Choosing a Topic Through Basic Research

The section I chose to do a summary of was the first section, “ Brainstorm Topic Ideas: Read, Talk, Sketch, Enjoy”. It explained how to search for a topic by brainstorming, browsing through the internet in search of ideas that seem interesting and that could work as a topic for a paper. It also specified on what websites one should search for these ideas, since these websites have been proven to be trustworthy. There was focus on the fact that when looking for ideas one should be careful with the websites one gets the information from, since they might not always have credible and trustworthy sources of information. Another way to get ideas, according to the section, was talking to people. Talking to people like friends, family and more is a great way to get different perspectives, points of view, and opinions about topics. While talking to someone about your topic you may find a perspective that you may have no considered before, or an opinion that is worth mentioning in your paper. Making a list was also one of the methods listed to find a topic. It explained that by making a list with one’s pet peeves, things that one is curious about, one likes, or dislikes, and more, one can get a good topic idea. It also emphasizes that one should push oneself to write a long list, to list as much as possible, since better ideas are more likely to emerge that way. The next way was to free write, a lot. It meant to write on and on, to write to whatever comes to mind from an idea. It says not to care about spelling, grammar mistakes, not to care if the one reading wont understand or may be confused with what is written. By not paying attention to those details, one can focus more on one's ideas. The last way was to make a mind map, which was basically a diagram of your topic or idea, and thoughts that may come to mind about the topic. This “map” consists of bubbles and lines. My take away from this section was that good topic ideas may pop up from anywhere; they can pop up from the internet, from talking to people, or my own mind. I think the best way to find a topic is to talk to people. I think that way is two or more minds contributing to finding a good topic. Also you get different points of view and perspectives, that make you better informed and less biased about a topic. Also, I don't think one should avoid choosing a topic one already knows the answer to. I think it is even better to do this, since it proves it is a topic you are well informed of, consequently helping you write a better paper. In my case, i haven't chosen any topic yet, but I think that a good talk with my friends and peers will make me find a topic to work on.