DECIDING ON A
TOPIC AND TITLE
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BY:
SECOND GROUP
1.
AKMAL MURSALIN 14.203.00005
2.
MISS SURAIDA
WAEHEETAE 14.203.00060
3.
SERI DEVI 14.203.00134
THE LECTURE :
RAYENDRIANI
FAHMEI LUBIS, M.Ag
NIP. 19710510 200003 2 001
ENGLISH DEPARTEMENT
TARBIYAH AND TEACHER TRAINING FACULTY
STATE INSTITUTE FOR ISLAMIC STUDY
PADANGSIDIMPUAN
PREEFACE
Praise gratitude to Allah SWT
pamjatkan author who has given strength and ability, so that the paper entitled
" topics, and the title" this
can be solved. Prayers and greetings may always
be delegated to the Prophet Muhammad, his companions, his family, and all his
people until the end of time.
With all the writer's ability is
limited, this paper attempts to expound on a topic, and title. And this paper with their authors expect little help readers
and the author himself in understanding way to determine the topic, and the title is
good and right. However, if in this paper found
shortcomings and errors in either typing or topic, the authors are happy to
accept criticism and suggestions from readers.
Finally, with all humility, author
gratitude and highest appreciation to Mrs. Rayendriani Fahmei Lubis,M.Ag , as
the English lecturers and all students S1 English Departement will jointly
realize the achievement of the course objectives Languages Indonesia. Hopefully this simple paper useful it is.
Padangsidimpuan, September 2016
Writer
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I
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TABLE OF
CONTENT
PREFACE ......................................................................................................... i
TABLE OF
CONTENT .................................................................................... ii
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 1
A.
Background ............................................................................................ 1
CHAPTER II DISCUSSION .......................................................................... 2
A.
Deciding on a Topic ............................................................................... 2
B.
Deciding on a Title ................................................................................. 8
CHAPTER III CONCLUSION ..................................................................... 14
A.
Summary ................................................................................................ 14
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II
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INTRODUCTION
A.
Background
Language is a tool used to communicate with fellow human
beings other community members that the language user. The
language contains thoughts, desires, or feelings that exist in the speaker or
writer. The language used was let to support the intent is clear
that what is thought, desired, or felt it was acceptable to the listener or
reader. Sentences that can reach its goals better called the
effective sentence.
A topic is a subject, topic, or issue to be discussed. As the
principal or the base of the discussion, the topic should be identified first
before writing done. Topics can also be called topics that could deliver a writer
to produce a of research undertaken. Topics may
consist of one word. This topic can be developed into an article to be identified
in order to unfold what the purpose behind the chosen topic. So we have
to choose one so that we can limit the topic (specification).
Thesis in the writing of scientific articles is the first
step of writing. The thesis is formed by topic and purpose. Note first
topic and objectives then formulated thesis essay. Pokokmasalah
topic is to be discussed in monographs. Without knowing the issues that will
be discussed authors could not determine what problems and targets to be
achieved in writing. So that the subject can be clearly defined and interesting,
the authors determine the topics based on tenure issues. After a
specified topic, the authors determine the destination of the topics that have
been set. The objective of the topic is the goals of the author based
on the topic.
CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION
A.
Deciding
on a Topic
Choosing an interesting research
topic is your first challenge. Here are some tips:[1] Choose a topic that you are interested in! The
research process is more relevant if you care about your topic. Narrow your topic to something manageable. If
your topic is too broad, you will find too much information and not be able to
focus. Background reading can help you choose and limit the scope of your
topic.
Review the guidelines on topic selection outlined in your
assignment. Ask your professor or TA for
suggestions. Refer to lecture notes and required texts to refresh your knowledge
of the course and assignment. Talk
about research ideas with a friend. S/he
may be able to help focus your topic by discussing issues that didn't occur to
you at first. Think of the who, what, when, where and why questions:[2]
WHY did you choose
the topic? What interests you about
it? Do you have an opinion about the
issues involved?
WHO are the information providers on this topic? Who might publish information about it? Who is affected by the topic? Do you know of organizations or institutions
affiliated with the topic?
WHAT are the major questions for this topic? Is there a debate about the topic? Are there a range of issues and viewpoints to
consider?
WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or
international level? Are there specific
places affected by the topic?
WHEN is/was your
topic important? Is it a current event
or an historical issue? Do you want to
compare your topic by time periods?
Trying to decide what to write can
be difficult and frustrating. Your professor will usually provide a general
topic that reflects the course material; but you will be required to focus on
some aspect of that topic. It is up to you to decide the angle to take. Before
continuing, please read the following general concepts about choosing research
topics.
