How to Write about a Topic You Lack Interest in [2023] (2023)

During their school years, students may not always have the opportunity to select a topic for their essay or research paper. Instructors tend to assign one or offer a list of ideas that might not seem engaging. Moreover, even the topic that you choose yourself can sometimes end up being less interesting than you anticipated.

What should you do in such cases? Even if you manage to avoid these dreary topics in school and college, you might encounter them as interns or employees. What can be more tedious than writing a paper on an idea that seems boring to you?

We have a solution! In this article, our experts collected tips on how to write about a topic you’re not interested in. Here, you’ll learn how to elaborate on engaging texts on any issue in no time. You’ll also discover ways to trick yourself into feeling inspired, even if it’s about a subject you might not be very enthusiastic about. Find your motivation on this page!

Contents

  1. 💤 Why Boring?

  2. 💯 Top Tips

    1. Self-Discipline

    2. Psychological Tricks

    3. Practical Methods

  3. 🤯 Brainstorming Tips

💤 Why Is the Topic Boring to You?

The solution to each problem begins with awareness. Perhaps the topic seems boring to you. Maybe there are additional factors that affect your enthusiasm about the subject. This section will analyze what issue might prevent you from writing a paper on a given topic. Plus, we will provide solutions to these problems.

The following reasons may prevent you from working on a topic:

An unfamiliar subject

Having little to no knowledge about a subject may be hard for people who are used to writing unique and personal pieces. Writing a paper on an unfamiliar topic can also be difficult for those who like to get creative with their task.

So, what should you do in this case?

  • Don’t pretend to be interested in the topic. Readers will sense your insincerity immediately.

  • Think about why you don’t know or care about the topic. That way, you can develop more meaningful conclusions that will help you and the reader see the issue differently.

  • Consider changing your research tactics. Don’t limit yourself to dry facts when searching for material for the paper. Try to look for little known facts related to the topic as well.

An overused topic

Almost every topic you choose has been written about by someone else, but there’s no need to stress. There’s always a way to make your work unique and exciting:

Include some of your own experiences. However, try to mention yourself as indirectly as possible, and only when it makes sense. Then, just start writing. Inspiration and ideas will come to you in the process.

An undefined audience

You’ll probably become bored if you’re writing to an imaginary audience. Define who your readers will be and what they need to learn from your paper. That will help you avoid the mistake of picking a random topic that won’t provide any valuable material.

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When you write academically, make sure that your work is intended for someone who hasn’t found the information they need about the chosen topic in any of the available articles. Don’t rewrite those articles. Focus your paper on answering the questions you still have after reading the texts by other authors.

Exhaustion

If you are a student, the chances of being exhausted by other classes and assignments are very high. Do you have a million deadlines? Is it hard for you to write on any topic at all? Is it difficult for you to get out of bed in the morning? In that case, you are probably just too tired.

Prolonged fatigue can cause severe psychological issues in the long run. If writing becomes too challenging, we recommend that you contact a specialist. You’ll need more than just our advice to help in critical situations.

However, if this is just a case of fatigue due to stress, you can try the following:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Ensure that you’re getting enough nutrients by eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and other whole foods.

  • Exercise more. Regular exercises boost your energy levels.

  • Drink more water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue.

  • Low caffeine intake. Initially, caffeine increases your energy, but you might feel more tired as it wears off.

Writer’s block

Difficulties can arise not only because of a challenging topic but also because of a creative crisis.

Is it tricky for you to write on any topic, even if you have energy and time? Do you procrastinate composing an essay until the last minute? Do you feel that you don’t have any inspiration at all? If so, then you probably have writer’s block.

Here’s what you can do to overcome it:

  • Take a long walk. If you’re stressed, it might be hard to sit still and write. Taking a long walk to relax can help calm down your brain.

  • Just write. Purposefully write anything that comes to your mind, even if it is complete nonsense. Eventually, some useful ideas will arise. As an alternative, get a random topic generator and kickstart your creative flow by exploring possible topic variations to write about.

