English 1201 Research Guide

Topic & Keyword Worksheet

1. Write down the question you want to ask about your topic:

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2. Now try see if you can identify any major concepts (or ideas) from your question.

Keep things simple, no more than three!

Write them down here:

1^st Major Concept (Idea) ______________________________________________

2^nd Major Concept (Idea) _____________________________________________

3^rd Major Concept (Idea) _____________________________________________

3. Look at your major concepts above. Now try thinking of similar or related words for each concept. These can be your keywords, and you can use them to help when you search.

Write down 1 or 2 keywords under each major concept:

QUICK QUIZ

1. Consider this sample Topic: Immigration

2. From this topic consider this sample question: Should illegal immigrants be made legal citizens?

3. Write down 2 major topics contained in the sample question: Should illegal immigrants be made legal citizens?

1^st Major Concept (Idea) ______________________________________________

2^nd Major Concept (Idea) _____________________________________________

4. For each major concept, write just 1 related or similar word that could be used as a keyword:

One Keyword (1^st Major Concept) ______________________________________________

One Keyword (2^nd Major Concept)_____________________________________________