HOW TO GET IDEAS FOR WRITING: 3 Ways How to Brainstorm for an Essay!

Summary

In this video, the speaker demonstrates the power of brainstorming for effective writing, particularly when faced with limited time or unclear assignments. Using examples like learning in class versus online, the speaker illustrates various brainstorming techniques, including T-charts, clustering, and Venn diagrams. These methods help organize ideas, group similar thoughts, and visually plan essays. The speaker emphasizes how brainstorming boosts confidence and clarity, making writing more manageable. The video encourages viewers to explore their favorite brainstorming methods and highlights their benefits in creating structured, well-organized essays.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brainstorming helps students overcome overwhelm when facing writing assignments by generating and organizing ideas.
• 😀 T-charts are a useful tool for comparing two different concepts, like learning in class vs. learning online.
• 😀 Clustering helps visualize the structure of an essay, organizing main points and supporting details.
• 😀 A Venn diagram is great for comparing and contrasting similarities and differences between two topics.
• 😀 Brainstorming allows students to discover related ideas and group them logically for easier essay writing.
• 😀 Learning in class allows for more direct social interaction, easier group work, and face-to-face access to professors.
• 😀 Learning online offers flexibility, convenience, and eliminates the need for commuting or worrying about the weather.
• 😀 Brainstorming is beneficial for narrowing down ideas, eliminating irrelevant ones, and refining essay focus.
• 😀 Clustering helps organize a writing topic into main ideas and related subtopics, making it easier to develop a structured essay.
• 😀 Both learning in class and learning online involve similar elements such as professor-led instruction, assignments, and discussions, but the methods and experiences differ.

Q & A

Why is brainstorming considered helpful for writing?

Brainstorming helps organize thoughts and ideas clearly, making it easier to start writing. It reduces feelings of overwhelm and helps to form a structured approach to assignments.

What is a T-chart, and how is it used in brainstorming?

A T-chart is a tool where you draw a 'T' on paper, with each side representing a different topic or perspective. It's used to compare and contrast ideas, which helps in organizing thoughts, such as when considering the pros and cons of learning in class versus online.

What are some benefits of learning in class compared to learning online?

Learning in class allows for easier social interaction, direct communication with professors, and fewer technical issues, such as problems with Wi-Fi or internet connectivity. It also offers tangible materials like handouts.

What are the advantages of learning online?

Learning online provides flexibility, convenience, and saves time and money by eliminating the need to commute. It also allows students to take classes in comfortable attire, like pajamas, and can help develop tech skills.

How can brainstorming help when you're unsure about how to organize your ideas?

Brainstorming helps you identify related ideas and group them into categories, which can then be organized into paragraphs. This process helps you see how different points connect and can provide a clear structure for your writing.

What is clustering, and how does it aid in writing?

Clustering is a brainstorming method where you put the main topic in the center of the page and branch out with subtopics and supporting details. This visual method helps organize ideas and provides a roadmap for structuring the essay.

What are the key differences between in-class and online discussions?

In-class discussions are typically group-oriented and take place in real-time, while online discussions often use forums or boards, allowing for asynchronous communication where responses might be delayed.

How does the grading process differ between in-class and online learning?

In-class learning often involves timed tests and essays with the professor present, which reduces the likelihood of cheating. Online learning, on the other hand, offers more flexibility but may increase the potential for cheating due to the lack of direct supervision.

How does the way professors give information differ between in-class and online learning?

In-class, professors typically provide live lectures, and students take notes. In contrast, online learning often involves pre-recorded videos, where students passively watch the content without the opportunity for direct note-taking during the lecture.

What type of brainstorming method is most suitable for comparing two things?

A Venn diagram is an excellent method for comparing and contrasting two things. It visually shows the similarities in the overlapping area and the differences in the separate parts of the circles, helping to organize and clarify ideas.