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ENG 101 - Argument Essay: Educational Goals (Compton)

2. Explore Your Topic

Browse these databases to learn general information about a variety of topics related to educational obstacles. Check out a few topics that interest you and explore the information about them as you decide on a topic for further research.

Analyze Your Topic

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Who

Think about who might be involved. This could be specific students, but it could also be groups of students- consider different groups based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status (wealth), who may be affected (good or bad) by your topic. 

What

Consider what factors are involved in your topic. Read some background information or a summary to learn more about your topic, and then make a list of relevant factors.

The background reading can also provide you with keywords, specialized vocabulary, and definitions, which will be useful for future searches.

When

Is your topic a current educational obstacle that students face? When was this issue first recognized? Your topic may have specific dates associated with it or it may be more general.

Where

Sometimes places or geography are important to your topic. Are you considering educational obstacles in the United States or another country? The situation can be quite different in some countries than it is here.

Why

This is a really important one. Why do people care about this topic? Why is it important or controversial? What's at stake? or Why did it happen / is it happening?