  • Get help from a friend. Narrow your audience down to one person. Think about how you would describe the topic to them and start writing.

  • Sleep. Sometimes the creative process benefits from several hours of good sleep. If you feel like your writing prompts to suffer, take a nap.

  • Write something else. Shift your attention from one paper to another. Work on another text or edit someone else’s document to help restart your creative process.

💯 Dealing with an Uninteresting Topic: Top Tips

By this point, you’ve learned about the psychological issues that can lead to your inability to write. Yet, you might still feel unwilling to start your academic paper. Fair enough. Sometimes, the critical issue with the assigned topic is just your disinterest in the subject.

In other words, how can you write a good paper if you lack interest in the subject? We’ve gathered useful tips to answer that question in the sections below. Our recommendations can be divided into psychological and practical tricks, but we’ll start by talking about self-discipline. After all, that’s the first step towards success.

Self-Discipline

Discipline is the foundation of fruitful work. Have you struggled with developing self-control skills before? Then this section is for you. Learn how to become a disciplined person, handle your assignments, and follow up with the deadlines.

First and foremost, self-discipline helps us to be confident and persistent. Most importantly, it makes you concentrate on any task. That’s why you need it to work on a topic you find uninteresting. To master self-discipline, try the following:

Step 1: Create a study area

  • Why?

A quiet and neat study area is an essential element for concentration. Having all the necessary things within your reach will prevent you from distractions. Thus, it’ll be more manageable to stay focused on the task.

  • How?

Chose a calm and comfortable place and set everything you need to complete an assignment. Ensure there is enough light, the chair is comfortable, and the desk is free of unnecessary stuff. Also, keep in mind that you need fresh air to keep your brain working—don’t forget to open the window from time to time.

Step 2: Remove all the Distractions

  • Why?

Distractions like a smartphone or social media are tempting even when you are completing a fascinating task. Can you imagine how alluring they are when you are working on a boring assignment?

  • How?

Put your smartphone on a mute mode and ask your family or roommates not to enter your study space. Is it too difficult for you not to scroll through your social media profiles every 20 minutes? Download a Self Control app, and it will block you from visiting distraction websites for a set period.

Step 3: Write a schedule

  • Why?

Time management is crucial when it comes to self-discipline. A well-developed schedule will help you stay focused on your tasks and complete them by the deadline.

  • How?

You can do it in two ways: create a schedule on paper or download a planning app. A paper schedule is an excellent choice if you prefer to manually visualize your tasks, make highlights, cross the completed points out, etc. An app is a perfect option for those who want to receive reminders.

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Step 4: Plan your breaks (and take them!)

  • Why?

To keep their brain productive, a student has to take breaks and refresh their mind. Short pauses will help you stay focused on your task and be creative.

  • How?

While creating a schedule, plan to devote some time to relax. Take several short pauses (10-15 minutes) and spend them with leisure. For example, chat with your friend, have a cup of your favorite drink, or exercise. If the assignment is too time-consuming, take a long break. Go for a walk, to a gym, or to a coffee shop.

Step 5: Employ technology

  • Why?

The 21st century offers a variety of apps and gadgets for making the working process more comfortable. Why wouldn’t you take maximum advantage of it?

  • How?

Explore the Internet – it is full of time-tracking, project management, and communication tools. Select the most useful websites for you, and enjoy the smooth work!

Psychological Tricks

Sometimes, to get a boring assignment done, it’s enough just to trick your brain. Sounds impressive, right? Wondering how to do that? Check our advice below:

1. Get the right headspace

Perceive a tedious task as a chance to learn something new. Nothing can be better than expanding your horizons and self-developing. Who knows, maybe knowledge gained during this boring assignment will be useful in the future.

2. Just start your research

Taking a start is always challenging, especially if you are not excited about the topic. However, as soon as you overcome it and begin to research, the work will go with the flow.

