English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Order topics from broadest to narrowest
Order topics from broadest to narrowest
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the terms 'broad topic,' 'narrow topic,' and 'scope' in the context of writing.
Analyze a list of related subjects and correctly arrange them in order from broadest to narrowest.
Explain why a narrow, focused topic is essential for developing a strong, arguable thesis statement.
Apply the 'Funnel Method' to narrow a general subject into a manageable topic for a standard high school essay.
Evaluate if a topic is appropriately scaled for a specific assignment length and purpose.
Generate a focused research question from a narrow topic.
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Broad TopicA subject that is vast, general, and covers many different areas. It is a starting point for brainstorming but is too large to be the subject of a focused essay.The American Revolution. This topic includes battles, politics, economics, key figures, and international relations over many years.
Narrow TopicA specific, focused aspect of a broader subject that can be thoroughly explored within the constraints of an essay or project.The role of propaganda in Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense' in galvanizing colonial support for independence.
ScopeThe extent or range of ideas and information covered by a topic. A broad topic has a wide scope, while a narrow topic has a limited, focused scope.The scope of 'Technology' is almost infini...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Funnel Method
Start with a broad subject area, then progressively add specific details (who, what, where, when, why, how) to narrow it down to a manageable topic.
Use this method during the brainstorming phase. Think of a funnel: you pour a large amount of liquid (your broad idea) in the top, and a focused stream (your narrow topic) comes out the bottom.
The Assignment Constraint Test
Ask yourself: 'Can I adequately cover this topic in the required page count/time limit?' If the answer is no, your topic is too broad.
Always consider the parameters of your assignment. A topic like 'The History of Art' is impossible for a 5-page essay, but 'The Use of Symbolism in Van Gogh's *Starry Night*' is perfect.
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Challenging
You are assigned a 4-page analytical essay on a film. Synthesizing the 'Assignment Constraint Test' and the need for an arguable thesis, which topic is the most appropriate?
A.The history of cinema from 1895 to the present.
B.An overview of the films directed by Christopher Nolan.
C.How the use of non-linear storytelling in *Inception* reinforces the film's themes of memory and reality.
D.list of the actors who have played Batman.
Challenging
A student wants to write about 'dystopian literature.' Which of the following represents the most complete and logical application of the 'Funnel Method' without jumping levels or stopping too broad?
A.Dystopian Literature -> *The Hunger Games*
B.Dystopian Literature -> The role of government surveillance in dystopian novels -> An analysis of the telescreen in Orwell's *1984*
C.Literature -> Dystopian Literature -> Young Adult Dystopian Novels -> The theme of rebellion in Suzanne Collins' *The Hunger Games* trilogy
D.Literature -> The theme of rebellion in *The Hunger Games* -> Dystopian Novels
Challenging
Evaluate the following research questions. Which question most likely stems from a topic that has been successfully narrowed to a scope appropriate for a high school research paper?
A.What were the causes of the Renaissance?
B.How did Leonardo da Vinci's study of human anatomy influence the realism of his portraits, specifically the *Mona Lisa*?
C.Who were the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance?
D.What is art history?
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