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| Credit photo to: zirconicusso |
Whether you are writing a book report, speech, essay, or fiction story, brainstorming can help you get started, get organized, and get that final draft quicker!
You should take a few minutes to brainstorm for ideas.
Sit down with a piece of paper and jot down any ideas that come to you when you think about the topic.
For example, if you need to write an essay based on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, you might brainstorm for ideas you could use to help generate a thesis. Don't waste time - start scribbling down your thoughts. Later you will discard those ideas you don't like and narrow down your focus.
Example:
Atticus - just man
- willing to sacrifice
- too good to be true ?
- model parent
Novel written from child's point of view
- flaws in perception ?
southern racism and conflict
religion vs morals vs law
Boo - scary character or innocent ?
Your list could be much longer. Once you have decided on a thesis (or your teacher has given you one) you can brainstorm again to find supports.
You might ask: "Why do all this chicken-scratching on scrap paper, writing and storming my brain?"
Primarily because "It gets one started."
Looking at a blank page for hours (or days in some cases) waiting for the perfect inspiration to come is the true waste of time!
Also, these thoughts can be used to help you organize your article. I have read many essays in which the author had a good thesis and some solid supports, but they are written as they come to mind rather than in an organized, planned fashion. At best, the article seems confused and tricky to read. At worst, the author's meaning is completely lost in a mish-mash of ideas without unity and coherence.
So don't be afraid of the blank page - use brainstorming to get you started.
