Prewriting and Brainstorming

When do I Brainstorm?

Why do I Brainstorm?

Before a big paper or project

When writing a story or a poem For extended responses on tests or ISATS

To organize thoughts and ideas To make comparisons To improve writing

Brainstorming for Extended Responses

Make it quick! (1-2 minutes max) Leave yourself enough time to write!!

Prewriting Ideas:

Shopping List
Venn Diagram Concept Map

Shopping List

Shopping List

Writing down ideas as the come to you, in no real order Example prompt:
In what ways did Cole conquer anger in the story?

What would go on our shopping list?

Venn Diagram

Listing the similarities and differences between two ideas. Example prompt:
In what ways are you like Cole from Spirit Bear? In what ways are you different. Use examples from the text and your life to explain.

What would go on our Venn Diagram?

Concept Map

Concept Map

Mapping out ideas and using lines to show relationships between ideas. Example prompt:

Explain how anger affects people, using examples from Touching Spirit Bear and you own life.

What would go on our concept map?

Review

Why should we brainstorm?

To organize our ideas

How long should we brainstorm for an extended response?

No more than 1-2 minutes

What are some brainstorming strategies we can use?

Shopping Lists, Venn Diagrams, Concept Maps