trouble narrowing a topic

I just can't seem to get the idea of narrowing a topic but not making it too limited. Actually, the whole idea of the research paper escapes me. Still, I want to try. If one is assigned a genreral topic like the vietnam war how does one narrow it without limiting it oo much especially if it's not a subject one knows anything about nor is interested in? How about if the assignment topic is a person but the instructions say don't give me a bigtaphy. I could use help specifically with both these topics and in general with the idea on how to narrow and then what. I've never written a paper before. I am 50. Thank you for taking the time to read this. What a wonderful resource.

Greetings!

I think it's great that you are willing and wanting to learn! I can remember when I first had to write a research paper (back when dirt was young!), it seemed like an insurmountable--and horribly confusing--chore. But, as with everything else in life, it's just a matter of starting at the beginning and building your skills and confidence. You are right that narrowing a topic can be a challenge. What I try to do, if I have to take something as broad as the Vietnam war, is to start by making a list of possible sub-topics. For example, you could write about the political history that led to the Vietnam war; why America chose to get involved and what the effect was on American society; the devastating medical effects of chemical defoliants; France's involvement and eventual defeat in Indochina, leading to America's involvement in the region. Try reading through some books and encyclopedias on the subject, and consider whether any of the sub-headings would make a good "narrowed" topic.

Writing about a person without making it biographical usually requires looking at the accomplishments of the person and making their works your focus. For example, you could find plenty to say about William Shakespeare, of a non-biographical nature, by focusing on his plays and other works. You could discuss the role of religion in his plays, or the supernatural, or mythology, or many other avenues of approach. If you were going to write about, say, Rosa Parks, you could focus on the segregation laws which led to her defiance on the bus, which sparked the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott that eventually led to civil rights for African-Americans.

I hope this helps explain it a little better!

Thanks,

Sarah, EsayForum.com

Dear Sarah(EssayForum.com),

Thank you so much for your suggestions and the encouraging words. I will try to get started with some of these ideas. If I have trouble I will return to the sight. I think it is wonderful such a sight exists. I can't say I see all clearly now but I feel a bit closer to seeing some of the picture. Thank you, KrisK.

You're welcome, Krisk! Glad I could help!

Sarah