Order topics from broadest to narrowest

  • Broad Topics: These are general subjects that cover a wide range of ideas or themes (e.g., “Animals,” “Technology”).
  • Narrow Topics: These are specific aspects of a broad topic (e.g., “Endangered Species,” “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare”).

  • Organizing topics helps clarify thoughts and enhances understanding.
  • It allows for better structure in writing, making it easier for readers to follow.

  • Hierarchy: Visualize topics in a hierarchical structure, starting from the broadest category and moving down to specific details.
  • Mind Maps: Use mind maps to illustrate how broader topics can branch out into narrower topics.

  • Broad Topic: Sports
    • Narrower Topics:
      • Team Sports
        • Soccer
        • Basketball
      • Individual Sports
        • Tennis
        • Swimming
  • Broad Topic: Literature
    • Narrower Topics:
      • Fiction
        • Science Fiction
        • Historical Fiction
      • Non-Fiction
        • Biography
        • Self-Help

  • Provide students with a list of broad topics and have them brainstorm and list narrower topics related to each.
  • Alternatively, give them narrow topics and ask them to identify the broader category.

  • Introduce graphic organizers (like a tree diagram) to help visualize the relationship between broad and narrow topics.

  • Teach students how to transition from discussing a broad topic to a specific point in their writing. For example, start with a general statement and follow it with supporting details that become progressively more specific.

  • Encourage students to think about why certain topics might be more relevant or interesting to specific audiences.

let’s practice!