Brainstorm a Topic
Generate ideas to find and develop a topic
Brainstorming is a quick way to come up with ideas. As used in the writing process, brainstorming helps to narrow a topic or, if you already have one, to develop it into a longer piece of writing such as a paragraph or essay.
The best way to begin brainstorming is to start creating ideas as quickly as possible.
For example, imagine your topic is the best day of your life. You could make a list of all the great experiences you have ever had. Which day was your best and why? Was it because of an achievement or success? Do not worry about how good each idea is while brainstorming. You will review and evaluate your ideas later.
What does brainstorming look like?
Brainstorming can take almost any form. One suggestion is to create a list of ideas with guidewords. The topic is pollution in the example below:
| Types of pollution | Effects on environment | Ways to prevent |
| air | ecosystem damaged | more renewable energy |
| water | climate change | more recycling |
| noise | human health impacts | less fossil fuel use |
Another way to brainstorm is with a cluster diagram.
The cluster diagram uses a drawing to show groups or “clusters” of related ideas.
The list and cluster examples are not the only ways to brainstorm. You can generate ideas any way you like. The important thing is to create several ideas quickly.