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Learning to speak English as a second language is not easy- especially when introduced to idioms like “who spilled the beans” or “she let the cat out of the bag.” If you’re trying to write an essay and keep hearing that you need to first “brainstorm” this idiom might be keeping you from putting paper to pen.

Brainstorming is simply when you stop to think about the topic you will be writing about, then write down each idea or though that comes to mind using a brainstorming technique. When writing your essay you must be deliberate with the way you roll out information. However, before you even begin that first draft, the time in which you’re gathering your thoughts, you should write or type as quickly as possible to jot down each thought that comes to mind.

To brainstorm when writing an essay there are two ways you can approach the brainstorming process depending on which you feel will be more beneficial for you.

1. Fill the Page
Grab a pen and paper or your computer and start writing. Any key words or sentences that pop into your mind you should add to your paper. This process might get messy but it’s an effective way to quickly gather your thoughts without the pressure of creating an actual draft.

2. Stay Organized
If the idea of throwing your thoughts onto paper makes you cringe or draw a blank mind- don’t worry. There are a few more “orderly” ways that you can brainstorm- using a diagram can help you quickly gather your thoughts but also keep them organized at the same time. Here are two diagrams commonly used when brainstorming:

Venn Diagram: Most students don’t use a Venn diagram on a daily basis but it can be helpful when brainstorming. If you’ve never used a Venn diagram for the purpose of brainstorming, here’s an example: Perhaps you have an essay in which you’re addressing the benefits vs. the harmful effects of Styrofoam. You could then title the left circle “benefits” and the right circle “harmful effects” the middle shape would then be able to include each item that is not specifically a positive or a negative to Styrofoam- each thought that falls somewhere in the middle. After your diagram is labeled you can then list items that below in each category.

Spider Diagram: When creating a spider diagram start by writing down 3-5 key topics that you want your essay to include. Once again using the Stryofoam essay example, perhaps you would write down “Non-biodegradable,” “Cheap to produce,” and “Useful material.” After you have your main topics that you wish to cover you can branch off of those topics with supporting ideals- and maybe even link your key topics together. In the end, it should resemble a spider web.

Collecting Ideas

After you have brainstormed it’s then time to turn your thoughts into your essay. Read through your thoughts and establish where each will fit within your essay. Your essay should include the following parts:

• Introduction
• 1st body (strongest support)
• 2nd body
• 3rd body
• Conclusion

Your brainstorming session then allows you to create an outline using each thought you want to convey in your essay. You’re now ready to view essay samples and start writing!

Understanding the importance of brainstorming

Brainstorming is a step in the writing process that helps generate ideas and improve the quality of an essay or paper. It serves as a valuable resource for writers, allowing them to think creatively and critically about their topic. By brainstorming, writers can overcome common challenges in the writing process, such as feeling stuck or overwhelmed. This technique not only helps in organizing thoughts but also in identifying patterns and connections, ultimately leading to a clear and structured plan for writing. Embracing brainstorming can transform the daunting task of writing into a more manageable and enjoyable experience.

Preparing for brainstorming

Before diving into a brainstorming session, it’s essential to prepare yourself adequately. Start by setting aside a dedicated time and space for brainstorming, free from distractions and interruptions. Choose a comfortable and relaxing environment that fosters creativity and imagination. You might find that music can enhance your creative thinking. Next, select a tool for collecting notes, whether it’s a computer, phone, or good old-fashioned paper, to help you organize your ideas effectively.

Brainstorming techniques

There are various brainstorming techniques that writers can use to generate ideas. Some popular methods include freewriting, listing, clustering, and mind mapping. Freewriting involves jotting down whatever comes to mind without stopping or worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. It’s a great way to let your thoughts flow freely. Listing, as the name suggests, involves making lists of words or phrases related to the topic, helping you to see all the ideas at a glance. Clustering involves drawing bubbles and connecting words and concepts associated with the topic, creating a visual representation of your thoughts. Mind mapping takes this a step further by creating a visual map of related concepts and ideas, helping you to see connections and relationships more clearly. These techniques can be incredibly effective in generating ideas and organizing your thoughts.

Organizing ideas after brainstorming

After a brainstorming session, you’ll want to organize your ideas. Start by reviewing your notes and identifying patterns and connections between ideas. Use concept maps or other visual tools to help you organize your thoughts and see relationships between them. Consider categorizing your ideas into themes or topics, and prioritize the most important ones. Use your organized ideas to create a clear plan for your writing, including an outline and a thesis statement. By organizing your ideas, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective, making the transition from brainstorming to drafting much smoother.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 9th, 2015 at 8:40 am and is filed under International Student, Study in the USA. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Written by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined EIC in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.

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