignment?

Keywords or verbs. Words like summarize, compare, analyze, or argue direct you to think about your topic in a certain way.
Technical details which indicate format rules or guidelines like font, length, spacing, and citation style.
Project logistics will tell you about the final product, whether it is supposed to be a speech, written paper, or other presentation.
Number and type of sources such as peer-reviewed, scholarly, primary or secondary.
Due dates for drafts and final paper/presentation. Plan ahead for time in the library and writing center.

Where do I find topic ideas?

How can I choose a good topic for my research paper?
Advice from Emory Libraries regarding considerations for topic selection.
Discuss your topic with your instructor or a Reference Librarian.
It may be wise to set up an appointment so you can get extra help.
From Topic to Research Question
A helpful guide from Indiana University Libraries.

CQ Researcher
was founded in 1923 as Editorial Research Reports and provides comprehensive reporting and analysis on issues in the news. Each week, CQ reporters add an in-depth, non-biased article on political and social issues, with regular reports on topics in health, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the U.S. economy.

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