Choosing and Narrowing Writing Topics

This video tutorial guides students on how to choose a writing topic for an informational text by exploring their interests and asking deeper questions. It explains the characteristics of informational texts, the writing process, and common mistakes in topic selection. Students are encouraged to generate ideas, refine them by asking specific questions, and finally select the topic they are most excited about.

What is the primary purpose of an informational text?

• To entertain the reader

• To provide facts about a nonfiction topic

• To persuade the reader to take action

• To tell a fictional story

Which of the following is NOT a step in the writing process?

• Revise and edit

• Publish immediately

• Generate ideas

• Write drafts

Why is choosing a topic that is too broad a common mistake?

• It may not have enough resources

• It might be too specific

• It is not interesting

• It could have too many resources

What should you consider when making a list of topics you like?

• The popularity of the topic

• The number of available resources

• The length of the text

• Your interests

Which of the following is an example of a broad topic?

• Golden retrievers with wounded legs from dog shelters in Boston

• The life of Dr. Seuss

• The history of the Powhatan Indians

• Dogs

How can you make a topic more specific?

• By asking deeper questions about the topic

• By writing a longer text

• By choosing a completely different topic

• By ignoring the details

What question could make the topic of planets more specific?

• What kind of material makes up the planet?

• What is the size of the universe?

• How many stars are in the galaxy?

• What is the distance between planets?

Which topic did the narrator choose to pursue?

• Native Americans

• Insects

• Planets

• Famous authors

Why did the narrator choose the topic of Native Americans?

• Because it was the easiest topic

• Because it had the most resources

• Because it was the most popular topic

• Because it was the most interesting to them

What is the final step in choosing a writing topic?

• Picking the choice you are most excited about

• Researching all topics equally

• Writing a draft immediately

• Listing all possible topics