• There is a multitude of research topics suitable for a high school student.writing image by DBarby from Fotolia.com
  
  Anxiety might be the first emotion a high school student feels when a teacher assigns the task of writing a research paper. This fear might be a result of a student's inexperience in writing this type of paper, according to Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL). Choosing a research paper topic is the first step of the assignment, and there are numerous topics to choose from. With organization, diligence, practice and patience, a "student will find that she can achieve great things through her research and writing," according to Purdue's OWL.
  
  

Interests

• When brainstorming research paper topics, it is best to choose a topic that you find interesting. If you're interested in music, then writing a research paper on how the music industry influences teens is an idea. Or if you enjoy fashion, write a paper on how clothing trends have evolved over the decades. If you've always found space exploration fascinating, then write a paper on the future of space travel. When you write about something that appeals to your interests, it makes writing enjoyable and fluid.
  
  

Current Events

• Open a newspaper or turn on the television, and you're sure to find a news story that is circulating through your town, state or country. From health care reform to immigration policies to budget cuts, there is a wide array of current event topics to choose from. You could write a research paper on whether the War on Drugs is successful. Or write a paper on the legalization of gay marriage.
  
  

Environmental Issues

• Issues regarding the environment are being discussed by politicians, scientists, physicians and citizens nationwide. Choosing a topic that correlates with the environment is an idea. Examples of research paper topics include the importance of recycling, land conservation methods and alternative energy sources. Choosing a topic for which there is sufficient data, resources and statistics is best when collecting research.