Searching for a topic? Think about issues that affect your life, stories you've heard in the news, something people argue about on social media. Check out nytimes.com for ideas or the list of issues on procon.org.
The databases below will help you get started in thinking about your topic. You can find pro and con essays on different social issues as well as current news and magazine coverage of those topics.
You can help support your argument or demonstrate the scope of your issue with numbers and data, also known as statistics. Use the below sources to search for data on your topic.
Focus your topic with a specific research question:
Obesity is a good topic, but is too broad. Researching - Should there be a 'fat tax' on unhealthy food? - is more specific.
Instead of just Capital Punishment, try researching - Are minorities disproportionately subjected to capital punishment?
Use Keywords: Think of the most important words that describe what you are researching and the kind of information you need. Link your keywords with AND to narrow your subject.
Example, Obesity AND junk food tax
Example, Capital Punishment AND racism
Try Different Search Terms: Remember to think of different ways to search for your topic, e.g. Capital Punishment or Death Penalty; Global Warming or Climate Change. Rephrase your search if you don't find many results on your subject.