1. Writing Center Workshops: Prewriting Methods
Alexandra Alberda
Writing Center Mentor

2. The Writing Process Prewriting Planning Drafting Revising Proofreading
Prewriting is the thinking stage. It starts when you get your assignment and can be returned to throughout your writing process.

3. Five Quick Takes on Writing
Take it one step at a time.
Take it seriously.
Take it easy.
Take it to the limit.
Take it with you.

4. Prewriting: “Gathering the Ingredients”
Once you are given a paper topic your mind starts to gather information. Prewriting methods can help “jump-start” your writing process by gathering your thoughts and getting them into a written draft.
During this time, you can also be narrowing down your topic and/or which argument you are supporting.

5. Key Elements of Prewriting
Approach
Direction (thesis) or Shaping
NO revision
Focusing on specific/relevant details

6. Prewriting Methods Brainstorming, a listing technique Freewriting
Single list
Two-sided list (pros/cons)
Freewriting
Stream-of-consciousness
Focused Freewriting
Invisible Writing, a computer technique

7. Prewriting Methods Clustering Outlining Journal Writing, daily writing
Porcupine cluster
Molecule cluster
Outlining
Can be anything from a few words jotted down or it may include the thesis statement, topic sentences, a basic listing of research, etc.
Journal Writing, daily writing

8. Why Prewriting is Important
It opens a doorway to your thoughts.
It helps prevent writer’s block.
It builds confidence.
It sparks creativity.
It tells you when to quit.

9. Bibliography
Arlov, P. (2012). Wordsmith: A guide to college writing (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Arlov, P. (2012). Wordsmith: A guide to paragraphs & short essays (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

10. Questions or Comments?
If you would like to learn more or send us ideas our is or