This week, we focus on Brainstorming Techniques.
Week 3
In today’s lesson, we discussed the Brainstorming Process, which is an important part of the writing process.
Specifically, we talked about:
- Topic Choice
- Free Writing
- How to build Mind Maps
- Assessing What’s Interesting Here?
If you missed class, check out this week’s Non-Textbook Videos at the bottom of this page: they cover most of the same content.
(The folder also contains some copies of handouts I distributed during the Week 3, Day 1 class.)
Please note: I built the Mind Map on the whiteboard in class, but you may want to be able to build Mind Maps using some software. See below for some recommendations.
Week 3 Handouts
Recommended Mind Mapping Software
There are several options available:
- Scapple (My Mind Mapping Software): Scapple is the Mind Mapping software that I use, and the one I recommend most highly for students.
- Simplemind (Mind Mapping App): Simplemind is one of two free (trial) Mind Mapping applications I recommend trying for onscreen Mind Mapping.
- Xmind (Mind Mapping Software): XMind is the other free (trial) Mind Mapping software you might use.
All of these programs are either free or offer a free-to-use trial period that is long enough for you to use for the semester.
Textbook Videos and Tasks
In Great Writing 2, please do the following:
- Read Grammar: Descriptive Adjectives (pg. 29)
- Complete Activities 6–7 (pg. 29–30)
In Great Writing 2, please do the following:
- Read Adjectives with More Exact Meanings (pg. 31)
- Complete Activities 8, 9, and 11 (pg. 31–33)
In Great Writing 2, please do the following:
- Read Grammar: Simple vs. Compound Sentences (pg. 34)
- Complete Activities 12–14 (pg. 34–36)
In Great Writing 2, please do the following:
- Read Titles (pg. 37)
- Complete Activity 16 (pg. 37)
Optional Textbook Work
If you’d like more practice with the material in Unit 2, do the following in Great Writing 2:
- Complete Activities 17–23 (pgs. 38–42).
- Choose one of the Additional Topics for Writing (page 43) and write a paragraph about it.
- Try the Test Prep exercise (page 43).
Optional Week 3 Paragraph Practice
For Week 3, your Practice Paragraph post should be on a topic of your own creation. Use the Brainstorming Process as we discussed it in class, going through the following steps.
- Free Writing,
- What’s Interesting Here?
- a Mind Map
- a Statement of Intent and Topic Sentence
Save all of this material, and then do your best with the Topic Sentence to create a good paragraph that suits.
Non-Textbook Videos
For those who missed our meeting this week, please check out the following videos, which cover some of the same ground.