Narrowing a Topic

 

·        Look at the broad terms you have been collecting.  Try grouping them into categories. 

·        As you scan or read materials, look for narrower or related terms that might fit your topic.  Write them in your Topic Grid as you go.  Look at the example below.

·        Once you have terms listed, see if any of the ideas would be narrow enough for your project.  Be sure to narrow your topic as much as you can.  A topic on the Civil War or even the Battle of Gettysburg would probably be too broad for most projects.

·        If you are doing a Social Studies project, try narrowing your topic by limiting it:

o       To a specific time period

o       To a specific geographical area, state or city

o       To a specific political issue

o       To a specific cultural issue

o       To a specific economic issue