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Writing Your Paper

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a key step in academic writing for several reasons. It aids in generating ideas, clarifies concepts, and helps organize thoughts cohesively. There are different ways to brainstorm that might work best for you. Check out the following FAQ for information on the different methods.

Brainstorming Techniques

  1. List Ideas: Jot down any ideas about the topic, whether it's chosen for you or not. 
  2. Free Writing: Set a timer (usually 5-10 minutes) and start writing sentences, ideas, thoughts, etc., about the topic non-stop. Don’t worry about grammar or coherence; write.
  3. Mind Mapping: Start with your central topic in the middle of a page and draw branches out for subtopics or related ideas. This visual representation helps you see connections and organize your thoughts.
  4. Quick Research: Conduct a brief research session to see what ideas and resources exist. This can inspire new angles or help in narrowing down your topic.
  5. Ask: Who, what, where, when, why, and how? Asking questions about your topic can lead to deeper insights and more focused areas of inquiry.
  6. Discuss with Others: Sometimes, discussing your ideas with peers, instructors, or friends can spark new thoughts or provide feedback that sharpens your focus.