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GUIDANCE: College and Life Success: Topics

A general guide to Library use

Websites

get ideas

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Research

databases

The Research Cycle

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Narrow your topic

You could write thousands of pages on global warming (for example), but narrowing your focus to the impact of rising sea levels on coastal wetlands or rain forests will give you a manageable topic. 

 

How do I narrow my topic?

When analyzing your topic, ask: who, what, where, when, why and how?

  • Who are the significant players? Who was impacted?
  • What are the components or aspects of the topic will you explore?
  • Where does your event take place? What locations are impacted by your topic?
  • When did the event occur and/or what is the significance of the time period on your event?
  • Why does this topic matter?
  • How does this topic impact society?

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