| Mind Map 1 Brainstorm |
| Free Praxis Prep is a service of Multicultural Education Programs at the University of Southern Maine About Us Using this Material Contact Us Linking |
| It is better to plan an essay before starting to write. |
| It saves time. |
| Keeps you on track. |
| You're sure to include details. |
| You might forget what you want to write. |
| If you don't answer the question you get a zero. |
| You don't repeat yourself. |
| Once you start to write you don't have to stop and wonder what's next. |
| Your essay will be better organized. |
| You can make sure you answer the question completely. |
A mind map is a simple tool for planning - among other things - an essay. The first step to making a mind map is
often called 'brainstorming', which means letting yourself write think of ideas you could use in an essay without being
concerned about how you will use these points.
To begin brainstorming, write your essay topic in the middle of the page. Then, write all your ideas about the essay
topic around the topic.
A brainstorming mindmap can look like this one. The topic sentence, "it is better to plan an essay before starting to
write" is in the middle of the mindmap, and ideas about the topic are written around it. Click here to see the next step
in mindmapping.
often called 'brainstorming', which means letting yourself write think of ideas you could use in an essay without being
concerned about how you will use these points.
To begin brainstorming, write your essay topic in the middle of the page. Then, write all your ideas about the essay
topic around the topic.
A brainstorming mindmap can look like this one. The topic sentence, "it is better to plan an essay before starting to
write" is in the middle of the mindmap, and ideas about the topic are written around it. Click here to see the next step
in mindmapping.
| You'll get a better score. |
| You might get mixed-up. |
| The essay counts about 1/2 of the writing score. |
| Speed is important. |
| You get nervous. |
| I once started an essay in favor of an issue, but all my details were against it! |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |