LibGuides: Writing Resources: Your Topic

Where to Begin

Finding Your Topic

To begin a paper or project, you must have a Topic. Not sure where to begin? Check out the following Databases to narrow your search. You can use their Index, Subject Terms, Subjects, or Thesaurus to find just the right topic for your project.

Academic Search Elite This link opens in a new window
Use Subject Terms at the Left-hand Top to limit your topic search. You can use Narrower Terms to narrow your focus. Not enough sources on your chosen topic? Then try Broader Terms to widen your search and topic. You can also look through Related Terms to help find just the right topic for your project.
CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
Search through Hot Topics to find current topics. Or for a more in-depth search, use Browse Topics to search all topics in database.
Credo This link opens in a new window
Use the Mind Map (under Browse Credo at the top of page) to see a range of topics in relation to the world around them.
Facts on File This link opens in a new window
Pick a general area of search and use the features, such as Subject Index, Topic Index, Issues and so forth to narrow your topic.

Resources for Finding Your Topic

Purdue OWL Choosing Your Topic
Discussing choosing a topic and beginning the paper.

Mind Map from Credo

Credo provides the ability to visually see your topic in relation with related topics.

Mind Map by Credo
Click this link to open Mind Map and search. Simply type your search term into the top search box.