Choose a Topic for Your Essay
Every essay starts with the topic. Usually tutors assign the topic, but sometimes students get
opportunity to choose it themselves. We’ll discuss here both possibilities.
1.Topic Has Been Assigned
You may have no choice as to your topic. If this is the case, you still may not be ready to jump
to the next step.
Think about the type of paper you are expected to write. Should it be a general overview, or a
specific analysis of the topic? If it should be an overview, then you are probably ready to move
to the next step. If it should be a specific analysis, make sure your topic is fairly specific. If it is
too general, you must choose a narrower subtopic to discuss.
For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this
topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. It should
be narrowed to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture", or even “Peculiarities of
Kenyan Cuisine”. But before starting an essay, have it approved by the teacher. Once you have
determined that your topic will be suitable, you can move on.
2. Topic Has Not Been Assigned
If you have not been assigned a topic, then the entire world lies before you. Sometimes that
seems to make the task of starting even more intimidating. Actually, this means that you are
free to choose a topic of interest to you, which will often make your essay a stronger one. First
write down some subjects that interest you or you have a basic knowledge of. An endless
number of topics will be suitable.
If you have trouble thinking of subjects, start by looking around you. Is there anything in your
surroundings that interests you? Think about your life. What occupies most of your time? That
might make for a good topic. Do not evaluate the subjects yet; just write down anything that
comes to mind.
If you can think of at least a few topics that would be appropriate, you must simply consider
each one individually. Put some thought in to how you feel about that topic and the purpose of
your essay. Is your purpose to persuade people to believe as you do, or explain to people how
to complete a particular task, to educate people about some person, place, thing or idea, or
something else entirely? No matter what the purpose is, the topic you choose must fit it and
have a coherent message. If your goal is to educate, be sure you are well-informed and able to
conduct necessary research.
If you must persuade the reader, be sure it is a subject in which you choose is one that you are
at least moderately passionate about. Of course, the most important factor in choosing a topic
is the number of ideas you have about that topic. Even if none of the subjects you thought of
seem particularly appealing, try just choosing one to work with. It may turn out to be a better
topic than you thought at first and it will allow you to focus your research
Every essay starts with the topic. Usually tutors assign the topic, but sometimes students get
opportunity to choose it themselves. We’ll discuss here both possibilities.
1.Topic Has Been Assigned
You may have no choice as to your topic. If this is the case, you still may not be ready to jump
to the next step.
Think about the type of paper you are expected to write. Should it be a general overview, or a
specific analysis of the topic? If it should be an overview, then you are probably ready to move
to the next step. If it should be a specific analysis, make sure your topic is fairly specific. If it is
too general, you must choose a narrower subtopic to discuss.
For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this
topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. It should
be narrowed to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture", or even “Peculiarities of
Kenyan Cuisine”. But before starting an essay, have it approved by the teacher. Once you have
determined that your topic will be suitable, you can move on.
2. Topic Has Not Been Assigned
If you have not been assigned a topic, then the entire world lies before you. Sometimes that
seems to make the task of starting even more intimidating. Actually, this means that you are
free to choose a topic of interest to you, which will often make your essay a stronger one. First
write down some subjects that interest you or you have a basic knowledge of. An endless
number of topics will be suitable.
If you have trouble thinking of subjects, start by looking around you. Is there anything in your
surroundings that interests you? Think about your life. What occupies most of your time? That
might make for a good topic. Do not evaluate the subjects yet; just write down anything that
comes to mind.
If you can think of at least a few topics that would be appropriate, you must simply consider
each one individually. Put some thought in to how you feel about that topic and the purpose of
your essay. Is your purpose to persuade people to believe as you do, or explain to people how
to complete a particular task, to educate people about some person, place, thing or idea, or
something else entirely? No matter what the purpose is, the topic you choose must fit it and
have a coherent message. If your goal is to educate, be sure you are well-informed and able to
conduct necessary research.
If you must persuade the reader, be sure it is a subject in which you choose is one that you are
at least moderately passionate about. Of course, the most important factor in choosing a topic
is the number of ideas you have about that topic. Even if none of the subjects you thought of
seem particularly appealing, try just choosing one to work with. It may turn out to be a better
topic than you thought at first and it will allow you to focus your research
