Research Paper and Report Writing
Name________________________________________________ Class____________________ Date __________________________
PREWRITING: PLANNING AND RESEARCHING
Narrowing Your Topic
Directions Every subject contains both broad general topics and narrower subtopics.
General Topic
Animals
Subtopic
Subtopic
Mammals
Amphibians
Limited Topic
Monkeys
Limited Topic
Elephants
Limited Topic
Frogs
Limited Topic
Toads
Directions Before you can begin writing your own research paper, you need to
choose an appropriate topic. After you have answered the following questions, fill in
the pyramid below. Write a general topic that interests you in the box at the top. Fill in
the rest of the boxes with the narrower aspects of the topic.
Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1. How long is your report supposed to be? (You should choose a topic that is narrow
enough to cover thoroughly. A subject such as animals is too broad for a research
paper.)
2. How much information is available? (If you choose a very narrow topic, such as the
eastern spadefoot toad, you may not find enough facts and statistics for a full-length
research paper.)
3. Which aspect of the general subject interests you most? (You should like your subject.)
General Topic
Subtopic
Limited Topic
Limited Topic
Subtopic
Limited Topic
Limited Topic
Research Paper and Report Writing, Grades 6–8
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