The ability to develop a good
research topic is an important skill. An instructor may assign you a specific
topic, but most often instructors require you to select your own topic of
interest. When deciding on a topic, there are a few things that you will need
to do:[3]
·
brainstorm for ideas
·
choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand
the literature
·
ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is
available
·
make a list of key words
·
be flexible
·
define your topic as a focused research question
·
research and read more about your topic
·
formulate a thesis statement
Be aware that selecting a good topic
may not be easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet
broad enough to find adequate information. Before selecting your topic, make
sure you know what your final project should look like. Each class or
instructor will likely require a different format or style of research project.
Use the steps below to guide you
through the process of selecting a research topic.
a.
Brainstorm for ideas[4]
Choose a
topic that interests you. Use the following questions to help generate topic
ideas.
-
Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or
political controversy
-
Did you read or see a news story recently that has piqued
your interest or made you angry or anxious?
-
Do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you
would like to know more about?
-
Do you have a research paper due for a class this semester?
-
Is there an aspect of a class that you are interested in
learning more about
-
Look at some of the following topically oriented Web sites
and research sites for ideas.
-
Are you interested in current events, government, politics
or the social sciences?
o Try Washington
File
-
Are you interested in health or medicine?
o Look
in Healthfinder.gov, Health & Wellness Resource Center or
the National Library of Medicine
-
Are you interested in the Humanities; art, literature,
music?
o Browse
links from the National Endowment for the Humanities
-
For other subject areas try:
o the Scout
Report or the New York Times/ College Web site
Write down any key words or concepts
that may be of interest to you. Could these terms help be used to form a more
focused research topic? Be aware of overused ideas when deciding a topic. You
may wish to avoid topics such as, abortion, gun control, teen pregnancy, or
suicide unless you feel you have a unique approach to the topic. Ask the
instructor for ideas if you feel you are stuck or need additional guidance.
b.
Read General Background Information[5]
·
Read a general encyclopedia article on the top two or three
topics you are considering. Reading a broad summary enables you to get an
overview of the topic and see how your idea relates to broader, narrower, and
related issues. It also provides a great source for finding words commonly used
to describe the topic. These keywords may be very useful to your later
research. If you cant find an article on your topic, try using broader terms
and ask for help from a librarian.
For example, the Encyclopedia Britannica
Online (or the printed version of this encyclopedia, in Thompson Library's
Reference Collection on Reference Table 1) may not have an article on Social
and Political Implications of Jackie Robinsons Breaking of the Color Barrier in
Major League Baseball but there will be articles on baseball history and on
Jackie Robinson.
Browse the Encyclopedia Americana for information
on your topic ideas. Notice that both online encyclopedias provide links to
magazine articles and Web sites. These are listed in the left or the right margins.
·
Use periodical indexes to scan current magazine,
journal or newspaper articles on your topic. Ask a librarian if they can help
you to browse articles on your topics of interest.
c.
Focus on Your Topic[6]
A topic will be very difficult to
research if it is too broad or narrow. One way to narrow a broad topic such as
"the environment" is to limit your topic. Some common ways to limit a
topic are:
-
by geographical area
Example: What environmental issues are most important in the
Southwestern United States
-
by culture
Example: How does the environment fit into the Navajo world
view?
-
by time frame:
Example: What are the most prominent environmental issues of
the last 10 years?
-
by discipline
Example: How does environmental awareness effect business
practices today?
-
by population group
Example: What are the effects of air pollution on senior
citizens? Remember that a topic may be too difficult to research if it is too:
-
locally confined - Topics this specific may only be
covered in these (local) newspapers, if at all.
Example: What sources of pollution affect the Genesee County
water supply?
-
recent - If a topic is quite recent, books or journal
articles may not be available, but newspaper or magazine articles may. Also,
Web sites related to the topic may or may not be available.
-
broadly interdisciplinary - You could be overwhelmed
with superficial information.
Example: How can the environment contribute to the culture,
politics and society of the Western states?
-
popular - You will only find very popular articles
about some topics such as sports figures and high-profile celebrities and
musicians.
If you have any difficulties or questions with focusing your
topic,discuss the topic with your instructor, or with a librarian
d.
Make a List of Useful Keywords
Keep track of the words that are used to describe your
topic.
-
Look for words that best describe your topic
-
Look for them in when reading encyclopedia articles and
background and general information
-
Find broader and narrower terms, synonyms, key concepts for
key words to widen your search capabilities
-
Make note of these words and use them later when searching
databases and catalogs
e.
Be Flexible
It is
common to modify your topic during the research process. You can never be sure
of what you may find. You may find too much and need to narrow your focus, or
too little and need to broaden your focus. This is a normal part of the
research process. When researching, you may not wish to change your topic, but
you may decide that some other aspect of the topic is more interesting or manageable.
