Prewriting Exercises
Prewriting is a tactic designed to help writers build an informal database of main ideas and key points relevant
to the topic they will be writing about. Even the most experienced and talented writers confide in prewriting
practices as a means of reaching their target goals in a written work. Though the purpose of prewriting is very
definite, the types and methods of prewriting range in variety. Ultimately, an effective prewriting method is one
that gives its writer confidence that the target result will be reached. Therefore, prewriting can essentially be
anything the writer wants it to be, and can take any form the writer chooses. The following is a list of various
approaches to prewriting along with a brief description and an explanation of their process and effectiveness.

Brainstorm
o Description: The least structured of mostly all prewriting options.
o Process: Literally jotting down ideas as they come to mind with no regard for order or format, only for
maximizing the number of ideas noted.
o Effectiveness: Brainstorming is effective for writers who are often frustrated by format requirements
because it is a method that doesn’t require any. Brainstorming is also effective for writers who have
trouble getting started because it does not ask for a definite beginning or end

Outline
o Description: An organized and categorized expression of ideas.
o Process: All outlines require writers to categorize their ideas. In classic outlines, writers place and
categorize ideas using Roman numeral and alphabetical letter headings which fluctuate from upper to
lowercase. In other types of outlines, writers do the same, but with bullets or some other type of
demarcation headings.
o Effectiveness: Outlines are effective for writers who have trouble distinguishing where and in what
order their ideas should be written. Outlines are valuable tools for guiding writers through structures
they may not otherwise feel comfortable with.
o Example:
I. Introduction
a. Intro idea
b. Intro idea
i. Explanation of intro idea
c. Thesis
II. Body
a. Support evidence
b. Support evidence
ii. Citation of evidence
III. Conclusion
a. Closing statement

Web
o Description: A web is a popular prewriting format in modern day Language Arts arenas. “Webbing”, as
it is informally known, features ideas placed in the shape or semblance of a spider web.
o Process: Writers will start their “webbing” activity by writing a broad, general topic word in the center
of a page (or open space). Lines are then drawn from this central topic word, and associating ideas are
written on, within, or in bubbles that connect to these lines (format is writer’s preference).
o Effectiveness: Webbing tends to be effective for writers who like to monitor the “growth” or progress of
their work. For writers who do not have good “writing vision” or are often uncertain as to what
direction their writing should be going, webbing is a helpful practice.
o Examples:

Timeline
o Description: Timelines are visual representations of a sequence of events, much like those that are often
found in history textbooks.
o Process: For most timelines, writers most often will draw a line, and label it from left to right with
chronological information along the way, as it fits. Usually, enough space is left between entries in case
the writer wants to go back and add, remove, or revise details on the timeline.
o Effectiveness: Timelines are highly effective for writers who have to meet strict chronological demands
in their work (as in narrative writing, for example).
o Example:

Comic Strip
o Description: Just like the ones in the comic section of the newspaper.
o Process: Writers will build ideas for events in their work by illustrating them in a comic strip, which
usually consist of multiple boxes of drawings with characters and dialogue.
o Effectiveness: Comic strips are highly effective for writers who want strong sensory details and/or
entertainment value to their writing. As with timelines, comic strips are also most often used to prepare
for narrative writing endeavors.
o Example:

Tabloid
o Description: Exciting “headline style” writing that one might find on the cover of a tabloid magazine.
o Process: Students will act as editors at large for this exercise, as they will try and portray their writing in
a way that colors it with excitement.
o Effectiveness: Tabloid prewriting is another narrative writing-focused activity, but can be used in other
contexts. Tabloid prewriting has proven effective for writers who are “bored” by their own writing, or
by the writing process as a whole.
o Example:

Mock Trial
o Description: A written version of courtroom proceedings where both sides of a case are argued.
o Process: Writers will identify their topic as if it were held and argued in court. They will play all the
courtroom roles themselves (plaintiff, defendant, lawyers, judge, jury) and describe their activity
informally in writing.
o Effectiveness: Writers will find the mock trial method beneficial when writing a work of argument or
persuasion. This method will help writers who have difficulty arguing and persuading in a work to
clearly present their material in an effective manner. This method also is a good practice for learning
personification, since inanimate topics (like pro-life vs. pro-choice) can be portrayed as real people in a
courtroom (a woman who miscarried a child vs. a woman who aborted one)

Venn Diagram
o Description: A diagram where writing topics/ideas are written in two or more overlapping circles, and
all topics/ideas that the circles share in common are written within the overlapping spaces.
o Process: Writers will identify how many topics/ideas their assignment deals with and then draw the
appropriate number of circles (circle topics/ideas should be vague enough to limit the number of circles
required). Once the number of circles is determined, they should be drawn in a way that they overlap
each other, leaving ample space in the overlapping areas (see examples below)
o Effectiveness: Writers of comparative, persuasive, or argument assignments will find the Venn diagram
particularly helpful, as it lays out similarities and differences between topics/ideas in a unique, yet clear
and visible format. The Venn diagram will allow writers to sort through body material comfortably.
Thought processes will always be visually represented and serve as a reference point throughout all
stages of the writing process, much like having a dictionary at one’s side while reading difficult text.
o Examples:
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