Brainstorming

Brainstorming is the first step in writing a paper.

There are several ways to brainstorm a topic: clustering, freewriting, listing (all covered in the ABGW Ch. 2).

Using one of the methods listed above, brainstorm for 5 min. about your Persuasive Essay (or Evaluation Essay or Narrative).

If you get stuck or blocked, think about the following questions.

For Persuasive Essay:

1. What are the pressing issues in higher education (or your chosen field)?
2. What bothers you about higher education (or your chosen field)?
3. What made you choose to go to college (or major in your chosen field)?
4. Which of those issues interestes you the most?
5. Which will most interest the class?
6. Which is the most important or urgent?
7. Which can be narrowed down to a scope that will be appropriate for a 4-6 page paper?

For Evaluation Essay:

For Narrative:

After brainstorming, take 10 minutes to discuss what you have brainstormed with 2 or 3 other students. Help each other to choose an appropriate topic.

Writing Activities