When selecting a topic for an pro/con research assignment, you should:
1. Consider your assignment prompt. Should your topic be within a certain subject area? What are the requirements for length, number of sources, or source types (newspapers, scholarly sources, etc.)?
2. Think of something that interests you that can be seen from multiple points of view. What are some debates you've encountered recently, or questions that don't have clear answers? (Still stumped? Browse ideas below!)
3. Consider using some of the brainstorming techniques from the Informative Assignments page (above).
4. Do some background reading and test searches before you commit. This will help you gauge your interest level and assess how much material is available on your topic.
Once you've found a preliminary topic, run some test searches in the library's catalog (below) to see what library resources are available. Use the menu on the left of your search results to limit to peer-reviewed (scholarly) journals, books, or other source types.
Background research is the foundation of your assignment, so start with good sources!
1. Who produced this website? How do I know they are an expert?
2. Was this produced by professionals or amateurs?
3. When was it last updated?
4. What is this website's goal? (To inform? Persuade? Sell something?)
5. Do some "lateral reading" and look up the source itself! See what outsiders say about its reliability and biases.
If you're not sure of an answer, ask a librarian!
