❓Questions to Ponder

1. What type of research paper do you want to write?

⬜ Analytical – I want to explore and explain a topic in depth.
⬜ Argumentative – I want to take a stand and support my opinion with research.

2. Which topic most interests you?

Choose one topic from the list below, or come up with your own. If you decide to choose your own topic, you will need to get approval from the instructor first. Just add it to the comments and we'll get back to you.

Analytical Paper Ideas

(These are for exploring and explaining a topic, not arguing a side.)

• Discuss and analyze the impacts of a famous musician (you choose) on modern music.
• Explain the history between Russia and Ukraine that has led to the most recent conflict.
• Choose a historical invention. Discuss its impact on society today.
• Follow the evolution and differences in the portrayals of Batman over the last 30 years and how changes in culture have impacted it.
• Discuss and analyze the impacts of a famous classic author (you choose) on modern literature.
• Discuss how certain events over the last 20 years have impacted mental health, particularly among those who are under the age of 25.
• Explain how the evolution of social media has impacted political and cultural beliefs.
• Discuss and analyze the impacts of a famous athlete (you choose) on their particular sport.
• How have recent Supreme Court decisions affected education rights?
• What are the causes and consequences of rising housing costs in major cities?

Argumentative Paper Ideas

(These are for taking a position and supporting it with research.)

• Does homeschooling set students up for success?
• Explain the history of Daylight Savings Time and argue for or against abolishing it.
• Explore the rise of the popularity of choosing not to vaccinate and discuss the impact this may or may not have on the health of the population.
• Are modern professions dependent on the existence of the Internet?
• Define climate change and argue the effects of “global warming” causing significant and unseasonable cold spells.
• Consider the Supreme Court's decisions regarding privacy over the last 100 years. Do the court's rulings contradict themselves?
• Consider the cost of higher education and its evolution over the past few decades. Is college worth the expense?
• Should access to social media be restricted for minors?
• Should books be banned from school libraries based on content?
• Is cancel culture helping or hurting public discourse?

3. Why does this topic interest you?

Write a few sentences explaining why you chose it.

4. What position might you take (if writing an argumentative paper)?

Remember, you don’t have to be locked into your stance; you can change it as you research.

✅ Once you’ve answered these questions, share your chosen topic in the comments below.