Topic Narrowing

In technical writing courses, people often take on topics that are way too large. They end up being unable to complete these textbook-size documents or write something so general that it is of no use to anyone. Some time spent narrowing the topic is the best way to fix this problem.

For an overview of topic narrowing, see the online textbook.

As a way of getting started on the process of narrowing your technical document project topic, try answering the questions below. Fill out the boxes below and then e-mail this narrowing information to yourself. Your instructor automatically receives your notes.

   

1. Specific audience, group of people. In the box below, list a particular group of people you think would be most interested in your topic.
   
2. Specific categories. In the box below, list the categories relating to your document topic. What are the types or classes? Could you pick just one of these to focus on as opposed to all of them?
   
3. Specific objects. In the box below, list the objects related to your document topic. Could you limit your project to writing about them—for example, how they work (process) or how they are constructed (description)?
   
4. Comparisons. In the box below, list comparisons—what other things can your document topic, or some aspect of it, be compared to. What comparisons can you make to help people better understand your topic? What comparisons can you make in order to make a recommendation regarding your topic?
   
5. Specific time period. In the box below, list a time period in which your topic is more important.
   
6. Specific uses, applications. In the box below, list the uses or applications of your topic. Is there one that would be good to focus on for your technical document project?
   
7. Specific processes. In the box below, list the processes (natural, mechanical, social) related to your document topic. Is there one that would work as the primary focus of your technical document project?
   
8. Specific causes, effects, problems, and solutions. In the box below, list the causes, effects, problems, and solutions related to your topic. Is there one of these that would work as the primary focus for your report?
   
9. Specific components, designs. If your document topic involves technology, in the box below, list the various components, models, or designs of a specific piece of equipment related to that technology—and focus your document only on that.
   
10. Specific location, site. In the box below, list a specific location or site related to your topic. For example, focus on your topic only as it relates to a specific business or agency.
    
11. Specific purpose. Another common way to narrow topics is to use your sense of the purpose of the document you are writing. Cut out everything from your document plans that does not directly relate to your specific purpose and to what you are trying to accomplish with the document.
    
12. Limit the topics; chop the outline. If you can envision the topics you could cover, select just a few—for example, if you can think of seven topics, just write about three! If you want to write about the eastern equine encephalitis virus, you could write about its definition, history, symptoms, effects, treatments, current research. How about definition, effects, and treatment?
    
13. Project revisions. This process of narrowing your document topic can cause changes in your thinking about your topic (obviously) as well as your thinking about your document's audience and its purpose. Describe those changes to topic, audience, and purpose here. If no changes, just enter "No changes".
    

   

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