Picking a Topic

Here are a few topics I don't want to see you pick for your researched essay, simply because I think it would be hard to write an objective essay on these topics, and it would be hard, in a few cases, for me to grade them objectively. Also, some of these topics I've read a lot of papers on, and while a four page essay is okay, I'd rather not read longer essays on these topics.

1. Abortion
2. Gay rights
3. Global Warming
4. Legalizing marijuana
5. Lowering the drinking age

If you have an interesting new angle on any of these things, please feel free to run it by me, but otherwise, please avoid using these topics.

When picking a topic, try to settle on something you find interesting, but not necessarily something you're passionate about- when you're presenting an argument with research, you want to be sure you've got room for the actual research, and you're not just ranting, which it can be easy to do when you feel strongly about something. Even better if your topic isn't something you know all that much about- all the information will be new and interesting to you.

In class today, pull up your blogs with your peer review group and discuss the three topics you were considering. Get their feedback to help you settle on the topic you'll be working with.