Submitting a Research Paper to Graduate Schools?

[Lori4576]

Hello,

 

My name is Lori. I just finished BA in History, and am thinking about going to graduate school in a few years. I know I will have to submit a research paper to graduate schools and want to start working on something now. I have written a research paper for one of my classes, but I didn't write it intending to submit it to graduate schools, and I feel like it isn't serious enough (I wrote about how Rock and Roll in the 1960s was actually political rather than simply entertaining, and that it was being used to achieve more than a cultural or social change... something along those lines. But most of my primary sources were rock lyrics or just kind of interviews with music artist). Since I graduated early (this December) I wanted to use the spring semester to write a different research paper... but I am not really sure where to begin. I know research papers usually begin with a question, but I am kind of blanking. I feel sort of stuck, and I want to start working on something but I don't think I am asking myself the right questions. If anyone knows of any helpful links, or has any advise, please let me know.

 

Also, I was wondering, will I have a disadvantage if I submit a research paper about "recent" history - the 20th century?