When you have a research project, such as a paper or speech or class presentation, you may have to develop your own topic or be given a general one. In either case, the sooner you decide on a specific topic, the quicker you can focus your research and get to actually writing.
It may sound contradictory, but a specific topic is easier to research because you won't have to plow through huge piles of general information.
Use this guide to help you develop research topics. You may choose any section by clicking on the appropriate topic from the tabs along the top of the page.