Keep in
mind the assigned length of the research paper, project, bibliography or other
research assignment. Be aware of the depth of coverage needed and the due date.
These important factors may help you decide how much and when you will modify your
topic. You instructor will probably provide specific requirements, if not the
table below may provide a rough guide:[7]
|
Assigned Length of Research Paper or Project
|
Suggested
guidelines for approximate number and types of sources needed
|
|
1-2 page paper
|
2-3 magazine articles or Web sites
|
|
3-5 page paper
|
4-8 items, including book,
articles (scholarly and/or popular) and Web sites
|
|
Annotated Bibliography
|
6-15 items including books,
scholarly articles, Web sites and other items
|
|
10-15 page research paper
|
12-20 items, including books,
scholarly articles, web sites and other items
|
f.
Define Your Topic as a Focused Research Question
You will often begin with a word,
develop a more focused interest in an aspect of something relating to that
word, then begin to have questions about the topic.
For example:
Ideas = Frank Lloyd Wright or modern architecture
Research Question = How has Frank Lloyd Wright influenced
modern architecture?
Focused Research Question = What design principles used by
Frank Lloyd Wright are common in contemporary homes?
g.
Research and Read More About Your Topic
Use the
key words you have gathered to research in the catalog, article databases, and
Internet search engines. Find more information to help you answer your research
question.
You will
need to do some research and reading before you select your final topic. Can
you find enough information to answer your research question? Remember,
selecting a topic is an important and complex part of the research process.
h.
Formulate a Thesis Statement
Write your
topic as a thesis statement. This may be the answer to your research question
and/or a way to clearly state the purpose of your research. Your thesis
statement will usually be one or two sentences that states precisely what is to
be answered, proven, or what you will inform your audience about your topic.
The
development of a thesis assumes there is sufficient evidence to support the
thesis statement.
For
example, a thesis statement could be: Frank Lloyd Wright's design principles,
including his use of ornamental detail and his sense of space and texture
opened a new era of American architecture. His work has influenced contemporary
residential design.
The title
of your paper may not be exactly the same as your research question or your thesis
statement, but the title should clearly convey the focus, purpose and meaning
of your research.
For
example, a title could be: Frank Lloyd Wright: Key Principles of Design For the
Modern Home
Remember
to follow any specific instructions from your instructor.
B.
Deciding
on a Title
A good title is usually a compromise between being
curt/concise and explicit or categorical. Drafting a perfect research paper
title requires some serious thought. Researchers tend to be focused on their
research versus the title because that is per se the general nature of
people inclined towards discovery.[8] Though
it would appear to be a simple task, the process of choosing an appropriate
research paper title deserves your undivided attention
The title is without doubt the part
of a paper that is read the most, and it is usually read first. If the title is
too long, this usually indicates there are too many unnecessary words. Avoid
language, such as, "A Study to Investigate the...," this is obvious
or it does not help the reader understand the purpose of your paper. On the
other hand, a title which is too short often uses words which are too general
and does not tell the reader what is being studied. For example, a paper with
the title, "African Politics" is so non-specific it could be the
title of a book. A good title will provide information about the focus of your
research study.
Your readers worldwide look for
research paper titles in online searches through databases and bibliography of
the research papers. The audience deduces the relevance of the paper based on the
research paper title. Bearing this in mind it is imperative that the title of
your paper is of supreme importance as it governs how many people will read it.[9]
One should explore titles of
comparable papers that are relevant to your research. This will give you some
idea of the accurate technical language used and how exclusively other
researchers have described their research projects.
Therefore keeping this in mind, it
is necessary to understand and learn the art of crafting a good research paper
title. So let’s begin and get to know a few quintessential tips regarding how a
good research paper title should look like.
An enticing title will surely lead
the peer reviewer or the reader to your Abstract (learn how to write your
Abstract) and from there to your manuscript.
To begin with, preferably write down
your research paper hypothesis and then consider these ingenious tips that
would help you in creating the best title for your research paper.[10]
1.
Keep it short and sweet.
A good
title for a research paper should be restricted typically to around 10 to 12
words. Write it any longer and you risk the possibility of losing the focus of
your potential reader. On the other had a very short title would be very
general and non-specific.
2.
Provide a precise summary of the paper’s content.
Try to
keep the title attractive yet succinct and clear by using active verbs. Avoid
use of complex noun-based phrases.
3.
Describe your essence of your research
Try to use
descriptive terms and phrases that precisely emphasize the fundamental content
of your research paper. Conglomerate words/phrases defining the research
problem or issue, nature of research investigation, settings involved in
studies, the purpose of the research, study samples or populations, and/or
variables and the causal relationship amongst them under investigation as
appropriate.
4.
Minimize use of abbreviations or slang.
