Most college research papers are based on specific assignments that instructors create. These papers typically focus on the major subjects of the class and ask students to research and write on a specific aspect of that subject. Occasionally, though, instructors will allow students to choose their own topics to write on. This is a double-edged pencil. The student has the freedom to choose whichever topic they want to write on, which is fun, but thinking of a topic to write on might take a lot of time. There are ways, however, to overcome this obstacle, such as different methods of brainstorming that might help students select a paper’s topic. Two of these brainstorming activities are described below. (They are not only helpful but also fun!) Create a Word Map: Word maps are great writing tools for visual learners. In the middle of a piece of paper, write down something that interests you, such as a hobby, a profession, an historical event, a current news story, etc. Then, draw lines from this word or phrase with related words and phrases that come to mind. (For example: If I begin with “football,” I might connect this theme to “NFL,” “Superbowl,” and “college football.” If I continue linking words to “NFL,” for example, I might eventually think of specific issues, such as the length of the season and the cost vs. benefits of playing in such an injury-prone sport.) Continue breaking down the original word(s) with more specific areas of that word, exploring the different ways that it can be broken down. While performing this activity, try to be mindful of the different questions and thoughts that arise. Free Write: Free writing is a great pre-writing activity. It can be used as a tool to help you think of a topic, and it can also be used to explore a particular topic in depth. To free write, you will need a timer and a blank Word document (or several sheets of blank paper if writing by hand). After setting an alarm to go off in 20 minutes, sit in front of your computer screen (or paper) and begin typing (or writing). There are no rules or limits to what you can write about; the idea is to write anything and everything that pops into your brain—without stopping. Whether you write out your grocery list or describe your take on world peace, the act of writing continuously like this will exercise your brain and it might even take you to a topic that you hadn’t previously considered. Once the timer goes off, stop writing and read over what you wrote, looking for ideas and topics that interest you and might be worth researching for a paper.