Brainstorming and creating an argument

After understanding the assignment question and criteria, the next step in the writing process is to brainstorm ideas which will lead to the creation of your argument (i.e., your thesis). This stage usually begins by writing down all ideas that you have about the assignment question.  After the initial brainstorming, you can usually classify your raw ideas into different categories.

Activity

Below you will see a sample essay question. You will also see numerous ideas that have been brainstormed for you. The ideas below can be grouped into ideas for a global language, and reasons against having a global language. Drag each idea into the appropriate category.

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.