Notre Dame High School Library - Research Projects and Reserves - SA - Academic Challenge Paper
A few things to keep in mind when choosing a topic:
- brainstorm possible topics by watching, reading, listening to the news and doing some pre-research!
- find a topic which is debatable (you will eventually need to write a persuasive paper and "take a stand" on an issue, but need to research all aspects/sides of issues)
- READ, READ, READ about possible topics - do not just choose a topic without reading any articles about it!
- find a topic which truly interests you!
Try these sources to help you brainstorm topics for your Academic Challenge Paper on a social-ethical issue:
- Any of the Social Issues/Current Events databases and eBook collections, ESPECIALLY Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints
- web sites listed under the "News and Magazine Sites" tab on the library's homepage, including the library's Twitter feed of reliable news sources
- Google News
- browse print books with call numbers 179 (ethics) and 300s (social issues)
- watch videos from 60 Minutes, PBS NewsHour, and RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (ended in 2017)
More tips...
*Remember sources for your paper are to be from reliable sources such as subscription databases, eBooks, print books, and periodicals. Web sites need to be approved by your advisor. Choose web sites from well-known organizations. You need a minimum of five sources for your paper. Of course, you will find more than five possible sources as you conduct your research! You will probably have more in the finished paper. Try to learn everything you can about the topic! Gather, gather, gather information, read it, and then select the best sources for your paper.
*Remember to find information for ALL aspects of your topic. Find ALL the views people have about your topic. In other words, you will need to learn about views and arguments which go against your thesis. You should be able to defend your thesis against the best arguments held by those who don't agree with your view.
*As you refine your topic and begin research for your paper, don't forget about interlibrary loan! (Here's a link to library catalogs to search.)
You may want to set-up a Google News Alert for your topic and have information automatically delivered to your e-mail! See Ms. Kleparek for more information!
See your advisor or Ms. Kleparek with any questions.