Los Angeles Valley College Library: Choose a Topic: Generate Ideas

Strategies for Generating Topic Ideas

Not sure what to write about? Try these strategies to help you generate ideas and decide on a topic:

Scan your textbook or class readings
Think about something interesting you have read or seen online or on television
Pick a topic relevant to your life
- Considering a career in medicine? Hoping to start your own business? Thinking of studying abroad next year?
- What laws or policies do you think are unjust?
- Choose a topic that allows you to learn about something you can apply to your daily life.

The library databases listed below are also great for generating ideas:

Opposing Viewpoints In Context This link opens in a new window
Look for the link to our in-depth guide on this database in the next box (below). Check the "Browse Issues" tab to explore a lengthy list of controversial social issues. Click on an issue link to see pro/con viewpoint essays; full-text magazine, academic journal, and news articles; statistical tables, charts, and graphs; images, videos; audio files, and more.
Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Browse the Subjects on the left side of the page to explore encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources covering a wide range of subject areas.
Global Issues in Context This link opens in a new window
Click the "Browse Issues and Topics" tab, and choose a subject of interest, e.g. "Environment and Climate Change" or "Conflict and Diplomacy." You can also browse by region. Each gateway page includes an overview, "perspective" articles written by local experts, reference, periodical, primary source and statistical information. Multimedia - including podcasts, video, and interactive graphs - enhance each portal.

Additional Help: Database Guides

The following guides will provide in-depth help with some of the databases above, including directions for helping you choose a topic:

Video (1:58): "But I'm Not an Expert..."

That's OK -- you're not expected to be an expert right now. Research is a process, and you will learn more about your topic the more you explore.

Remember that scholarship is a conversation. The more information you gather about your topic from different sources, the better prepared you will be to contribute your own voice to that conversation.

Keep in mind that a lot of conversations are happening at once around any topic, and not everyone will agree. Your job is to analyze these ideas and present your own point of view that is supported by research.

Credit: Anna Eisen, University of Washington Libraries