When you haven’t been assigned a specific topic for your essay or paper, the first step is to generate ideas and decide what you want to write about. Developing ideas is the least systematic and most creative part of the academic writing process. Here are some tips and techniques to help you choose a subject that works for you:
Understanding the assignment
Before you start brainstorming essay topics, it’s crucial to understand the scope of what you’re allowed to write about. Carefully review the assignment instructions and ensure you have clear answers to the following questions:
- What is the required word count or page count for the paper?
- When is the assignment due?
- Should the essay focus on concepts covered in class, or can it explore additional ideas?
- Are you expected to conduct independent research and use sources beyond what has been discussed in class?
- Are there any limitations on the subject matter or approach you can take?
The length and deadline of the assignment will dictate the complexity of the topic you can choose. The assignment prompt may specify a particular type of essay or provide a broad subject area with hints about the expected approach.
Example: Narrative essay prompt
Write about a time when an invention or technological advancement significantly impacted your life, either positively or negatively. Share your personal story and reflect on the broader implications of this experience.
This prompt asks for a narrative essay, which tells a story from your own life. The topic should focus on a specific technology incident and its impact on you. The reflection aspect also suggests exploring the wider significance of this event, allowing for some expository elements in your personal narrative.
Example: Compare and contrast essay prompt
Select two inventions from different historical periods and compare their development processes, key features, and societal impacts. Analyze how these inventions reflect the technological advancements and cultural values of their respective eras.
This prompt requires a compare and contrast essay, where you’ll need to find similarities and differences between two inventions from distinct time periods. Your topic should allow for a meaningful comparison of their development, characteristics, and influence on society, as well as an analysis of how they represent the progress and values of their times.
Techniques for generating topic ideas
Here are three straightforward techniques to jumpstart your brainstorming process:
Talk it out
Talking to others about your ideas can be a great way to generate new insights and perspectives. Discuss your general subject area with classmates, friends, or family members. Explain what you’re interested in writing about and ask for their thoughts and opinions. They may offer new angles you hadn’t considered or help you identify gaps in your knowledge that could lead to interesting research questions. Collaborative dialogue can spark creative thinking and help refine ideas into a specific, manageable topic.
Brainstorm
Brainstorming is a classic technique for generating ideas. Start by writing your general subject area in the center of a blank page. Then, jot down any related ideas, concepts, or questions that come to mind, branching out from the central topic. Don’t worry about organizing or editing your thoughts at this stage – the goal is to get as many ideas on the page as possible. Once you have a range of ideas, look for patterns, connections, or themes that could form the basis of a focused essay topic. You can also try mind mapping, a visual brainstorming technique that uses lines and circles to connect ideas.
Free write
Free writing is a technique that involves writing continuously for a set period of time, usually 10-15 minutes, without stopping to edit or censor your thoughts. Start by writing your general subject area at the top of a page, then write down anything that comes to mind related to that topic.
Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or making sense – just keep writing. This stream-of-consciousness approach can help bypass mental blocks and uncover ideas you might not have considered otherwise. After the time is up, review what you’ve written and highlight any phrases, questions, or themes that stand out as potential essay topics.
Tips for finding a good idea
Here are some tips to help you find a strong and engaging topic for your essay or paper:
Don’t feel you need to work logically
When brainstorming essay topics, it’s essential to let your mind explore freely without the constraints of strict logical thinking. Embrace the power of non-linear thought and allow yourself to make unexpected connections. Some of the most innovative and compelling ideas emerge when you break free from rigid mental patterns and let your creativity flow.
Work from general to specific
Start your topic exploration with a broad subject area or theme that interests you. Cast a wide net and consider various related concepts, ideas, and questions. As you gather these topics, narrow your focus by identifying specific angles or aspects that spark your curiosity. Gradually refine your scope until you arrive at a topic that is both focused and manageable.
Maintain momentum
As you brainstorm, it’s crucial to keep the ideas flowing without getting bogged down in the details. Don’t worry about perfecting each idea or evaluating its feasibility at this stage. The goal is to generate as many potential topics as possible, even if some seem a bit off-the-wall. You can always refine, combine, or discard ideas later. Maintaining a steady stream of thoughts will help you uncover unexpected gems.
Let ideas go
While it’s natural to become attached to certain ideas, it’s essential to remain open to letting them go if they aren’t serving your essay’s purpose. If a topic feels too complex, unwieldy, or simply doesn’t resonate with you, don’t be afraid to move on. Sometimes, the act of releasing an idea can open up space for even better ones to emerge. Trust that the right topic will reveal itself through the brainstorming process.
Choose a topic that interests you
When selecting a topic, it’s crucial to choose something that genuinely piques your interest and engages your curiosity. Your enthusiasm for the subject will be evident in your writing, making the essay more enjoyable to craft and more compelling to read. When you care about your topic, you’ll be naturally motivated to delve deeper into research and explore nuances that can elevate your argument.
Keep a notepad close
Inspiration can strike at any moment, so it’s essential to be prepared to capture your ideas as they arise. Always keep a notepad, digital document, or note-taking app readily accessible. Jot down any topic ideas, questions, or related thoughts that come to mind, even if they seem incomplete or tangential.
Next steps
After choosing a topic, the next steps involve developing your thesis statement and outlining your essay’s structure; if you find it challenging to formulate a strong thesis, consider revisiting your topic selection, as you can always change your focus at this stage.