Generating Search Terms

No matter how amazing a search engine or database is, the results you get will only be as good as the search terms you put into it. Use the resources on this page to help you come up with some good search terms to help you find the information you need.

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Make a list of key terms related to your topic. Try to answer:

Who

KEN KESEY

JOHN F. KENNEDY

STEVE JOBS

What

COLONIZATION

SYMBOLISM

FRICTION

WOODSTOCK

When

STONE AGE

20TH CENTURY

1980s

1215

Where

AUSTRALIA

SOUTH AFRICA

BERLIN

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Add synonyms or related terms for as many of those words as possible.

WORLD WAR II / WWII / WORLD WAR TWO

JFK / JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY

IMPACT / EFFECT / INFLUENCE

Try adding in both broader and narrower terms.

General subject:

DIPLOMACY

Broader term:

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Narrower terms:

DIPLOMATIC GIFTS 
SUMMITS
APPEASEMENT

Consult additional keyword resources, if necessary.

Keyword Generator from the University of Texas Libraries

Building Keywords Video from Northwestern University Library