Order topics from broadest to narrowest

Learning Objectives Differentiate between broad, general subjects and narrow, specific topics suitable for an analytical essay. Analyze a list of related topics to determine their hierarchical relationship based on scope. Arrange a set of five to seven topics in a logical sequence from the most general to the most specific. Evaluate a potential research topic for its appropriateness in scope for a 5-7 page analytical essay. Formulate a focused, narrow research question from a broad subject area in American literature. Justify the logical ordering of topics by explaining the relationship between each level of specificity. Ever start researching 'The Great Gatsby' and end up three hours later reading about the history of the 1919 World Series? 🧐 Let's learn how...

TermDefinitionExample Topic ScopeThe breadth or narrowness of a subject. A topic's scope determines how much information it covers.The scope of '20th-Century American Literature' is extremely broad, while the scope of 'The Symbolism of the Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby' is very narrow. GeneralizationA broad statement or idea that applies to a group of people, things, or concepts.A generalization is: 'The Harlem Renaissance produced influential art and literature.' It's a broad, true statement that covers a wide area. SpecificityThe quality of being clear, definite, and exact, focusing on particular details.A specific statement is: 'Langston Hughes's poem 'I, Too' uses the metaphor of the 'darker brother' to challe...

The Funnel Method Start with the widest, most general category and progressively add qualifiers or details to narrow it down with each subsequent topic. Use this method to visually structure your brainstorming. Imagine a funnel: at the top is your broad subject (e.g., 'American Poetry'), and at the narrow bottom is your specific essay topic (e.g., 'Walt Whitman's use of free verse in 'Song of Myself' to celebrate individualism'). The 'Is-An-Example-Of' Test If Topic B 'is an example of' or 'is a type of' Topic A, then Topic A is broader than Topic B. Apply this logical test when comparing two topics. For instance, 'The Scarlet Letter' *is an example of* 'Dark Romanticism,' so 'Dark Roma...