Brainstorming, or listing ideas, is a good way to figure out what you know and what questions you have. A list can be a source of ideas and a springboard to new ideas. A list can help you see the emerging organization of your ideas and your paper.
Tips for listing ideas
most important/
arguments for/
good points/
what I know/
what they say/
Try working alone, but also try working in a group—your writing group from class or just a group of friends.