Step 2: Brainstorming and creating an argument

After understanding the assignment question and criteria, the next step in the writing process is to brainstorm ideas. This will lead to the creation of your argument (i.e. your thesis). This stage usually begins with looking at the assignment question and writing down any of your ideas related to the topic.

There are different ways of brainstorming. Some people like to lay out connections in a mindmap or draw a storyboard or a chart. Others might find it helpful to brain spill (write everything they know about the topic for 2-5minutes) and then pull out ideas. After the initial brainstorming, you can usually plan an argument and group your raw ideas into main ideas to support this argument.

Activity

Below is an activity for brainstorming a sample question which asks you to argue for or against a global language. This can be a helpful way to brainstorm when you need to compare or contrast different points of views to create your argument. In this activity, many reasons for and against having a global language have been brainstormed for you. Drag each idea under the appropriate perspective.

Once you have brainstormed and categorised the ideas for your essay question, you will begin to see your argument form. For example, in the above brainstorming activity, you will notice that there are more ideas against creating a global language than there are for having a global language (hint, hint). This forms the basis of your argument, that there should NOT be a global language. This becomes your thesis statement and the ideas you brainstormed become reasons to support your argument.