How To Get Essay Ideas

Essay topics may come naturally sometimes, but other times thinking of one can be a challenge. The creativity just isn’t flowing in the latter – or maybe it is flowing but it’s insufficient. You might get ideas but (to put it bluntly) they’re bad.

So how can you get a good essay idea?

Ways to get essay topics to write about

Here are ways to find a good essay topic.

1. Ask someone for help

Have a conversation with someone you know and trust and ask them what they think you should write about. Even if this person isn’t in the same class or subject, they may put you on the right path.

It doesn’t need to be someone knowledgeable on the topic. Give them a brief summary and see what they say. Even if they give a bad idea (don’t tell them it was a bad one, though), it could very well inspire you for a great idea.

2. Read through some sources for inspiration

I know sources are supposed to be a way to prove your point in an essay, but sometimes you might actually be able to find ideas in the sources you plan on using.

This can give you the foundational knowledge on which to build a great idea for your essay. You don’t have to go in-depth here, either. For this, the purpose is simply to get inspiration to boost your creativity. So just skim the sources at first.

The nice thing about this technique is it can also help you determine what you can easily find information on. Some topics may have more information available about them. This could make them easier to write about.

Plus, use this as an opportunity to get a head start. If your information is coming from external sources, this can help you find and prepare them ahead of time.

Do keep in mind that you (obviously) shouldn’t plagiarize. Get inspiration, sure, but don’t copy ideas as is.

3. Brainstorm on a blank document or paper

Open a new digital document or take out a blank paper and a writing utensil. Then just start writing whatever essay related ideas come to your mind. Connect the ideas you write down and use each one to inspire a new idea.

Create a web if you’d like. Write the main idea in the middle and start connecting related concepts to the main idea. Write down notes under each concept.

Write a list of ideas, journal randomly, create a flow chart, create a mind map or do whatever. The only thing you need to focus on is the topic at hand (don’t go too far out there). Write whatever relevant concepts come to mind.

The point here is to give yourself as much mental freedom as possible. Be limitless in your creativity, but, again, just stay on topic. Even if you think of something you don’t like for your essay, write it down.

You may get an idea as you write. If you don’t, look at what you wrote. Most likely it’s going to be a mess, but read through it. Then see if you get any inspiration from reviewing it.

4. Start with the points

People usually come up with an essay topic and then they create their supporting points. For this technique, try to come up with your points first and then think of your topic.

Write out the main points of discussion you plan for your essay, then work backwards to a topic.

Just write out what you’d like to discuss or what you think you might be able to go in-depth about.

If you come up with a main topic, feel free to then change your points to better suit your topic. For example, you may have thought of a point during brainstorming but it doesn’t work. Replace it with a better one.

You may also feel that you need to slightly change how you approach a point because you settled on a main topic that requires a different approach. Adjust your point as needed.

Don’t feel obligated to use the points exactly the way you came up with them during brainstorming. This is just that, brainstorming.

This strategy can help you assure that the points relate to the main topic but also guarantee that you have points to discuss. Otherwise, you may just come up with a topic and get invested in it with no arguments to back it up.

5. Take a break

Sometimes great ideas can just come to you without the need to think about them. Passively give your essay some thought but don’t push too hard to get an idea if it isn’t coming.

There’s no use in sitting at a desk brainstorming bad ideas. Instead, get up and take a break. Leave the room to get a change of scenery. Lie down in bed for a little. Just rest.

If you get an idea while resting, great, but don’t stress out trying to find one if it isn’t coming. Now, it is of course important to note that this is something you should only be doing if time allows.

Don’t do this if you’re rushing your essay in the final moments before the due date (which you shouldn’t have done, but if you’re there it’s too late for that now).

Another consideration here is how much time you spend on break. Don’t let this be an excuse to procrastinate. Use this moderately to recharge. Eventually, you should get back to work and start brainstorming.

6. Play a word game

Write out words that come to mind which are somewhat random but still related to your topic. Then let one word lead you to another and then another.

One word can be impactful enough to give you the inspiration you need to write something brilliant.

7. Pace and think about it

Pace around the room or house and think of ideas. Discuss the topic with yourself or pretend you’re giving a lecture on it.

Moving around while thinking could be more helpful than just sitting. Get up, get the blood flowing and let your thoughts flow.