How to Evaluate Each Potential Essay Topic
When you’re choosing your essay topic it’s important to pick the right one. Every else you’re going to be writing hinges on which topic you choose. The rest of your essay will pivot around this topic, so chose wisely. Here are some helpful pointers on how to evaluate topics and pick the right one for you:
- Is It Right For You?
- Is It Different?
- Is It Interesting?
- Do You Understand It?
Is It Right For You?
Make sure the topic you pick is right for you as a person and as an academic. Don’t choose something because your friends recommended it or because you want to impress your professor. If you pick the topic for the wrong reason you’ll end up hating the essay you write. Pick a topic that stands out for you, a topic that interests you and makes you think.
Is It Different?
A great topic stands out not just to you but to other people too. There are many topics out there that are the same generic stuff. But if you want to write a great essay, you need to choose a great topic. Don’t be afraid to be different. Standing out from the crowd will help you get the grades you deserve.
Is It Interesting?
Ask yourself if other people would find that topic interesting. Ask yourself can you write a great essay on it that will engage readers and force them to have a serious think. If not, then don’t bother. Remember, your readers are only human and they’re looking to be entertained, too. They don’t want to spend hours reading your terrible essay. Instead, give them something worth reading. Give them something interesting.
Do You Understand It?
This is one of the most important factors in picking the right topic. If it ticks all the boxes in terms of interest and engagement but you don’t have the slightest clue where to start with it, think about doing something else. If you can’t immediately think of a couple of points to say on the topic then you’re starting off poorly. You don’t want to spend the entirety of your time researching for a topic you are clueless about. Sure you want to learn, sure you want to broaden your mind, but don’t start off a blank canvas. Have an idea of what you’re going to do and where you’re going to take the essay. Be in control of it, don’t let it control you.