Finding Topics for Papers and Speeches

Stuck on finding a topic for writing a paper or giving a speech? There are several sources available using the Library. Not only do they supply good topical ideas, they all give background information, statistics, and bibliographies for finding further information.

CQ Researcher (Ref. H35 .E35)

CQ Researcher is published weekly and is essentially a research paper about a controversial and current topic. Each report gives you background information, statistics and graphs, definitions, a summary of the current situation, a summary of the pros and cons, and a bibliography of articles and books. Recent topics include election reform, auto safety, war on terrorism, children in crisis, affirmative action, and more.

To find and use:

To find out if your topic is covered in previous issues, go to the Reference collection on the first floor of the Library, to the call number Ref H35 .E35. Here you will find all current and past issues. Use the index to find all issues about your subject, or related subjects. The index is blue, and is at the back of the CQ Researcher binder of recent issues.

Try the online version of CQ Researcher

Opposing Viewpoints

This series of books attempts to show both sides of controversial issues by including essays from a variety of notable authors. Each book is dedicated to one topic and contains several essays, either pro or con, that are excellent examples of argumentative writing. Bibliographies are also included. Recent topics include genetic engineering, America's prisons, child welfare, the war on drugs, human rights, and more.

To find and use:

To find out if your topic or related topics are covered in any of the Opposing Viewpoints books owned by the Library:

Select the Library Catalog
Do a keyword search for "opposing viewpoints"
If you follow the steps above, you will see the list of Opposing Viewpoints
Select an individual title to see the subjects. (Example: Alcohol: Opposing Viewpoints)
In order to find the book in the Library, you will need to note its call number, since each individual book in the series is classified according to its topic

Try the online version of Opposing Viewpoints

Other Series

In addition to Opposing Viewpoints, the library also has several other series of books which provide topic ideas and information about current and controversial issues. These series include:

Current Controversies
The Reference Shelf
Taking Sides
Contemporary World Issues
Information Plus

Recent topics covered include immigration, endangered species, school violence, Russia and Eastern Europe, volunteerism, and more.

To find and use:

Select the Library Catalog
Do a keyword search for the words in the series title (Contemporary World Issues or The Reference Shelf, etc.)
Once you have retrieved a list of individual titles in a series, select a title to see the subjects.
In order to find the book in the Library, you will need to note its call number, since each individual book in these series is classified according to its topic

10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects and Reports

Look for the volume in Reference at Ref LB1047.3 .L35 or in the stacks upstairs to check out at LB1047.3 .L35.

Hot Topics on the World Wide Web

The best place to start your web search for hot topics is OCLC NetFirst Hot Topics. Updated weekly, this resource provides a selection of high-quality Web resources covering current events and world-wide news.

Adapted from "Finding Topics", Dale Vidmar, Southern Oregon University.