How to find the perfect topic - Essay writing workshop

How to write a winning scholarship essay - Gen Tanabe, Kelly Tanabe 2018

How to find the perfect topic
Essay writing workshop

When we were taught to color inside the lines, our artwork may have been neater but it was at the expense of creativity. The best time-tested method to develop creative ideas that lead to a great topic is through brainstorming. By thinking without restrictions, creativity flourishes.

We have found that the best way to do this is to keep a notebook with you and write down ideas for topics whenever they pop into your head.

Also set aside some time for a dedicated brainstorm session where you force yourself to generate new ideas.

When brainstorming topics don’t be critical of the ideas you write down. Let your imagination roam. Also, ask your parents and friends for suggestions.

The one shortcoming of brainstorming is that sometimes a good idea does not make for a good essay. A thought may be too complex to write about within the limitations of the essay requirements.

The only way to really tell if an idea is good is to start writing. So from your list of ideas pick several that are the most promising and start composing an essay. Again, don’t pay attention to the quality of the writing just yet. You are basically testing the topic to see if it has the potential to become a great essay.

If you get stuck and think the topic may not work then set it aside and try another. We have found that most students will try and then abandon two or three ideas for every good one they find. That means that you need a long list of ideas and must be willing to cut your losses and ditch a topic that does not pan out.