How to Make Sure You Choose an Appropriate Essay Topic
If you choose the right topic, you will be able to write an essay that will impress both your peers and teachers. However, it’s incredibly difficult to understand what the “right” topic is. There are limitless opportunities open before you, and it will be very hard to pick one.
You can make this task a bit easier if you know exactly what to look for. A good essay topic is one that has the following features:
- It is fresh and original.
- It relates to the material you’ve already covered in class.
- It interests you personally.
- It is neither too narrow nor too wide.
Please note that it’s almost impossible to come up with a truly unique topic, especially while you are still in school and your knowledge is limited. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot be original.
Research other works written about the subject you are interested in and develop a topic that will present the issue from a new angle. Your perception of the problem is unique, and this is what you should focus on when choosing the topic for your paper.
In reality, this isn’t a mandatory requirement. Therefore, if you have the time and desire to write about some issue that is outside of your curriculum, you will be able to do this.
Bear in mind that if you decide to take this route, you will need to invest more time and effort into writing the paper. Both these commodities are very precious to students, so make sure that you aren’t going over your head when you choose the topic.
You will be able to create a much better paper if you are actually passionate about the subject. This will change your outlook on the assignment as a whole, because from an annoying obligation, it will turn into an opportunity to share something you love with the others. Motivating yourself to work won’t be a problem either.
Take the required word count into consideration when you choose your topic. If you pick something too generalized like “slavery in America,” you will not be able to cover it fully.
On the other hand, if you choose something too specific, you might run out of the things to say before you reach the necessary number of words. Do not try to make up for this by adding some filler content. This will ruin the paper as a whole and make you look extremely unprofessional. In case a situation like this arises, you will need to rework your topic and thesis to add more relevant materials.