Having to pick essay topics yourself is like a double-edged sword – you might enjoy the freedom of choosing one of interest to you but the number of possible topics can likewise be overwhelmingly immense.  When at it, stay positive and gather some focus on where to begin with the assignment.  Below are popular tips that thousands of students apply on their own papers.

Define your purpose

It’s almost universal to define a certain goal or purpose before you embark on any project as in writing essays.  Your purpose will be better defined by the requirement set by your lecturer (i.e. would it be persuasive, explanatory, or something aimed to educate your audience about something).  Your chosen essay topics have to fit that purpose.

Brainstorm Subjects of Personal Interest

Start writing a list of essay topics once you’ve settled down on a purpose, and choose the ones you’d be inclined to learn about.  Regardless of your purpose, you’ll find hundreds of possible topics to discuss on. 

Evaluate the topics on your list

When you’re starting to get confused, narrow down your list to just five potential topics and do preliminary research about them.  The goal is to ensure your chosen topic is neither too broad nor to shallow, and is original and interesting not only to you but also your readers.  You’ll discover the availability of resources in your research and find several ideas for your sub-topics. 

Once more, evaluate if your chosen topic suits the goal you want to pursue in your paper.