The activities below can help you do the thinking you need in order to write down your ideas and organize them before you start to write. Below are some common methods:
Questioning - This method involves asking yourself questions to help you focus your thoughts. Questions can begin with when, where, what, how, and why.
List making - This is sometimes called brainstorming or idea generation. This is when you make a list of ideas or details without putting them in any order.
Clustering - When you use clustering you begin by writing the main idea in the center of your paper. Then when you think of a related idea put them in a circle. Connect related ideas with a line.
Free writing - This is only sitting down and writing whatever you think of. Don't worry about things such as spelling or grammar. Just write down your ideas. You can go back later to improve your writing.
