Order items from most general to most specific

  • General to specific refers to starting with a broad idea or category and moving towards more detailed or focused items.
  • It helps in organizing information logically and helps the reader move from big ideas to smaller, more specific details.

  • Organizing information from most general to most specific helps readers understand the main idea first, followed by supporting details.
  • It makes the information easier to understand and helps in explaining concepts step by step.

  • A general idea covers a broad topic and includes many possibilities.
  • It is usually the main idea or the category under which more specific items belong.
  • Example: Animals (a general category that includes all types of animals).

  • A specific detail focuses on one part of the general idea and gives more details about it.
  • It provides examples or details about the broad category.
  • Example: A tiger (a specific type of animal within the general category).

  • Start with the broadest category: Identify the most general idea.
  • Move to subcategories: These are groups within the general category.
  • Finish with specific examples: These are detailed examples or smaller parts of the subcategories.

Example 1: Animals

  • General: Animals
  • Less General: Mammals
  • More Specific: Tigers
  • Most Specific: Bengal Tiger

Example 2: Food

  • General: Food
  • Less General: Fruits
  • More Specific: Apples
  • Most Specific: Red Delicious Apples

Example 3: Transportation

  • General: Transportation
  • Less General: Vehicles
  • More Specific: Cars
  • Most Specific: Electric Cars

let’s practice!