Examples of Pre-Writing Activities and Templates

Please consult the course textbook, section Writing About Literature, specifically Prewriting: Discover Your Ideas, starting on page 1338 (page for 7th compact edition).

                                                                CLUSTER MAP

                                              Focused Free writing

1. Use a blank paper or computer screen and set a time limit of 5 - 15 minutes
2. Summarize the topic in a phrase or sentence;generate a free flow of thought

TOPIC:__________________________________________________________________

3. Write anything that comes to mind, whether on topic or off, for the period of time you chose,

4. Don't pause, don't stop. 

5. Don't review

Writing:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. At the end of your time, refer back to the beginning:

 -Rephrase the initial topic.

- Repeat a word, phrase, or important thought or emotion that makes sense

7. Review:

-Are there words or ideas you can grab onto for the topic? Is there a main idea to this sequence of ideas?

(Focused Free Writing adapted from Study Guides and Strategies)

                                                         SPIDER CONCEPT MAP

OUTLINE
Topic:..............................................................................................................................................................

I. Key Idea.......................................................................................................................................................
A. Supporting Idea...........................................................................................................
1. Detail.................................................................................................
2. Detail................................................................................................
B. Supporting Idea...........................................................................................................
1. Detail.................................................................................................
2. Detail................................................................................................
C. Supporting Idea..............................................................................................................
1. Detail.................................................................................................
2. Detail................................................................................................

II. Key Idea......................................................................................................................................................
A. Supporting Idea...........................................................................................................
1. Detail.................................................................................................
2. Detail................................................................................................
B. Supporting Idea...........................................................................................................
1. Detail.................................................................................................
2. Detail................................................................................................
C. Supporting Idea..............................................................................................................
1. Detail.................................................................................................
2. Detail................................................................................................