GENERATING TOPICS TECHNIQUES
"BRAINSTORMING"
Brainstorming is an informal way of generating topics to write about, or points to make about your topic. It can be done at any time during the writing process. You can brainstorm the topics for a whole paper or just a conclusion or an example. The important point about brainstorming is that there should be no pressure to be "brilliant." Students should simply open their minds to whatever pops into them. Think of it as a kind of free association. When I say "literacy" what pops into your mind? Much of what the students will come up with will not be useful, but that's okay. Part of brainstorming will involve a selection process.
"CLUSTERING"
Clustering is another way to think of new ideas. The word "cluster" means a group of similar things. Clustering means putting words into groups. Each group, or cluster, has a number of words that are related to each other. Clustering is similar to brainstorming. You try to think of many words and phrases. When you make a cluster map, you write the words and phrases in groups.
"FREEWRITTING"
Free writing is a prewriting technique in which a person writes continuously for a set period of time without regard to spelling, grammar, or topic. It produces raw, often unusable material, but helps writers overcome blocks of apathy and self-criticism. It is used mainly by prose writers and writing teachers.[1][2] Some writers use the technique to collect initial thoughts and ideas on a topic, often as a preliminary to formal writing. Free writing is not the same as automatic writing.
