Prewriting

Strategies for Prewriting

Prewriting is the activity or combination of activities a writer may perform to expand, sharpen, or review an idea. Although it often comes in the early stages of writing, prewriting can occur at any point in the writing process.

Prewriting strategies for exploring topics and focusing ideas include

Reading – in print and online
Talking and listening – with friends, family, instructors, and librarians
Freewriting and looping – to let ideas flow freely
Cluster mapping – to develop ideas visually
Listing – to jot down key words and phrases
Outlining – to structure thoughts into more organized categories
Asking questions – to find substantive, worthwhile ideas
Cubing – to extend an idea beyond your original thinking

Good prewriting generates a great deal of material, but writers need to evaluate that material to determine the most significant, appropriate, and relevant information for their particular topic, audience, and purpose.