If you have trouble coming up with a topic or its keywords:

• Check a subject encyclopedia for ideas and concepts.
  
• Go to the Getting Started page and under Select a Topic, do some exploratory searches in library subscription databases like MasterFILE Premier, CQ Researcher or Issues & Controversies Guide.
  
  Note:  If you're reading this from home, be sure to read the instructions on How to Get into Databases Off Campus
   
  • For MasterFILE Premier, enter topic words you are thinking of, select one you like, then look at the abstracts or summaries of articles that interest you; they may give you ideas for topics. Also, look at their subject terms for possible keywords. 
  • For CQ Researcher or Issues & Controversies, select a broad topic, and then take a look at some more specific topics listed below, select them and scan the articles.
     
• If you need help, ask a reference librarian.