The Funnel Technique

Felicity’s Study Tips: The Funnel Technique
This post is designed to help individuals taking the following courses: COM 155, COM 156. Don’t struggle on the Homework Mountain!

Wrong Funnel Technique! 

The funnel technique is the most basic paragraph writing technique taught to high school students and entry level college students. Typically, this is taught at the college level in ENG 1101, 102, COM 155, 156. The funnel technique is a method of introduction which begins with a broad statement or concept and then begins to narrow in focus throughout the introductory paragraph. This narrowing process will ultimately synthesize into the thesis statement.

This technique is very important to new writers or returning students in that it is the easiest to master and will be helpful with a variety of courses. This will include business, psychology, and any other courses where you will need to prove a thesis. Let’s look at an example of the funnel technique:

There are many different diets and methods for losing weight.  All diets include a methodology for weight loss such as eating less fat or increasing protein intakes. These different methods are designed to facilitate and increase the body’s ability to lose weight more effectively. The two most popular forms of diet plans include high-protein low fat and low carbohydrate plans. While both plans are commonly used, there are issues of health concern and effectiveness. Bodies of research show that low carbohydrate diets are healthier more effective at facilitating weight loss than high protein low fat diets. (From COM 155 Week 9 Final Assignment Homework Mountain, 2011)

Notice how the paragraph moves from general ideas to more specific ideas concerning weight loss. If we breakdown the paragraph this will show the funnel in a clear light.

There are many different diets and methods for losing weight. (very general)
All diets include a methodology for weight loss such as eating less fat or increasing protein intakes. (narrowing towards specific diet types)
These different methods are designed to facilitate and increase the body’s ability to lose weight more effectively. (narrows argument by bringing in the idea of effectiveness)
The two most popular forms of diet plans include high-protein low fat and low carbohydrate plans. (narrows diets to two types)
While both plans are commonly used, there are issues of health concern and effectiveness over the use of these diets. (narrows the two diet types to a discussion of health and effectiveness)
Bodies of research show that low carbohydrate diets are healthier more effective at facilitating weight loss than high protein low fat diets. (this is the thesis which incorporates both the ideas of effectiveness and health risk that are used to support low carbohydrate diets)

From the above example, one can see how the funnel technique is used to narrow the focus of a topic. It is important that topics are narrowed into a concise thesis because this will make reading understandable for the audience. You do not want your reader guessing at what is being stated. For this reason, the funnel technique will be a good tool for writing most any research paper.

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