Step 2: Choose a Relevant Topic

Faye Turner

7 min Read Time | August 10th 2021

Choosing a topic can be tricky. And we know, there are many exciting things to write about. However, before jumping ahead, it is imperative to pay attention to the following steps to avoid writing an impact analysis that will be rejected.

Key Takeaways

1

Go to the Topic Selector. There, you will see thousands of relevant topics proposed. You may select a topic based on interest in a particular subject or company. Don't know how to navigate the Topic Selector? Watch this short video.

2

Choose a topic that has not been written about or an angle that hasn’t been addressed.

3

Focus on a singular topic - an analysis that assesses multiple topics will be rejected.

Add up to 7 tags to describe the topic you are working on.

Brendan church p Ke F6 Tt3c08 unsplash 1

What topic should I write about?


✓ Step 1
. Check our Topic Selector to see the list of topics on companies that are eligible for the certification and reward. You can search for a topic by typing keywords in the search bar. Otherwise, you may directly search for a specific company and its topics offered.
Tip
: check the box "available" to view the topics that analysts have not already reserved. You can find more on how to use the Topic Selector.

✓ Step 2. Once you have an idea of a topic for a company, go onto its page (e.g., American Airlines) and check the topics that have already been covered - this will help you avoid writing on a repeat topic!

✓ Step 3. With published analyses in mind, it is time to start thinking about the topic you want to write about. Make sure to select a topic that has a current impact. To help narrow down your topic, we suggest choosing an SDG and reading analyses on your topic of interest.

✓ Step 4. Once you have chosen a current issue you want to focus on and reserved the topic, you can begin your research!

✓ Step 5. Make sure to focus on a single topic with the right level of granularity.

How to use tags

✓ Step 6. Add up to 7 tags to describe the impact
Now that you have reserved a topic, you have the opportunity to manage the tags you wish to add to your draft.

Tags, also referred to as keywords, add some contextual information to your analysis. In the future, we will also use these to highlight trending tags or to search by tags (in addition to searching by company and/or topics).

By default, the 4 tags that you see on the Topic Selector will be imported on your draft, but you are free to remove them and/or add your own.

Tags

How to manage different angles

Last but not least, a single topic can sometimes be assessed through various angles with different key metrics. If you find yourself in this situation, you should read our dedicated article on how to avoid examining a topic that is already covered.

For more information about topic inspiration, check out our article on how to conduct smart research.

Related
Articles

Based on the article you've just read, here are some more we think you'd be interested in.

8 Min read

9 Basic Steps to get Started as an Analyst

Pass your Analyst certification by following these 9 simple steps.

6 Min read

Step 1: Understand Impact

Learn to assess the different dimensions of impact

6 Min read

Step 3: Do research the smart way

How to conduct effective research, find the best sources and a fact-based analysis?

7 Min read

How to use the Topic Selector

How to pick a topic that interests you and reserve it so no one else can write on it

World Green Background Sustainability small

Let’s take action together

With the right investment companies having a positive impact on the planet are able to flourish. Our community forms part of that mission by measuring their impact.

Join Us