The Professors/Coaches may select a topic for you. However, if you find yourself needing to select a topic yourself, consider the following:
First, consider a topic that may hold your interest. Music? World War II? Domestic Violence? Consider consulting a newspaper or magazine for a current event that may interest you.
Second, use a reference source such as an encyclopedia or dictionary to answer or consider the five W’s: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Third, if still interested in the topic, write a thesis statement (a main point or claim that will be supported in a work) or a research question (a question an author wants to answer through a study).
Need topic ideas? Visit the ProCon.org site for ideas.