And a pleasant bonus!

Here is an effective technique to help you start: set the timer for 5 or 20 minutes and research or write for this short period. In this case, you’ll get some job done, and it will be easier to return to the assignment. Or maybe you will get carried away with the process and continue even after the time set for research has passed. You can also look at some academic writing examples on the same topic that will both inspire you and become a source of extra information.

3. Imagine your reader

Keep in mind that you are not writing your diary—you are composing a paper for a reader. Something that may seem useless to you can be of great significance to your audience. So, you may be contributing to society while making your readers familiar with your topic.

4. Pretend to be someone else

As soon as you start writing as another person, the process will become fascinating. It allows you to see the problem from different perspectives and develop your imagination.

There are three options for this trick:

  • Imagine you are writing for a popular magazine or newspaper. Yes, pretend to be a famous critic and demonstrate your skills. You will get motivated if you imagine how your name and photo appear on The New York Times pages!

  • Imagine you are getting ready for a presentation. What if you are a successful businessman who has to present the company from the best side? The preparation might be too tricky, but you are responsible for your success.

  • Imagine you are going to participate in debates. It’s time for a heated discussion! Imagine yourself an advocate and try to take the opposite side of the argument. Maybe once you perceive the topic from a new perspective, it will become engaging for you.

5. Find something personal or engaging

Is there at least something in your topic you are passionate about? Start exploring that point. You may get so caught up in the process that you won’t notice how you composed the rest of the paper. Don’t be afraid to start with a counterargument—it can even be fun and engaging!

6. Get an interview or read one

Even if you don’t need to conduct an interview, do it. Talk with someone passionate about your topic. Firstly, you will get a lot of valuable insights. Secondly, you may become interested in the subject as well. Passion is contagious!

Practical Methods

Implementing psychological tricks may not be enough. That’s okay: we can offer you more useful advice. In this section, we move on to the practical methods that will help you start your assignment.

  • Brainstorming. To begin your task, brainstorm. Come up with numerous ideas, writing down everything related to the given topic. Then, pick the best ones and use them for your assignment. This trick helps to develop your interest and might push you to the action.

  • Different angle. Conduct thorough research and consider the issue from various perspectives. You can find “hidden gems”: unusual facts or unexpected connections that will make you see the topic differently. Thus, you can find an intriguing viewpoint to explore and change your attitude towards the task.

  • Outline. Start your paper by developing its structure first. Put your ideas in a fixed order so that your argumentation seems logical and coherent. Add some evidence and examples, and you will see that your paper is almost done!

  • Random word generator. It may seem weird, but this tool is handy for writing assignments. Click the button and get several terms and expressions that correspond to your topic. The random word generator helps develop critical thinking and can add a playful tone to tedious work.

  • Storytelling. If you are allowed to be creative with your assignment, you can turn your simple essay into a story. There are a couple of obvious advantages. Firstly, the reader likes reading fascinating stories more than just dry facts. Secondly, you will be more engaged in the writing process if there is a space for creativity.

You can rely on the following storytelling techniques:

STAR Technique

This method is excellent for dynamic storytelling. It provides a structure for a story that you can depend on in your paper. It goes as follows:

STAR StructureWhat to Write?
SituationSet the stage, provide the general background, and introduce the problem.
TaskSuggest your way to solve the problem.
ActionDescribe the steps you are going to take to achieve your objectives. Tell the readers how you implemented your plans into reality.
OutcomesAnalyze your actions and describe the results. Tell the reader what difference your steps have made.

Story Spine

This method is straightforward yet effective. It offers linear narration that helps the reader to comprehend the story better. To employ this technique, follow this structure:

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  • Once upon a time, …

  • Every day, …

  • One day, …

  • Because of that, …

  • Because of that, …

  • Until finally, …

Mountain

Use this method if your story has a very emotional moment – a climax. Imagine you are climbing a mountain. The closer to the top you get, the more tension arises. Finally, there must be an entertaining climax. Then, you go down from the mountain. The tension is relieved, and all the logical conclusions are made.

