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Select a Topic

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If you need ideas for a research paper topic, you might try to find a copy of a book such as What Can I Write About? or An Index of Ideas for Writers and Speakers.

Another approach is to go to a database such as InfoTrac OneFile or Academic OneFile and click on the link to "Subject Guide Search." Using this method, you may put in a single word, such as military, and the guide will help you identify a wide array of related subjects, such as chaplains, bomb squads, desertion, simulations, etc.

Be sure you refine your topic to one that is concise and manageable. When in doubt, ask your instructor or a reference librarian for advice. 

Selected Online Resources:

• Use Idea Generator
• Or, within any database, click on the Wordlist, Subject Guide, Index or Thesaurus for topic ideas. Go to Databases  (restricted to ODU students, faculty, staff) on the library's home page .

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