Brainstorming

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Freewriting
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Example #1
How to be a Successful
Language Learner
•Practice speaking with others
2. Write down any sub-topics that are connected to that main topic. Draw arrows to the sub-topics from the main topic.
Alcatraz
Transportation
Museums
Chinatown
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Example #2
Volleyball
Soccer
Housewife Waitress
Cleaned Houses
Hard Worker
Liked Sports
Very Religious
My Mother
Read many books
Had many different interests
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Example #1
ຫໍສະໝຸດ Baidu
Sunny
View of Sky
View of Trees
Windows
Soft Bed
Rocking Chair
Comfortable Furniture
Favorite Room
Quiet
Bedroom Big Closet
Yellow
GoodSized
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1. Start with the main topic of your essay. Write that word or words at the top of your paper.
2. Write down any word or phrase that might relate to your main topic underneath. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar. Your goal is to write down as many ideas as quickly as possible.
Fisherman’ s Wharf
Clam Chowder
Ships boats
Golden Gate Bridge
American Legion
Modern Art Museum
Asian Art Museum
Completed 1937
Scenic View
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Why I Want to Become a Nurse
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Why I Want to Become a Nurse
Like science Like problem solving Many jobs available in nursing Good salary Like working in a hospital Want to help other people
Challenging job Opportunities for promotion Interested in study of diseases Interested in study of human body Flexible hours Will always learn something new
Civilian Prison 1934-1963 Old Military Prison
Famous Prisoners
Restaurants
Stores
Theaters
Cable Car
BART
Bus
Alcatraz
Transportatio n
Museums
Chinatown
San Francisco
Brainstorming
Three Activities
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Brainstorming
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1. Start with the main topic of your essay. Write that word in the center of your paper.
Brainstorming
Getting Ideas Before You Write
© 2001 by Ruth Luman
References
Introduction
Getting Started
“Writer’s block” is a common problem to many students. This is when ideas for writing do not come very easily. It is easy to get very frustrated when beginning to write. Brainstorming activities can help you get ideas for your essay and help you become less frustrated.
Intelligent
A Leader
President of PTA
Went to church
Taught Sunday School
Gave to charity
After-School Club
Coordinator
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San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf
Golden Gate Bridge
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3. If you have new ideas, connect those words to the appropriate sub-topic.