Need to Narrow it Down? You have an idea, a project, or a topic, but it’s too big. It’s overwhelming, vague, and impossible to cover in one go. You need to narrow it down, but where do you start?
Whether you are writing a research paper, choosing a career path, or launching a new business project, narrowing your focus is the secret to producing quality work. Instead of trying to cover everything, you need to “dig deep, not wide”. Here is how to narrow down your focus effectively. 1. Identify Your “Slant”
A broad topic is just a collection of possibilities. To narrow it, you must look at your topic from different angles, or “slants”. Broad Topic: Kayaking. Slant: Kayaking on rivers in North Carolina.
Narrower Slant: Freestyle kayaking on North Carolina’s Catawba River.
Tip: The more specific you get, the more manageable your project becomes. 2. Ask “Drill-Down” Questions
To move from a broad idea to a specific focus, ask yourself these questions, recommended by the KU Writing Center: What is actually interesting about this topic? What do I already know, and what do I need to know?
Does this focus align with my overall goals (or assignment requirements)? 3. Use the “A Study Of” Technique
If you are struggling to define your focus, start by writing a working title using this formula: Draft: “A study of [Broad Topic] in [Specific Context].”
Refine: Once you have your draft, remove “A study of” and you are left with a focused, actionable title. 4. Create a “Microscope” Effect
As Roy Peter Clark, author of Writing Tools, suggests: “The deeper you go, the more universal it becomes”. Stop trying to write about “Space Exploration” and start writing about “1997s Pathfinder Mission”. Final Thoughts
Don’t fear narrowing your topic. A narrow focus doesn’t mean you have less to say; it means you have more to say about a specific, interesting facet of your topic. Go Deep: Don’t cover everything on the surface. Be Specific: Focus on one facet, person, or moment.
Draft First: Write a little, then pick a theme, then narrow it down.
If you find yourself overwhelmed, it is time to take a step back and narrow it down.
Let me know what you are trying to narrow down (a research topic, a project idea, or something else) and I can help you apply these steps! The 2 Best Ways to Narrow Your Topic | by Kathy Widenhouse
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