general-to-specific method
nounA way of explaining or organizing ideas that starts with the big picture and then moves to the small details.
The teacher used the general-to-specific method to explain animals, starting with all animals and then talking about dogs.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A writing pattern that opens with a broad statement and then gives specific examples.
Her essay followed a general-to-specific method, beginning with a claim about cities and ending with a story about one street.
3. A research strategy that begins with a wide topic and narrows to a focused question.
Using the general-to-specific method, he started with climate change and ended up studying one glacier.
4. A teaching plan that presents the main idea first and details later.
The lesson used the general-to-specific method, showing the whole map before naming each country.