An important part of the writing process is coming up with ideas to write about. Here are some brainstorming and invention strategies to help you get started.
Listing is an inventory of ideas. Lists can be easily adapted to a specific type of writing. For example, you can create a pro/con list to help develop an argument, or you can make a list of similarities and differences for a compare/contrast paper.
Here are some simple rules to start listing:
Mind mapping is a diagram used to represent words and ideas linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, structure, and classify ideas. When mind mapping, you can use words and/or images. Mind maps help you see the connections among ideas.
Follow these steps to start mind mapping:
For more information on this, watch our tutorial on brainstorming: studentsuccess.conestogac.on.ca > Guides > Writing > Other Resources > eTutorial-Get Ready to Write.
Freewriting is an unedited, uninterrupted period of writing. You set a time limit and then write until the time is up. Freewriting is useful if your thoughts tend to come from different directions or if you are overly focused on the structure of the writing assignment.
Follow these steps to start freewriting:
Questioning encourages an investigative way thinking about a topic. The goal is to start thinking about your topic from different angles. It is a great place to start when you have a broad topic to write about. The questions you ask can also help determine what kind of paper you write.
The following chart provides a list questions that would determine the kind of paper you would produce.
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Adapted from Norton et al. (2015, pp. 59-60)