Step 1, Pre-Writing or brainstorming, is a strategy to help you come up with ideas for writing. If you know your topic or have been assigned a topic, go to #3 below. If you have to choose a topic, begin at #1.
1. Where will I get an idea for my writing? There are many sources of inspiration that will provide you with an idea such as movies, magazine articles, celebrations, books, interesting people, hobbies or pictures. The list is endless, so take a few minutes to look around or think about your sources of inspiration.
Where will you search for ideas?
Example: search in magazines
2. How do I decide upon a topic? After you get ideas for you writing, narrow your ideas to a single topic. Think about the writing assignment that has been given to make sure your topic will be meet the writing requirements.
What will be the topic of your writing?
Example: advertisements in magazines
3. What will be the purpose for writing? Are you writing a narrative, persuasive essay, or expository essay?
Why are you writing?
Example: to persuade readers to ignore advertisements in magazines
4. Who will be the audience or who will read your writing? Your writing should be written for a particular group of readers or a specific reader. The audience will determine the ideas you discuss.
Who will read your writing? Why will the reader be interested?
Example: Peers will be interested because they read magazines and purchase many of the items they see in advertisements.
5. Use a graphic organizer to organize thoughts or generate ideas. A graphic organizer will help record and organize your thoughts about your writing topic. When you know your writing topic and purpose, choose a graphic organizer that is appropriate. Print the organizer to use for this assignment. (The teacher may provide you with additional organizers if necessary.)
Which is the best graphic organizer to use for the type of writing chosen?
Example: Persuasive organizer
6. Go to Step 2 Draft If you have successfully answered the questions above, go to Step 2, otherwise, revisit the links for a clearer understanding.
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Mishawna S. Manning
* A Chicago Public Schools and University of Chicago Internet
Project * Last updated on
August 26, 2003
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