How to Write about a Topic You Lack Interest in [2023] (1)

Petal Structure

Imagine a blooming flower with its beautiful petals connected to the center. And now, use your fantasy and think about how this example may be associated with a storytelling technique.

Petal Structure is a perfect option for those who have a complex story consisting of numerous elements. It disregards the linear narration and demonstrates the interconnection of certain aspects. Get creative and find the most unexpected ways to draw connections between the story elements.

In Medias Res

Such an unclear technique will become evident if you translate its name from Latin: into the middle of things. Basically, you need to put your reader in the middle of the action and then go back in time and describe the previous events.

This method is prevalent among writers and directors since it keeps the audience intrigued from the beginning. Why don’t you practice your creative writing skills and employ this technique for your assignment?

🤯 Essential Brainstorming Techniques

To write a compelling and engaging paper, you have to develop numerous ideas and pick only your writing’s best ones. However, coming up with something new is always a challenge.

So what can be done? Use our brainstorming techniques. Here, we will present the most successful ones that will significantly simplify your work:

Venn Diagrams

When writing a paper, the information you use, preferably, should be visibly organized, especially if you want to compare multiple ideas. Venn Diagrams are regularly used to illustrate the different concepts and relationships between them. The circles present distinct features or ideas, while the circles’ overlap indicates common aspects.

Example:

You were assigned to write a paper in which you compare two popular superheroes, Batman and Superman.

How to Write about a Topic You Lack Interest in [2023] (2)

Mind-Mapping

One of the most effective brainstorming techniques is mind-mapping. Mind mapping illustrates our ideas. It starts with a focus on the main topic of the paper. Then, you create branches and associate ideas with your central concept.

Example:

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
CommunicationMight disturb
Access to Social Media/InternetPrivacy problems
Business PromotionCan have a harmful effect on health
Can be helpful

Cubing

Like with any other brainstorming sessions, in cubing, you start with the main topic. Then, you examine it from six different perspectives. It’s mostly asking a bunch of right questions.

Example:

You were assigned to write a paper about cats

Your QuestionsPossible Answers
Describe itCats are mammals
They are domesticated species
Differ in color and shape
Can be loyal
Compare itDomesticated cats are more similar to pumas
But not quite similar to tigers and lions
Domesticated cats differ from their ancestors by their size and behavior
Associate itLovable
Cats are friends
Playful
Analyze it What makes a good cat?
Apply itCats are distant relatives of pumas, tigers, and lions and share similar instincts
Cats are a part of humans’ lives
Argue for/againstCats are great for therapy
Cats bring happiness
Cats are not as friendly as dogs
Cats can bring a lot of harm
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Freewriting

It is the activity in which a person writes anything they think. Try the following: just for 10 minutes, write the flow of your thoughts on the given topic and ignore the content’s quality. Don’t stop and note even the craziest ideas that come to your mind. You will see how fascinating and multifaceted your topic is, and the writing process will become smoother.

However, some people are not in favor of the technique, as the writing becomes disorganized, and it gets hard to follow. If you are not a fan of freewriting, you can try listing. It’s almost the same method, but you’re writing down not in full sentences and ideas, but a list of them.

For example:

  1. Write a paper about Christmas in your country.

  2. Start by writing as much as you can about the topic.

  3. Include all the supporting facts, associations, vivid imagery, so on.

  4. When you run out of ideas, reread your text, and highlight the main ideas.

  5. Base your paper on the best concepts from the freewriting session.

That’s it!

Thanks for reading! We hope that you will not have problems writing any work, even on the most uninteresting topic. Share this page with others who may find it useful. Do you have your way of dealing with boring tasks? Tell us in the comments below!

