In our previous tutorial we talked about the importance of choosing the right topic for your research paper. In particular, we discussed the importance of narrowing your focus. One of the greatest pitfalls when trying to write a good paper is choosing an overly broad topic. In today’s tutorial we offer some suggestions on how to effectively narrow your focus when choosing a topic to research and write about.

Tips on How to Narrow the Focus of Your Topic

Points to Remember

1. Talk to other people to brainstorm and get suggestions on how to narrow the focus of your topic - including (but not limited to):
   • Your professor
   • Other professors
   • Fellow students and classmates
   • Friends and family
   • Known experts
2. Do some preliminary research in the library to help you find some good sub-topics to consider. Peruse scholarly journals, magazine articles, table of contents and introductions of books, etc. for ideas. Don’t forget to talk to the librarian to help you find some good resources. Note, though, that this is just preliminary research to help you generate a good, narrow topic - the solid research will come after you’ve selected a good topic.
3. Online Encyclopedias, social bookmarking sites (such as Del.icio.us) and the search engines can help you find online resources to help you generate topic ideas. While some of these resources may not be the most reliable source of information, they can help you to narrow your focus. Just take whatever they say with a grain (or more) of salt.

The 8 Steps to Writing a Great Research Paper

1. Pick a good, well-focused topic that you are interested in
2. Determine the goal and/or purpose of your paper
3. Gather together the best resources available on your topic
4. Study and take notes of your resources
5. Turn your notes into a well-organized outline
6. Write a rough draft
7. Revise (over and over again) your rough draft
8. Get feedback from friends, colleagues and experts (then rewrite again)

All Tutorials in This Series

1. How to Write a Great College Research Paper
2. How to Choose a Topic for a Research Paper
3. How to Narrow the Focus of Your Paper Topic
4. How to Determine the Purpose of Your Paper
5. How to Research a Topic
6. How to Take Notes for Your Research Paper
7. How to Write an Outline
8. How to Write a Rough Draft
9. How to Revise a Rough Draft
10. Getting Feedback on Your College Paper
11. Make the Effort to Write a Great Paper