Think of a topic

edit What Is a Topic?

A topic is not a thesis. If a thesis is an argument, a topic is the thing you're arguing about.

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that the topic on which you're writing has to be small enough for you to explore in the space and time you have. The most useful topic of all is one that will suggest an argument which you can develop into your thesis.


  • Hamlet - not a topic
  • Women in Hamlet - not a topic
  • The role of women in Hamlet - still not a topic
  • Contrasting the roles of Ophelia and Gertrude in Hamlet - nearly a topic
  • The role of Ophelia and Gertrude in Hamlet's madness - a topic
  • Ophelia and Gertrude's sexualisation was the direct cause of Hamlet's madness - not a topic. This makes an argument about the topic, and is thus closer to a thesis.

edit Developing a Topic

But how to come up with a topic in the first place? If you've been given an assignment, you're one of the lucky ones: your subject area is already mapped out, and now you need to focus it.

After Reading the Assignment, you might find it easier to think of a topic if you return to your texts. Read them again, and jot down things that interest you, connections that you make. Once you're done, look at your notes again. You might find the seed of a topic already lurking at the back of your mind. Otherwise, looking at your notes, trying to find connections between passages and ideas, will help you develop your ideas.

Freewriting can help you brainstorm your way to a topic you are interested in.

If all else fails, take a short nap with a pen and paper by your side. You'll be surprised how often ideas surface as you're waking up again.

The best test of a topic is to ask yourself: can I state an argument about this topic? And can I find evidence to back it up?

edit Useful Links