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How to Narrow Your Topic:
Example: Let us take it that you have to write an essay on "fashion."
This topic could take different directions.
Hint: Ask Yourself Questions About the
Topic, for example:
A |
What do you know about it? What don't
you know? |
B |
What aspects of the topic interests you most: is
it the religious, historical, sociological, psychological, physical
etc.? |
C |
What period of time do you wish or
have to cover? |
D |
Which geographic region do you want to focus on? |
E |
What kind of information do you have to provide?
Is it textual evidence, data analysis from interviews, statistics,
explanations, brief summary?
|
F |
Often neglected but vital. Do you have personal interest
in the topic? |
Sample:Topic Narrowing Chart:
General Topic: |
Fashion. |
Time span: |
2000+. |
Place: |
South Africa: Townships & cities. |
Person or group: |
Youth: High school and University
students. |
Event or Aspects: |
Behaviour;age , level of education,family
background, region. |
Top
Narrowed Research Question:
|
What does
fashion among South African youth in the present age reflect about
their personalities.
|
Top |
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