Here is an example of looking at current news stories and generating assignment topics from the front page of The Seattle Times newspaper homepage-- keep in mind that some topics will be more informative (outlining a new or relatively unknown topic), while others will be more argumentative (any "opinion" piece, or a story discussing what "should" be done about an issue).

Some examples from the headlines below:

• "Bus cuts, delayed projects, rising fears: funding cuts will bring years of pain to transit projects"
  • Sample informative topic: How much does the Puget Sound area use public transit? How does that compare to other US cities?
  • Sample persuasive topic: Voters in the Puget Sound should (or: should not) prioritize public transit projects over other government projects.
• "Parents gamble on virtual schools amid closures. Who stands to gain?"
  • Sample persuasive topic: Virtual online schooling should (or: should not) be expanded because...
• "Makoto Imai masters traditional Japanese woodworking and construction in Washington and around the world." 
  • Sample informative topic: What is traditional Japanese woodworking?

Research is a process.

Step 1: Understand your assignment

• Read your assignment
• Ask questions
• List starting requirements (number of sources, essay type, etc.)

Step 2: Start with a general topic idea 

• Read background information in Reference works and learn
• Ask questions
• Identify key concepts and key words
• Identify key issues and different points of view
• Refine and focus your topic 

Step 3: Find information

• Use keywords to search for information in books, articles, and other sources
• Add to your keywords list: broader terms, narrower terms, related terms
• Use smart search strategies 

Step 4: Evaluate

• Assess your information sources for authority and bias
• Are they good choices for your academic project?

Step 5: Cite Your Sources

• Cite your sources 
• Summarize and evaluate your sources in an annotated bibliography