What is Step 3 in the process of narrowing a topic?

Step 3 in the process of narrowing a topic involves grouping ideas and passages into categories. This step is crucial because it helps organize the information you have collected and systematically refines your focus. By categorizing your ideas, you can see the connections between them and identify the main themes that emerge from your research. This organization allows you to prioritize which aspects of the topic are most relevant or interesting, ultimately leading to a more precise and targeted approach to writing about your subject.

This step also serves as a foundational element for developing a strong thesis statement later in the process, as you can draw directly from the organized categories to articulate your main argument or perspective. Additionally, categorizing helps avoid being overwhelmed by information, allowing a clearer vision of how to structure and present your thoughts.

The other options encompass important aspects of the research process, but they are either preliminary actions or follow-up steps that occur after categorization has taken place.