101 English Research Paper Topics, Questions and Ideas

0
Patrick Allen
Patrick Allen
3 January 2019
11min
read

English Research Paper Topics and Ideas

When it comes to English, there is no limit to the topics you can research about. English research paper topic is the question you’re going to answer in your paper based on your research. However, choosing an interesting topic that will capture the attention of your readers and show your academic prowess can be challenging. The trick to getting an idea worth writing about which will also give you a good grade is to pick a topic that you’re interested in and that which you have some background knowledge. It must also be narrow yet have adequate research material and be related to the specific class you’re currently taking. If you’re having trouble finding a good research topic, here are helpful tools on how to get started.

How to Select the Best English Research Paper Topics? Here Is the Easiest Way

Knowing how to select the best research paper topic is an essential skill that every student must have. It is crucial not only for English courses but also for other assignment papers that you will need to write. Selecting a great paper topic starts with choosing a topic of interest. You then need to do background research and brainstorm different ideas.

During the research, you also need to note down various keywords which will help you narrow down your topic. Finally, you need to use the why, who, what and when questions to get different aspects of the topic and to create an outline of how your content is going to look like.

Even with all the information, keep in mind the length, due date and makes sure your topic meets all the assignment requirements.  However, don’t be so focused on your topic that you fail to modify it based on the research. In most instances, during the research process, it is normal to find some other aspects of the topic that are more interesting. So be flexible!

List of English Research Paper Topics for All Students

Your ideal paper topic should be written as a thesis statement. The thesis statement should be between one and two sentences. Keep in mind that the title of your paper may not be the same as your thesis statement, but both should convey the purpose and focus of your research. In English literature, there are so many topics at your disposal that it might overwhelm you. The best way to go about choosing your topic is to look at the different categories.

  • Genre

Look at the similarities between the two genres in the story or what are the differences. Is one genre more effective than the other and how each genre is portrayed in the story? You can also explain how a particular genre emerged or literature in current society.

  • Characters

What issues do the characters try to bring out ion the story? Or how are the characters important to the novel and how do they reflect in real society?  These are some of the research topics you can consider.

  • Gender Roles

How is the gender portrayed in the story? What are the roles of men and women in the novel? You can examine equality or gender expectations as part of your research topics.

  • Culture and Literature

What cultural issues is the book addressing?

  • Politics and Religion

In the novel is there any connection between politics and religion? What beliefs is the book promoting?

