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English 201: Paper Startup

Resources to help you with your papers and assignments for ENG 201

Choosing a Topic

It is crucial to your success in this course that you choose a good topic. In order for a topic to work, it must fit the below criteria. If you're not sure if your topic will work for a paper, feel free to stop by the library and to talk to a librarian.

1. You must have some kind of personal connection to/interest in the topic.

2. There must be information written about the topic in academic and scholarly journals.

3. The topic must be specific and not too broad.

4. You must be able to take at least 3 different opinions on the topic. 

Finding Articles

Below is a list of databases where you can find good sources to support your argument. If you need help searching a database, come by the library! We would love to help you!

Need some inspiration?

If you're still struggling to pick an argument to write about, visit Paperial to find out what are some other topics students have written about in the past. 

SPaG Sheets

Make sure that you don't have any grammatical or spelling errors in your paper. It lessens your credibility as an author. Many instructors use a SPaG (spelling, punctuation, and grammar) sheets when grading your assignments. Download a PDF of the SPaG sheets or visit the SPaG libguide.

Copy Editing Marks