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FYEX 1000 First Year Experience: Picking a Topic

Introduction to Topic Selection

Often, selecting a research topic can be one of the more difficult steps in the research process. It can be hard to narrow it down to one thing when there are so many to choose from. Most First Year Experience instructors will allow you to select any topic you want, so pick something you're interested in to stay engaged in the research.

Browse the resources below to help narrow your topic and to develop a topic sentence. A topic sentence presents a general claim which you will examine through your research. It provides the focus for your topic and some key terms to use in searches. You will use the key terms to find research materials.

Sources for Finding Topics

Below is a list of useful websites for topic selection. In addition to these websites, you may also want to browse newspapers, magazines, and books in the library for some inspiration.

First Year Experience Topics

One option is to select a topic you are studying in your First Year Experience class. Refer to your textbook or syllabus for ideas. Some examples include:

  • College ethics
  • College etiquette
  • Transferring
  • Test anxiety
  • Time management
  • Financial responsibility
  • Community college
  • Campus activities
  • Personal responsibility
  • Career choice
  • Veterans and college
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