The Writing Process: Pre-Write

Limit Your Topic

In order to limit your topic, you must first understand the purpose of your writing project. It is important to understand the scope and directions of the project.

Sometimes, your teacher may provide you with a limited topic.
Write a paragraph describing the process of applyling for a job.

When you are provided with a limited topic, be sure to use your reading instructions skills.

• read carefully
• underline key words
• look up any unfamiliar words

In the above example, underlining key words helps to verify that you are being asked to write a descriptive paragraph on the process of applying for a job.

Other times, your teacher may provide you with a broad topic.
Write a three to five paragraph narrative composition on “A Day to Remember.”

“A Day to Remember” is a broad topic. You have lived many days of your life. Your job here is to narrow your topic to one day that you can realistically write about in a multi-paragraph composition. To help limit your topic, you might choose a day that you remember vividly, so you can describe it well. You might consider a day that other people would find interesting to read about or learn from. Remember, you only have three to five paragraphs to address this topic.