A topic is the subject or principal focus of your writing. The scope of a topic is the range of ideas that the topic covers. A topic with a broader scope is more general and covers a wider range of ideas. A topic with a narrower scope is more specific and covers a more limited range of ideas. Topic 1: plays written by William Shakespeare Topic 2: Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is a specific play written by William Shakespeare, so Topic 2 has a narrower scope. Topics can be broad or narrow in scope, but narrow topics are generally easier to develop fully in your writing because they are more focused. Topics become narrower when you limit yourself to a particular aspect of the topic, such as a more specific time period, place, or group of people. agricultural technology exhibitions at state fairs 1. milking machine demonstrations at state fairs 2. attractions at state fairs 3. systems of writing in ancient Mesopotamia 1. cuneiform script in ancient Mesopotamia 2. systems of writing in early human history 3. the impact of smartphones on teenagers 1. the impact of technology on teenagers 2. the impact of technology on society 3. the effects of violent video games on teens' behavior 1. the effects of violence in video games 2. the effects of violence in entertainment media 3. the use of metaphor in Emily Dickinson's "The Railway Train" 1. the use of metaphor by American poets 2. the use of metaphor by Emily Dickinson 3. the Great Blizzard of 1899 in the eastern U.S. 1. the most severe weather events in U.S. history 2. the worst blizzards in U.S. history 3. the influence of popular media on elections 1. the influence of televised debates on elections 2. the influence of television programs on elections 3. training for sports competitions training for a marathon 1. 2. training for a foot race 3. how to grill a burger medium rare 1. how to grill meats on a barbecue 2. how to grill a burger on a barbecue 3. fishing for trout in Lake Superior 1. fishing in Lake Superior 2. fishing in the Great Lakes 3. differences between English and western riding equipment differences between English and western saddles differences between English and western horseback-riding 1. 2. 3. approving bills passed by the student council 1. serving as president of the student council 2. examples of personal leadership 3. the effects of rising sea levels in coastal Europe the effects of rising sea levels in Venice, Italy the effects of rising sea levels around the globe 1. 2. 3.
