Exploring Writing - Gary Robert Muschla 2011

Exercise 1.3 Focusing Topics
Focusing Ideas
Part 1. Finding and Developing Ideas for Writing

Once general ideas have been explored, they must be focused. Focusing an idea narrows it down so that the writer can concentrate on a very specific topic. This is important for further development.

Consider the topic “Studying.” This is broad and unfocused. Does the topic mean studying in general? Or studying for tests? Or studying a particular subject? The topic does not offer much direction. The topic “How to Study for Math Tests” is focused and serves as a clear guide for writing.

A focused topic provides a writer with direction, and helps a writer to stay on topic. Focused topics are the starting point for clear writing.

Exercise 1.3 Focusing Topics

Think about one of the following general topics:

✵ Hobbies

✵ Fun Things

✵ Pets

These are broad topics that lack focus for writing. Try to find focused examples for them.

Here is an example:

Fun things . . . snowboarding . . . snowboarding at a ski lodge . . . the best snowboarding day of my life.

Note how the topics become more focused.

Here is another example:

Pets . . . dogs and cats . . . dogs . . . beagles . . . my beagle. . . finding Sleuth.

Note how the general topics proceed to a specific one (which refers to the time Sleuth, the beagle, got lost).

These are simple examples, but they will give you practice in how to focus ideas. A focused idea is easier to write about than an unfocused idea.