🔗 References

FAQs

How do you write a paper on a topic you know nothing about? ›

How to Write About Something You Know Nothing About
  1. Stay Calm. There's no point panicking. ...
  2. Look Up New Words.
  3. Research. Now that you know what you've got to do, it's time to start your research. ...
  4. Start Writing. Use the research you've got, sit down, and write. ...
  5. Take a Break. ...
  6. Do Some More Research. ...
  7. Edit/Redraft. ...
  8. Proofread.
Jul 28, 2014

How do you write about a topic you don't care about? ›

Write about how much you hate the topic, and list the reasons why. Write about why you think somebody might be interested in the topic. Write about what that kind of person would be like (even if you write negatively about that type of person).

What to write when you have no idea what to write? ›

Fictional things to write about
  • 1 Get inspired by a song.
  • 2 Reinvent a childhood memory.
  • 3 Write about a person you see every day but don't really know.
  • 4 If your pet were a person . . .
  • 5 Write about what you wanted to be when you grew up.
  • 6 Grab a writing prompt to-go.
  • 7 Use Google to find related topics.
May 16, 2019

How do you talk about an unknown topic? ›

What to do if I get an Unfamiliar Topic?
  1. Honestly, convey to the examiner about the situation. ...
  2. Build up a story. ...
  3. Don't take long pauses. ...
  4. Don't be silent. ...
  5. Speak for full 2-3 minutes. ...
  6. Avoid using filler words. ...
  7. Practice.
Aug 11, 2021

How do you write a conflict of interest in a research proposal? ›

Declaring Conflicts of Interest
  1. List down all sources of financial support you and your co-authors receive that may be considered as posing a conflict to your research objectives. ...
  2. List down any social or personal activities/interests that may be considered to influence how you conduct your research.
Feb 20, 2021

How do you write something you haven't read in an essay? ›

  1. Skim through the book and pull out quotes from the beginning, middle and end. ...
  2. See if there's a synopsis or study guide online from sites such as SparkNotes.
  3. DO NOT directly copy other essays or sources. ...
  4. If you need an outside source, use table of contents and headings to find a useful section or two to quote.
Apr 1, 2014

How do you start a Statement of Interest essay? ›

Ideally, the statement will address (1) your interest in the field/industry/organization, (2) how the opportunity will help your career plans, and (3) demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of and specific interest in the organization or company.

How do you write a difficult topic? ›

5 Tips for Writing Tough Topics
  1. Lean on your own unique experiences. ...
  2. If you haven't experienced it personally, do your research. ...
  3. Ask someone who has been there. ...
  4. Use empathy. ...
  5. Ask a professional.
Jun 15, 2016

What issues can I write about? ›

These topics are simple ideas that nearly everyone can answer without much effort.
  • Favorite foods.
  • Favorite tv shows.
  • Favorite form of entertainment.
  • Favorite book.
  • Favorite video games.
  • Favorite games and/or board games.
  • Favorite childhood memory.
  • Favorite season.
Jul 25, 2022

What should you avoid in the topic sentence? ›

Avoid using a quotation as a topic sentence. Your topic sentences should be in your voice. They should reflect your ideas. Avoid starting a paragraph with a sentence that summarizes an event; this is a simple statement of fact rather than an analytical statement.

What are 5 common popular college essay topics? ›

Tackling the Common App Essay Prompts
  • Prompt #1: Share your story.
  • Prompt #2: Learning from obstacles.
  • Prompt #3: Challenging a belief.
  • Prompt #4: Solving a problem.
  • Prompt #5: Personal growth.
  • Prompt #6: What captivates you?
  • Prompt #7: Topic of your choice.
  • Describe a person you admire.

What is the best topic sentence for an essay? ›

A good topic sentence is specific enough to give a clear sense of what to expect from the paragraph, but general enough that it doesn't give everything away. You can think of it like a signpost: it should tell the reader which direction your argument is going in.

