Use of English

A Topic Takes Shape

People often assume that a good topic appears fully formed, but in reality it usually has to be carefully (0) SHAPED. Writers, speakers and students alike may begin with only a vague idea and then gradually refine it until it becomes clear enough to explore in depth. In many cases, the first challenge is to (1) .......... between a broad subject and a workable angle. A topic such as technology, for instance, is far too wide unless you narrow it down and give it a specific (2) .......... . This process also involves rejecting ideas that may seem interesting but do not (3) .......... with the purpose of the task. A successful topic should not only hold your attention, but also provide enough material to support a convincing line of argument. At the same time, it must remain focused, or the discussion may (4) .......... into unrelated detail. Experienced writers often test a topic by asking whether it raises questions worth answering and whether it can be examined from more than one (5) .......... . In the end, choosing a topic is rarely a matter of luck. It is more often the (6) .......... of careful thought, revision and selection. Once the right idea begins to (7) .......... form, the rest of the work becomes far easier to organise. What seemed uncertain at first may then (8) .......... into a strong and manageable piece of writing.