Interesting 101 English Research Paper Topics

  1. Role of technology in economics
  2. Advantages of studying internationally versus locally
  3. Importance of teamwork collaboration for nurses
  4. School-based mandatory student drug testing approach work to reduce illicit substance use in adolescents
  5. Does pissing on demand: workplace drug testing and the rise of the detox industry by Kenneth D. Tunnell advocate for invasiveness?
  6. Psychological factors that influence consumer choice
  7. Should Drug testing be mandatory for student-athletes?
  8. The benefits of drug testing for welfare individuals
  9. Employee drug testing can result in business productivity
  10. Biblical allegories in modern literature
  11. Steinberg display hypocrisy of modern Christianity
  12. In The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, rose of Sharon’s baby is a symbol of hope or death
  13. Important themes in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and their reflection in today’s society
  14. Is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck an educative classic novel or a controversial piece of writing?
  15. Today’s immigrant can relate to the Joad family in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
  16. The issue of accessibility of contraceptives for high school students
  17. Sexism in the media industry
  18. Whether or not convicted criminals should be eligible for social welfare
  19. How hunting can become a necessary means in some cases
  20. Drawbacks of a democratic political system
  21. The issue of firearms and whether or not they should be registered with the police
  22. Effects of gangs in poor urban centers
  23. The pros and cons of legalizing prostitution
  24. How early modern treatment of extremes resonate in present-day culture in Excess and the Mean in Early Modern English Literature by Joshua Scodel
  25. How individual freedom and modern English culture is portrayed in Excess and the Mean in Early Modern English Literature by Joshua Scodel
  26. How the pleasure of literature can lead to a dark side? Use the book Futile Pleasures: Early Modern Literature and the Limits of Utility by Corey McEleney
  27. In the book Animal Characters: Nonhuman Beings in Early Modern Literature by Bruce Thomas explain how animal characters relate to the emerging economy and culture of the European Renaissance
  28. The relationship between literary form and code of conduct in the book Rhetoric and Courtliness in Early Modern Literature by Jennifer Richards
  29. Importance of digitization of medical records
  30. The issue of feminist women being too harsh on other women who don’t support the movement
  31. Life in London in the 18th century
  32. Ethical use of stem cells
  33. Golan Heights and its importance to the Israelites
  34. Various conflicts that have revolved around the Golan Heights
  35. The issue of who are the legal occupants of Golan Height
  36. Strange medieval family laws and their influence on society
  37. The significance of the little bird in Trifles by Susan Glaspell
  38. Changes in the role of women from Susan Glaspell’s Trifles
  39. Use The Monk by Matthew Lewis as a response to formal realism.
  40. The role of feminine men and masculine men in The Monk by Matthew Lewis
  41. Feminism in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles
  42. The role of violence in Victorian society in Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold
  43. Literary criticism of The Monk by Mathew Lewis
  44. Sea symbolism in Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold
  45. How is the Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold a presentation of a changing world?
  46. Is Susan Glaspell’s trifle the ultimate women suffrage story?
  47. The Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold is a mockery of the Victorian society
  48. Compare and contrast the Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold and The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S Eliot
  49. The perception of how women love in the legend of La Llorona
  50. The expectation of women in Marge Piercy’s Barbie Doll
  51. Unfair treatment of women in the poem A work of Artifice by Marge Piercy
  52. Discuss the theme of industrialization, corruption, and capitalism using Williams Blake’s London
  53. London in the eighteenth century by William Blake’s London
  54. Criticism of gender roles in The Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
  55. Social distinction in The Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
  56. Dehumanization effects of colonialism in Heart of Darkness by Josef Conrad
  57. The theme of racism in Heart of Darkness by Josef Conrad
  58. How the characters portray differences in social class in Pamela by Samuel Richardson
  59. Teachers using modern technology affect the quality of education
  60. How modern-day heroes shape young people
  61. How marriage has changed for modern society
  62. The link between illegal immigration and terrorism
  63. The drawbacks of online dating apps
  64. European influence on fashion in the world
  65. How myths about eating certain foods are affecting health
  66. Are UFOS a reality or fiction?
  67. Pros and Cons of e-learning
  68. Is bodybuilding only for boosting ego or for health reasons
  69. The America dream for immigrants and minorities
  70. How technology is revolutionizing terrorism
  71. Eliminating the SAT for college admission can make education better
  72. How the role of women in the military and battlefield has changed?
  73. How depression affects human behavior
  74. The genetic link to optimism can shape attitudes. Explain
  75. Violent discipline by caregivers affects a child’s mental growth
  76. Therapy and how it can be an effective rehabilitation method for hardcore prisoners
  77. Secondhand smoke is the major cause of lung cancer deaths
  78. How alternative medicine for cancer is unsafe
  79. Children should be taught at school about various types of sexual orientation
  80. Cybercrime is the new terrorism
  81. The impact of Bioterrorism
  82. The refugee crisis is increasing terrorism
  83. Social media and modeling industry: Is social media making it easy for models to become rich?
  84. Industrialization and agricultural activities are the greatest contributors to climate change
  85. Effects of commercialization of sports
  86. Negative effects of doing the wrong exercises
  87. Dangers of consuming organic foods
  88. Dangers of weight lifting on women
  89. Whether or not sports betting should be regulated
  90. Should gambling addiction be ranked in the same category as hard drugs?
  91. Athletes are excelling because of their professional trainers
  92. The modern pop musician has more influence than musicians of 80s
  93. The definition of feminism has changed since the 18th century
  94. Going to music school influences the success of a modern musician
  95. Tobacco advertising and its effects
  96. How obsession with healthy eating can drive more people into anorexia
  97. The link between Social media and suicide for teenagers and youths
  98. Should it be mandatory for parents to control their kid’s social media accounts
  99. The civil rights movement and the effects
  100. Analysis of strategies used to alter consumer attitudes
  101. Globalization and how it affects the economy

Examples of English Research Paper Questions

One of the main parts of writing English research paper is to define the research paper question. The question often leads to a hypothesis or thesis statement. Good research questions will generally be based on the who, why, how and what type of questions.

For example, what are the main questions that a reader might ask in this topic or what are your opinions about the topic and who is affected by it? How is the culture portrayed in that particular novel or book? Which political values is the novel questioning? What are the differences and similarities between the two characters?

Once you have a couple of various research questions, you can choose the top three questions and use them to generate a thesis statement.  You can then construct your paper around good research questions. If you don’t have a clue what to write, here are a couple of questions to inspire you.

  1. Is random drug testing in a workplace ethical and necessary?
  2. Do pharmaceutical companies view Ebola vaccine as unprofitable?
  3. Has the role of the first lady changed?
  4. Does motivation play a role in human development?
  5. Should the use of marijuana be regulated?
  6. Have the effects of religious cults changed today as compared to those in ancient society?
  7. Is technology affecting health management?
  8. Is it ethical to wear fur coats?
  9. If a college education is made free, will it be more or less qualitative?
  10. Are standardized tests a good way to evaluate a student’s knowledge?

How to Come up with the Best English Research Paper Ideas

The main point of choosing a research topic is to go for aspects of the subjects that you understood better and that which interests you the most. What’s great about a teacher asking you to come up with a research topic is that you can go in any direction that you want. You can look at imagery within the novel, or discuss the allegory of two random but related novels.

However, the process of coming up with English research paper topic that will impress your lecturer is not easy. If you don’t understand your assignments, then don’t hesitate to use our services. Feel free to call us now, and we will help you narrow down good topics that your lecturer will love.

Post author
Patrick Allen
Patrick Allen
The chief editor of the ResearchPaperWriter.org blog and one of the best experts in Law and International Relations. Patrick is a successful Harvard graduate with a completed degree of Doctor of Juridical Science. By working in the writing field for more than 10 years, he has gained a lot of positive feedback from students and colleagues. Diligent, dedicated, attentive, and kind are just a few words commonly used by satisfied Patrick's customers. By choosing him as your helper, you can stay calm that your order will be completed by a real pro!

Get an instant quote

Order in chat
Show more