What are some good topics to write about for an essay that won't bore me to death?

[BobCooper]

I have to write a 10-page research essay for my composition class. We can pick ANY topic. Any. The freedom is paralyzing. I've spent more time trying to choose a topic than I would spend actually writing the essay.

I've gone through so many ideas and rejected them all. Climate change? Too broad and also everyone writes about it. Social media and mental health? Done to death. The history of something? Sounds boring. I want something interesting. Something that won't make me want to fall asleep while researching.

My roommate suggested I pick something I actually care about. But what do I care about? Video games? Is that academic enough? Food? Could I write about the cultural significance of tacos? (Genuinely considering this.)

I started brainstorming and here's my list so far:

• The ethics of AI in creative industries (interesting but complicated)
• Why do people hate the sound of their own voice? (weird but fascinating)
• The history of a food you think is "ethnic" but is actually American (this could be fun)
• Whether video games can be considered art (been done but I care about it)
• Why do we dream? (but that's science, not composition)

My professor said a good topic should be:

• Specific enough to cover in 10 pages
• Interesting enough to keep you engaged
• Researchable (sources exist)
• Something you actually have an opinion about

That last one is hardest. I don't have opinions. I have vague preferences. How do you develop an opinion about something academic?

I asked my friend who's a great writer and she said "pick something that makes you angry." That's interesting. What makes me angry? Bad design. Websites that are hard to navigate. Apps that don't work. Maybe I could write about user experience design and why bad interfaces make people miserable. That actually interests me.

I'm getting closer. But still not sure. Anyone have suggestions for unique, interesting essay topics that aren't the same old things everyone writes about? I need inspiration!

 

[ElisaWood]

Video games as art is a classic but classic for a reason. There's so much to say. And if you actually care about it, you'll do the research willingly instead of forcing yourself. Plus professors love when students write about things they're genuinely interested in — it shows in the writing. Your other ideas are good too but don't dismiss video games just because it's "been done." You can find a fresh angle!