Universally recognized abbreviations
like AIDS, HIV etc. can be used in the research paper title, but lesser known
or specific abbreviations and jargon that would not be unfamiliar to the
readers should be avoided. Remember that even though you may use some vogue
terms daily in your professional lingo, others may not be familiar with them.
Instead, try using simple and commonly accepted substitutes that may convey the
same meaning.
5.
Experiment with the
research paper title
Crafting
of an effective title is not magic. It will and should take time if you
sincerely wish to have your readers read and follow your research. Once you
have written down the tentative title, sit, think and try to juggle the words.
Twisting the words or phrases may help you come up with a more attractive
title. You could also try splitting one single title into two lines separated
by a colon [:].
6.
Grammar and capitalization
Correct
grammar is very important. Capitalize all nouns, pronouns, verbs,
adjectives, and adverbs appearing between the first and last words of the
title. You may use a question mark but refrain from using an exclamation mark.
7.
Be articulate and use descriptive words/phrases to convey
the importance of your research
Always
think about terms people would use to search for your research paper and aptly
include those in your title. Incorporate correct keywords that were used in the
manuscript and appropriately describe the nature of your study. Prefer to
eschew words that add nothing to a reader’s understanding.
8.
Search Engine
Optimization of your Research Paper Title
A
well-crafted research paper title utilizes SEO (search engine optimization)
techniques to its benefit.
By now
everyone has heard something about SEO and understands search engines. Medical
databases like NIH use the same basic algorithms to locate appropriate research
for those searching a particular topic. Other portals also have documents that
are searchable by all major engines. When creating your research title ensure
that words frequently searched upon by the general public are in the title. To
explicate this further, the language you choose is important. What would the
high school student search on? Would he or she use the term “comorbid” when
searching on a topic like “dual diagnosis”? Your research title should, for
best results, use terminology that lay people would search on for best
optimization.
Further, a
highly optimized research title will include more than one search term or
keyword. Most algorithms and directories will match the keywords to the title
first, versus the abstract. Understand that your research will be found in the
title and abstract only, with title bearing more weight. Moreover, these are
the two visible indicators to the public of what your research is about.
Journals and other search engines will use the titles to display various
research and articles for visitors based on which most accurately represents
the search criteria.
CHAPTER
III
CONCLUSION
A.
Summary
By understanding and mastering the
various rules of writing topics, and titles. It is expected that readers can
create a , topic, and the title is good and right. At least to understand the
discussion paper the author this time, readers come to understand how to create
s, topics, and the title well and sisitematis and understand what are the terms
of the preparation of s, topics, and titles in order to obtain a work is good
and right, and to avoid error determination.
The lecturers, teachers, or students
who are constantly engaged with writing or scientific work, very big role in
coaching the manufacture of scientific work, especially in the determination of
s, topics, and titles. Therefore, it makes sense if the doseen, teachers, or
mahasisiwa need to be diligent in reading as the basic capital for a writer.
Moreover, the willingness, motivation, and the ability to write is an absolute
basic capital owned by a person in writing scientific papers.
For starters, to make a scientific
work necessary foresight to determine a , topic, and title. Preferably in the ,
topic, and an appropriate title dengna mastered the material. To avoid
confusion in the discussion of scientific papers or essays. Furthermore, keep
creating and not tired to continue to learn and pay attention to things that
are important in the writing or the determination of topics, and titles.
REFERENCES
Brown, H. Douglas. 2000. Principles
of Language Learning and Teaching . New York: Pearson Education, Inc.
Harmer, Jeremy. 2004. How
to teach writing . England: Pearson Education limited
Literacy Secretariat For Education And Child Development.
2012. Engaging In and Exploring Recount Writing . South Australia:
Resource Paper.
Meyers, Alan. 2005. Gateways
to Academic Writing: Effective Sentences,
Paragraphs, and Essays . New York: Pearson Education, Inc.
Oshima, Alice and Ann Hogue. 2006. Writing Academic English. New York: Pearson Education, Inc.
[1]
Literacy Secretariat For Education And Child Development. Engaging In and Exploring Recount Writing, (South Australia:
Resource Paper, 2012)., page. 34
[2]
Brown, H. Douglas. Principles of Language
Learning and Teaching . (New York: Pearson Education, Inc, 2000)., page. 87
[3]
Ibid., page. 87
[5]
Ibid., page. 68
[6]
Ibid., page. 69
[7]
Ibid., page. 70
[8]
Oshima, Alice and Ann Hogue. Writing
Academic English. (New York: Pearson Education, Inc. 2006)., page.71
[9] ibid., page. 89
[10]
Harmer, Jeremy. How to teach writing
. (England: Pearson Education limited,2004.)., page. 90
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