Brainstormin

g
The Key to
Successful Essay Writing

Writing Process: Four Steps

Prewriting (what you do before you start
writing
Planning (outlining)
Writing
Polishing (editing and revising)

Our focus today is prewriting.

Prewriting Tips
1.
2.
3.
4.

Choose a topic that interests you.

Choose a topic that fits the assignment.
Collect information.
Develop ideasbrainstorm.

Brainstormin
g
What is it?

gathering ideas from your brain to write on paper

variety of ideas and use of your imagination to
assist you in producing material with which to write

Why do we need it?

Its the best way to collect your thoughts.
Its helpful for organization.
It ensures that only quality ideas are used in the
essay.

Clustering: Our
Favorite
Brainstorming
What
is clustering?
Technique
Writing down any words, ideas, or
concepts associated with the topic that
come to mind. Brainstorming in the
form of a map!

Cluster or Bubble Map

Create a Cluster or Bubble Map

First, draw a bubble at the top of your
page. Write the topic in it. This is your
core.
Next, draw three smaller bubbles beneath
the top bubble and connect them with
lines. Write three points or supporting
reasons for your topic in these bubbles.
Finally, use the space beneath each point
bubble to give examples to support the
points. Use your own shorthand or
abbreviations to fill in the bubbles.

Example Essay Question

What are the qualities of a
good teacher?
Now lets create a bubble map of
ideas to answer the question.

good teacher
creative

fair
patient

great lesson plans

clear project rubrics

uses multimedia
plans class trips

repeats instructions
holds office hours
available for tutoring

extra credit work

no favorites

Cluster map to essay structure

Your topic becomes part of the topic sentence in your
introduction.
Each point becomes a body paragraph. Make your
strongest point your first paragraph.
The examples then support the related point in the
appropriate body paragraph.

Introduction
creative

patient
fair
Conclusion

Brainstorming Activity
Today you will create cluster
maps and essay structure
graphics for two sample
TOEFL independent essay
questions.
Good luck!

Todays Questions
1) What do you consider to be the most important room in a house?
Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Hint:
Write the room you choose in your TOPIC bubble and one of the
three points or reasons for your choice in each bubble below.
2) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Watching
television is bad for children.
Hint: Write agree or disagree in your TOPIC bubble and one of
the three points or reasons for your choice in each bubble below.