How do you start a 3 paragraph essay? ›

As with most formal essays, the three-paragraph essay begins with an introduction paragraph. Such paragraphs must, obviously, introduce the reader to your idea and, in most cases, convince the reader that this essay is worth reading. To craft a strong introduction, be sure to open with a solid hook.

How do you write something you dont want to? ›

Here are my tips for writing even when you really don't want to.
  1. Try freewriting. We often resist writing because, at a subconscious level, we worry about getting the words perfectly right. ...
  2. Work on 'chunks' of writing. ...
  3. Change your environment. ...
  4. Give yourself permission to do a 'bad' job. ...
  5. Conclusion.
Dec 28, 2020

How do you use I have no idea in a sentence? ›

idiom. I have no idea what you're talking about. "Was it hard?" "You have no idea (how hard it was)!"

How do you write when you have nothing to write about? ›

How To Write When You Have Nothing To Write About
  1. Step 1: Get Out Of The House. ...
  2. Step 2: Remove All Distractions. ...
  3. Step 3: Start Writing. ...
  4. Step 4: Have An Idea (But Don't Stop Writing) ...
  5. Step 5: Write Idea #2. ...
  6. Step 6: Write Idea #3.
Feb 5, 2016

What to talk about when you run out of topic? ›

How to Never Run Out of Things to Say (If You Blank Out)
  • Practice saying what's on your mind. ...
  • Ask something personal. ...
  • Focus on the conversation. ...
  • Stop trying so hard. ...
  • Watch their feet to gauge their interest. ...
  • Use things around you to inspire new topics. ...
  • Refer back to something you talked about before.
Mar 30, 2021

How do you bring up topics to talk about? ›

Conversation Starters for Any Situation
  1. Tell me about you. ...
  2. Working on anything exciting lately? ...
  3. What's your story? ...
  4. What personal passion project are you working on right now? ...
  5. How do you know the host? ...
  6. What was the highlight of your day today? ...
  7. What was the highlight of your week?

How do you write and talk about a topic? ›

Build your presentation in this order
  1. Write the message you want your audience to take away (your topic/theme)
  2. Write out your key points.
  3. Work out the best order for the audience to understand them.
  4. Expand the points further.
  5. Write a summary sentence for each point/paragraph.
  6. Write your conclusion.

What is a good example of conflict of interest? ›

Some examples of a conflict of interest could be: Representing a family member in court. Starting a business that competes with your full-time employer. Advising a client to invest in a company owned by your spouse.

How do you write a statement of no conflict of interest? ›

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. All co-authors have seen and agree with the contents of the manuscript and there is no financial interest to report. We certify that the submission is original work and is not under review at any other publication.

What is the best way to explain conflict of interest? ›

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests – family, friendships, financial, or social factors – could compromise his or her judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace.

What is the word when you can't read or write? ›

Illiterate, from the Latin illiteratus “unlearned, ignorant,” can describe someone unable to read or write, but it can also imply that a person lacks cultural awareness.

What is the word for not being able to read or write? ›

illiterate applies to either an absolute or a relative inability to read and write. unlettered implies ignorance of the knowledge gained by reading. untutored may imply lack of schooling in the arts and ways of civilization.

What is a good opening sentence for an essay? ›

Introduce your topic

Simply introduce your topic and why it matters. As an option, you can also include some of your essay's sub-points or examples you'll be using. It's an introduction to your essay topic, not a thesis statement, so no need to go too heavy on your argument.

What is a good opening sentence for a personal statement? ›

For as long as I can remember… I am applying for this course because… I have always been interested in… Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…

What is a good introduction statement? ›

In general, the introduction will introduce the topic to the reader by stating what the topic is and giving some general background information. This will help the reader to understand what you are writing about, and show why the topic is important. The introduction should also give the overall plan of the essay.

