What is the first step in narrowing a topic?

The first step in narrowing a topic involves identifying general ideas. This foundational step allows individuals to understand the broader context of their subject matter before engaging in more detailed research or analysis. By starting with general ideas, one can pinpoint specific aspects that are of interest or relevance to their assignment, making it easier to formulate a focused thesis or research question.

From this general understanding, researchers can then move on to more detailed processes, such as consulting primary and secondary sources, determining the popularity of different angles, or refining their focus based on the insights they gather. This approach ensures that the subsequent research is directed and purposeful, resulting in a strong basis for deeper investigation and discussion.