Minutes a day n e w y o r k

B r a i n s t o r m i n g   I d e a s
How do you generate ideas? Some writers stare at a blank page waiting for inspiration, while others dive into a
draft hoping ideas will come as they write. Both of these techniques take time and often result in disappointment.
There are more productive ways to come up with material for your essay—both in terms of time spent and in the
quality of that material. Whether you are assigned a topic, must come up with one on your own, or are writing
under a time constraint, taking the time to focus and shape your thoughts will result in a better final product.
L E S S O N
Brainstorming
Techniques:
Freewriting 
and Listing