Unit 2, Lesson 2

Charts, Tables, & Diagrams

Can help people organize ideas This type of prewriting allows the writer to organize as the ideas are being created A commonly used diagram for prewriting is the Venn diagram; it can be used to organize the differences & similarities between topics

Brainstorming

Commonly refers to one or more people writing down any idea that comes to mind The ideas are often put in lists or outlines A to-do list is brainstorming Choosing this strategy doesn't mean the lists can't be rearranged after the process; if you begin with the list, you can always make connections between ideas & revise them as you get further along in the writing process

Prewriting is used to

Determine a topic Generate, clarify, & organize ideas Get concrete details down Gather as much information as possible Prevent the writer from getting stuck Develop a logical structure from beginning to end

Journalist Questions

Guides the writer to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how It can be used to ensure that all aspects of a topic are covered

Graphic Organizers

Many graphic organizers such as cluster charts, Venn diagrams, charts, & tables can be downloaded Search the Internet for any tool that might be useful

Freewriting

Occurs when the writer simply writes or types continuously for a period of 5 to 10 minutes The key is to continue writing even if you get stuck The writer shouldn't go back & reread the content nor edit the content because this may keep ideas from surfacing

Cut and Paste

The cut and paste feature of any word-processing program can be very helpful when organizing ideas Write a list regardless of the order of topics, & then cut & paste to arrange the topics in like groupings

Brainstorming with Technology

When brainstorming in a group project, you can communicate by text message, email, or instant messaging; it might also be possible to post ideas on an online community forum

Freewriting on a Computer

When doing this, turn the contrast on the screen down or cover the screen with a piece of paper; this will help to keep you from editing or rereading the content you have typed

Clustering

A cluster is a group of things In prewriting, a cluster can be used for ideas that may have no obvious connection Ideas can be written randomly around the page, & then the writer can draw lines if connections are found A different type of cluster is mind mapping or idea mapping; it usually begins with a main idea in the center & then several branches for related ideas; these new ideas can have their own branches if more concepts are being explored; because of the branches, this clustering technique is also referred to as a web

prewriting

organizing and generating ideas before beginning to write