Brainstorming is one of the more common types of informal invention. It should be

used when writers encounter writers' block or when they are not sure what to write

about. Brainstorming can also be used to guide writers in a certain direction if

they already have a topic or idea that they wish to explore. This exercise helps

writers to gather their thoughts and ideas before they begin a paper or other

document. The end result of brainstorming should be lists of words that are somehow

related in the writer's mind. These lists may be helpful in the preliminary writing

process. Here are some guidelines for this type of invention:

Set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Write a topic word or a thought that you would like to explore, such as education

or government at the top of your paper, and then continue writing words or phrases

in list form down the page until your time has run out.

Assume that no word that you write is “self-explanatory,‿ so continue to focus on

one topic word until you feel like you cannot describe it in any further detail.
If you get stuck, look back at your lists to see if any terms need more

explanation.

This is also an uncensored practice, so no corrections are allowed during the

brainstorming process.

When you are finished brainstorming, “re-organize your terms‿ into lists that make

sense for your paper topic.

If you have enough to start your paper or document, then begin working on your

rough draft. If you do not have enough ideas, try another informal invention

technique such as freewriting or mapping.

Brainstorming is not guaranteed to break even the toughest writers' block, but it

should give you an idea of where you are going with your writing process.