Which is the most difficult topic in the world? ›

The most difficult degrees in the world
  • Architecture.
  • Chemical engineering.
  • Chemistry.
  • Electrical engineering.
  • Physics.
  • Biochemistry.
  • Medicine.
  • Pharmacy.
Nov 23, 2022

How do you discuss difficult topics with students? ›

Establish some discussion guidelines.
  1. Listen respectfully, without interrupting.
  2. Allow everyone the opportunity to speak.
  3. Criticize ideas, not individuals or groups.
  4. Avoid inflammatory language, including name-calling.
  5. Ask questions when you don't understand; don't assume you know others' thinking or motivations.

How do you write a topic sentence? ›

How to write a topic sentence
  1. Identify the main point in your piece of writing. Think about the overall topic for your writing. ...
  2. Write a sentence that connects to your main idea with a what and a why. ...
  3. Use the sentence you created as an opening statement. ...
  4. Create the first sentence in each supporting paragraph.
Jul 21, 2022

How do you describe an issue in an essay? ›

The problem description should have a concise description of the facts that need to be addressed. In addition, it must respond to the 5 Whys of the 5W2H methodology: Who, Where, What, When and Why. Note that H (“how?”) is not included.

What are 3 examples of a topic sentence? ›

Topic Sentence: Cooking requires a number of different skills. The topic is "cooking" and the controlling idea is "many different skills." Topic Sentence: It is important to be ready before buying a house. The topic is "buying a house" and the controlling idea is “it is important to be ready."

What makes a weak topic sentence? ›

Weak Topic Sentences:

What makes a weak topic sentence? Being too specific, too vague, too unrelated to the paragraph— all of these should be avoided. Here is an example of a topic sentence that could be strengthened: Weak: People with diabetes are affected by some factors in the environment.

What is an example of a bad topic sentence? ›

○ Revised:​ The Dust Bowl left Oklahomans with barren fields and forced many of them to migrate to California where they competed with the locals for jobs. The first example is a bad topic sentence because it does not explain ​how​the Dust Bowl impacted people in Oklahoma and California.

What not to write on a college essay? ›

15 Topics to Avoid in Your College Essays
  • Inappropriate Topics.
  • A Rehash of Your Activities List and Transcripts.
  • Relationships, Romance, and Breakups.
  • Writing About Your Hero.
  • The Sports Story.
  • Tragedies.
  • Highly Personal Topics.
  • Controversial Topics: Politics, Religion, and More.
Apr 21, 2022

What makes a college essay stand out? ›

A standout college essay has several key ingredients: A unique, personally meaningful topic. A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook. Specific stories and language that show instead of telling.

What are 5 tips for writing a good college essay? ›

Tips for a Stellar College Application Essay
  • Write about something that's important to you. ...
  • Don't just recount—reflect! ...
  • Being funny is tough. ...
  • Start early and write several drafts. ...
  • No repeats. ...
  • Answer the question being asked. ...
  • Have at least one other person edit your essay.

What are the 5 types of topic sentences? ›

Briefly, here are each of the five topic sentences I introduce:
  • List Statements: A List Statement tells the reader exactly what the paragraph will be about by listing the three supporting ideas. ...
  • Number Words: ...
  • Two Nouns and Two Commas: ...
  • Occasion Position: ...
  • Get Their Attention:

How do you write a strong topic sentence? ›

A strong topic sentence should be placed at or near the beginning of a paragraph. In addition, this sentence should focus on a specific issue, avoid the use of direct quotations, and leave room for support and analysis within the body of the paragraph.

What are good sentence starter paragraphs? ›

Below is a list of possible sentence starters, transitional and other words that may be useful. This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated ... … is included …

What are some good starter sentences for a paragraph? ›

Sentence starters ease the transition from explaining the big picture to showing those same ideas at work in the real world.
  • For example . . .
  • For instance . . .
  • To illustrate . . .
  • Specifically . . .
  • We can see this in . . .
  • This is evidenced by . . .
  • Consider the [case/example] of . . .
Jun 2, 2022

How do you write an introduction for a paragraph? ›

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:
  1. An opening hook to catch the reader's attention.
  2. Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
  3. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.
Feb 4, 2019

How do you come up with a paper topic? ›

Techniques for generating topic ideas
  1. Talk it out. ...
  2. Brainstorm. ...
  3. Free write. ...
  4. Don't feel you need to work logically. ...
  5. Work from general to specific. ...
  6. Maintain momentum. ...
  7. Let ideas go. ...
  8. Choose a topic that interests you.
Nov 17, 2014

How do you write when you dont know what to write about? ›

  1. 5 Things to Do If You Don't Know What to Write. No, reading is not on the list. ...
  2. Read titles on Medium. What you need is a spark. ...
  3. Read quotes. ...
  4. Think about a struggle you're going through right now. ...
  5. Think about everything that's going right. ...
  6. Write with people around.
Sep 9, 2020

How do you write about a topic? ›

Writing strong topic sentences
  1. Step 1: Write a thesis statement. The first step to developing your topic sentences is to make sure you have a strong thesis statement. ...
  2. Step 2: Make an essay outline and draft topic sentences. ...
  3. Step 3: Expand with evidence. ...
  4. Step 4: Refine your topic sentences.
Jul 21, 2022

What is a step when you write whatever comes into your mind about the topic? ›

Freewriting. When you freewrite, you let your thoughts flow as they will, putting pen to paper and writing down whatever comes into your mind. You don't judge the quality of what you write and you don't worry about style or any surface-level issues, like spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

How does an essay start? ›

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order: An opening hook to catch the reader's attention. Relevant background information that the reader needs to know. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

How do you start an essay without an introduction? ›

Start your essay with a quote

Let someone else do the hard part of hooking your reader's attention! Quotes have a narrative element that will lend your essay an engaging, creative opening. Make sure the quote you choose is relevant to your topic and argument.

How do you write a good unprepared speech? ›

No time to prepare? Take heart – and take note.
  1. Be confident – look up, breathe deeply, say to yourself something positive – 'I'm going to be fine'.
  2. Focus on the audience – Every presentation, including impromptu ones, need to be audience centric. ...
  3. Less is more – Avoid the tendency to ramble.
Aug 28, 2018

How do you write even when you don't feel like it? ›

7 Tips to Help You Write When You Don't Feel Like It
  1. Shut Everything Off. It's so easy to be distracted these days. ...
  2. Get Some Motivation. ...
  3. Read Books from Authors You Admire. ...
  4. Engage Your “Muscle Memory” ...
  5. Set a Timer. ...
  6. Allow Yourself to Write Crap. ...
  7. Use Other Inspirational Tools.
Jul 24, 2017

What is an example of show don't tell in writing? ›

Examples: Telling: When they embraced, she could tell he had been smoking and was scared. Showing: When she wrapped her arms around him, the sweet staleness of tobacco enveloped her, and he shivered.

How do you write what you know when you don't know anything? ›

To write what you don't know, try these strategies:
  1. Get organized before you start. ...
  2. Dig deep. ...
  3. Research the research. ...
  4. Look in the background. ...
  5. Study images. ...
  6. Make your own luck. ...
  7. Eavesdrop online. ...
  8. Bend the work to the life.
Feb 10, 2016

Videos

1. SVB is clearly an example of something breaking, says Charles Schwab's Liz Ann Sonders
(CNBC Television)
2. heute journal vom 13.03.23: Galeria Kaufhof, Wahlrechtsreform, Oscars, Silicon Valley Bank (english)
(ZDFheute Nachrichten)
3. The Psychology of Career Decisions | Sharon Belden Castonguay | TEDxWesleyanU
(TEDx Talks)
4. Rammstein - Angst (Official Video)
(Rammstein Official)
5. Pakistan Economic Crisis: How India can destroy Pakistan in ONE MOVE | Abhi and Niyu
(Abhi and Niyu)
6. PBS News Weekend full episode, March 12, 2023
(PBS NewsHour)

References

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