Brainstorming is a common and effective prewriting technique. Basically, brainstorming is just selecting a topic and then
Question:
Brainstormingis a common and effective prewriting technique. Basically, brainstorming is just selecting a topic and then jotting down anything that comes to mind about that topic. The order of ideas you write down is not important, and there doesn't need to be any special connection between the ideas.Steps to Brainstorming
Steps | Examples |
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First, write the topicof your paper at the top of the page. Try to be specific. | Topic:"Getting My First Job" |
Next, list ideasabout the topic; these can be words, phrases, or even images. This can be done alone or with a group. | Ideas:Rode my bicycle to the interviews My father has a great job Applied for 15 jobs at fast-food places before finally being hired Got a reference from my math teacher |
Finally, reorganizethe list of ideas so that the information is easier to read and consider. As a part of this step, it is helpful to eliminate ideasthat don't directly relate to the topic. | Eliminate Idea:"My father has a great job."This idea does not directly relate to how the student got his or her first job. |
Directions: Look at the following brainstorming list in which a student lists ideas about her topic, "Chris Rudey, My Worst Date Ever." Select "Eliminate" for ideas that do not relate to the bad date with Chris, and select "Keep" for ideas that support the fact that Chris was a bad date.
Topic: Chris Rudey, My Worst Date Ever | Keep or Eliminate |
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I couldn't believe it when Chris let the door slam in my face while walking into Dairy Swirl. | |
Chris Rudey's bad manners showed me the importance of being civil to people. | |
My favourite cousin is named Chris also, but she's a girl. | |
My favourite frozen treat at Dairy Swirl is a chocolate chip tornado. | |
On our date to Dairy Swirl, he abruptly asked for the rest of my ice cream before I was done eating it. |
A Concise Introduction to Logic
ISBN: 978-1305958098
13th edition
Authors: Patrick J. Hurley, Lori Watson