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Begin Research: Too Broad, Too Narrow, or Just Right?

Too Broad, Too Narrow, or Just Right?

You want to select a topic that is neither too broad or to narrow. See if you can select topics with a "just right" scope from the options below.

Air pollution in urban areas

        
✔ Yes! This one is too broad. You would need to identify an aspect of air pollution to narrow the scope.
✖ This one is too broad. You would need to identify an aspect of air pollution to narrow the scope.
✖ This one is too broad. You would need to identify an aspect of air pollution to narrow the scope.

Respiratory diseases ¡n children in high-density urban areas

        
✖ Just right! There should be enough information to get you started. You will continue to refine your topic as you learn more.
✖ Just right! There should be enough information to get you started. You will continue to refine your topic as you learn more.
✔ Yes! Just right! There should be enough information to get you started. You will continue to refine your topic as you learn more.

Environmental consequences of California’s October 2007 forest fires

        
✖ A bit narrow. It will be hard to find enough information on just one event.
✔ Yes! A bit narrow. It will be hard to find enough information on just one event.
✖ A bit narrow. It will be hard to find enough information on just one event.

Polar bear adaptation to global warming in the Arctic

        
✖ Just right! There should be enough information to get you started. You will continue to refine your topic as you proceed with your research.
✖ Just right! There should be enough information to get you started. You will continue to refine your topic as you proceed with your research.
✔ Yes! Just right! There should be enough information to get you started. You will continue to refine your topic as you proceed with your research.

Renewable energy in the United States

        
✔ Yes! This is a good starting point, but it is too broad. Try focusing your research on a specific renewable energy, like "sun" or "wind".
✖ This is a good starting point, but it is too broad. Try focusing your research on a specific renewable energy, like "sun" or "wind".
✖ Yes! This is a good starting point, but it is too broad. Try focusing your research on a specific renewable energy, like "sun" or "wind".

Sierra Club campaign to close down 1970s-era coal plants in Texas

        
✖ A bit narrow. It will be hard to find enough information on just one event.
✔ Yes! A bit narrow. It will be hard to find enough information on just one event.
✖ A bit narrow. It will be hard to find enough information on just one event.

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