1. Techniques for Generating Ideas
INGL 3201
Prof. W. Mercado
Ask them: what things do you do to get ideas for writing?

2. Freewriting
Writing stimulates thought. Write anything for 10 minutes. Begin something like this:
“I need a writing topic. Let’s see, maybe I could write about…”

3. Clustering
Show how ideas relate to one another. See if we have enough to begin a draft. Put topic in a circle.
Ask students to bring up a topic and possible ideas for writing about the topic

4. Writing a List
Write in phrases, not sentences. Write everything you think of because it can lead to another idea. Review and cross out ideas, add new ones. Number them in an order you want to treat them, this will give you a scratch outline. Or write a second list focusing on only one of the points in the first list.
Write a list on the board, branch it out to form other lists, focusing on one thing

5. Brainstorming
ask questions about your topic. This will provide details for your essay. Most useful question: Why? in addition to who, what, when, where, how.

6. Write About Your Block
write about why you can’t write. Explain how you feel, what is keeping you from getting ideas, and what you would write if you could.

7. Identify Purpose and Audience
Answering the Following questions may help:
To identify your purpose
What feelings, ideas, or experiences can I relate to my reader?
Of what can I inform my reader?
Of what can I persuade my reader?
In what way can I entertain my reader?

8. Identify Purpose and Audience
To identify your audience
Who could learn something from my writing?
Who would enjoy reading about my topic?
Who could be influenced to think or act a certain way?
Who is interested in my topic or would find it important?
Who needs to hear what I have to say?

9. Use Sentence Starters Fill in the blanks in the following sentences.
I’ll never forget the time I …
The best thing about _______ is __________.
The worst thing about________is___________.
My most embarrassing (or proudest) moment occurred when___________.
I wish I could change_______________.

10. Use Sentence Starters
After___________I changed my mind about_____________.
_____________is the most unforgettable person I know.
The best way to _________is_______________.
Few people understand the true meaning of _______________.
What this country needs is______________.