Writing Tip of the Week: Read the Newspaper

Posted by Kari Lomanno Nov 30, 2008

Your instructor has assigned you to write a persuasive essay, but you are at a loss for a topic idea. Try picking up the newspaper. The daily paper is full of ideas for writers, particularly the editorial/op-ed section. The ideas found in the newspaper are especially useful because they are timely, and they represent what the general public is talking about.

I always make sure I have copies of the newspaper available for my students whenever I assign a writing project. That way, when they come to me complaining that they have nothing to write about, I can direct them to the newspaper for ideas.

I am always surprised at how many students have never opened a newspaper. If you are one of those students, give it a try. You will almost always find something interesting to talk about, to think about, and, of course, to write about.

If you read through the paper and still can't think of any ideas, try a quick brainstorming session based on some of the articles you read. Even if you don't want to write about a particular issue you found in the newspaper, the brainstorming might lead you in a direction that interests you.

Good luck!