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Organizing information is necessary in the prewriting stage. It helps you narrow down the topics for
your paper. You can use several techniques for selecting and organizing information. Making
a brainstorming list is one of those techniques.

Brainstorming helps you generate topics and narrow them down to one. It improves your creative
thinking skills and deepens your understanding of a possible topic. On a brainstorming list you
simply jot down all the words or ideas that come to mind about a topic. You can make the list when
you have many ideas; you can cross out some of them as you limit the topic. Also, you can refer to
the list later on when your mind goes blank as you write.

Below are the benefits of making or having a brainstorming list.

 It allows you to generate ideas quickly.

 It helps you recall information about a topic.

To make a brainstorming list, start by writing down a general topic. Then, write all the words or
phrases that you can think of in relation to the topic. You can mark these by using bullet points. Do
not feel pressured to come up with a coherent piece of writing yet. Simply allow yourself to generate
as many ideas as you can about the topic.

Example:
General Topic: College Course

 my interests
 my skills
 long-term plan
 school prestige
 cost of schooling
 course requirements
 financial status
 practicality
 demand
 parents' approval

Explanation:
All the items listed are ideas related to the general topic. These ideas can help you come up with an
interesting and specific topic.

You can also make a brainstorming list based on a thesis statement. The thesis statement is the
main idea, argument, or purpose of your paper. After writing your thesis statement, list any word,
phrase, or statement that you can think of that is related to the topic. Do not restrict yourself to the
sequence of ideas.
Example 1:
Your teacher asked you to write a persuasive essay about this issue: Should parents choose the
course or career for their children, or should their children make the choice themselves?

Thesis statement: Children and not their parents should choose their course or career.

 They know themselves best.

 They know their strengths and weaknesses.
 They will be more willing to learn if they are doing what they want to do.
 They are more likely to succeed if they pursue their dream.
 They will look forward to their daily classes or work.
 Gain more confidence
 Personal happiness

Explanation:
These related ideas generated through brainstorming can serve as guide in developing the body of
your paper.

Example 2:
In a college entrance exam, you are asked to respond to this quote:

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what
you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."
-Steve Jobs

Thesis statement: Love whatever you choose to do.

 Know your strengths and weaknesses.

 Pursue a dream.
 Do what you are good at.
 Choose a job wherein you can use your skills.
 Give it your best shot.
 Respect your work.
 Practice, practice, practice.
 Always find new ways of loving your work.
 Love your work even if it is not your first choice.

Explanation:
These related ideas generated through brainstorming can serve as your guide in developing the
body of your paper.
In Examples 1 and 2, the ideas that come to mind in relation to the given thesis statements are listed
in no particular order. These ideas can be used as supporting details to develop the thesis statement.

Summary
Making a brainstorming list is a technique for selecting and organizing information. On this list you
put any word or phrase you can think of that is related to your topic. Keep in mind that you need not
write in complete sentences. Simply generate as many ideas as you can about the topic.