Step 1:  Choose a Topic

Discuss the research assignment with your professor, classmates, librarian, or experts in the field.

Draft a topic or thesis statement. Highlight essential concepts in your statement.

For each concept, list synonyms, related terms, lay and specialized terms for the topic or population you are studying.

Tip:  Looking for ideas in current events? Try these sources:

CQ Researcher

Documents in the News

CIA World Fact Book

WorldCat (limit to Internet Resources)

CSA Hot Topics (Click on "Hot Topics" at top of page)

Assets:  topic statement | key concepts | word lists | Examples

Click on examples or Scope it Out to continue.