Topic Selection - WR121 - Composition I - LibraryGuides at Chemeketa Community College

Picking Your Topic IS Research

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Gather Search Language as You Explore

As you are reading sources and refining your topic, write words and phrases that you could use to find more information on your topic. Search terms can be the names of people, important events or legislation related to your topic. There may be a preferred term or label used to describe your topic.

To collect keywords, subject terms, topic language, and research ideas, you might:

Take out a piece of paper and a writing utensil and take handwritten notes
Open a word document and save it to the desktop. Copy and paste or type your notes. Save your work as you go!
Go to your Google Drive and create a Google Doc then copy and paste or type your notes as you go

Good Databases for Debatable Topics

New York Times
Includes searchable full-text access to the US, International, Spanish, and Chinese editions of the New York Times newspaper. Create a personal account with your Chemeketa email address for full-text access. A video tutorial and written instructions for creating an account is available at Creating a New York Times Account.
Personal accounts provide access to The New York Times in Education.

National Conference of State Legislatures
Issues facing the states of the U.S. are explored. Use the Navigation menu on the right to find an issue of interest.
Pew Research Center Topic Index
Pew Research Center is a think tank that provides the public with information about important topics.
Gale Topic Finder
Helps you explore a topic; put in a word or phrase and see a visualization of all the material related to that topic.

Finding Professional or Trade Publications

Use this search box to find journals, magazines, or newspapers. Use words that pertain to a profession or field. For example, if you're interested in the hospitality industry, you might try "hospitality" or "hotel*" or "restaurant." You can browse the articles in a publication to see what issues are sparking the interest of experts.

Using Podcasts and News to Find Topic Ideas

PRI's The World is a daily one-hour radio program featuring stories from around the world. The World is heard on over 300 stations across North America. There are multiple options for listening to the program, including live on the radio, via podcasts such as the links below, or by going to the PRI's The World website. The website offers text and images to supplement the radio program. For an example of value added items on the website, look at "Indian College Women Push Back Against Curfews."

India suspends water sharing agreement with PakistanThis link opens in a new windowApr 25, 2025
India has suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, a major water-sharing agreement with Pakistan, following a recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Also, more than 1,800 international students have seen their immigration statuses changed by the US government, prompting some to wonder if they should stay in the US or leave. And, US Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) discusses his recent trip to Syria. Plus, a look at the Poetry Pharmacy on London’s famed Oxford Street — a small space packed with poems for every occasion.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.
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Qatar brokers talks between DRC, Rwanda and M23 rebel groupThis link opens in a new windowApr 24, 2025
Qatar has brokered talks between the government of Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda, to agree to common terms for a dialogue that includes a ceasefire. Also, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum bans foreign political ads on Mexican TV after a wave of anti-immigration spots sponsored by the Trump administration airs nationwide. And, as Spain's Catalonia region celebrates Sant Jordi, or Saint George's Day, there’s been controversy this year over one writer who lives in Catalonia but only writes in Spanish. Plus, new research shows that the venom of some rattlesnakes has evolved to be simpler and better tailored to their prey.
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Canadians to vote for new PM early next weekThis link opens in a new windowApr 23, 2025
Canadians will head to the polls on Monday to vote for a new prime minister. The country is expecting a large turnout, with more than 7 million people already having cast their ballots over the long Easter weekend. Also, a look at Pope Francis as both a head of state and a spiritual leader. And, Jordan places a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood. Plus, a gated community in Argentina is divided over a sudden spike in capybaras.
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Some look to Africa for potential next popeThis link opens in a new windowApr 22, 2025
As questions emerge over the succession of Pope Francis, some are looking to Africa, where the Catholic Church has seen the most growth of any region in recent years. Also, a group of gunmen open fire at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing at least 20 tourists and injuring dozens more. And, the Supreme Court in Brazil is examining the role that allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro might have played in an alleged coup attempt that took place after he lost the 2022 election. Plus, an effort to restore forests that have been cleared away around the world.
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