Step Two: Brainstorming:

What does this mean? Look it up! It means to create a storm in your brain: to think, devise, dream up, come up with or suggest ideas. This is a thinking stage. You should freely associate ideas in your mind concerning the topic you are writing about. It is helpful to jot down ideas and thoughts; sometimes the act of writing down an idea can lead to another one, and so on.

In class, I always provide common experiences for example, (a reading, a film, or a role play exercise) that the students share and discuss. This provides for brainstorming.

In your case, you could discuss your ideas for your essay with a friend, another student, a co-worker or a family member or simply think by yourself. For example, suppose you were to brainstorm regarding the essay about writing your own 'Declaration of Independence' as a student.

You might think about what things you would want to see done differently on campus. Students often raise issues such as the cost of textbooks in the bookstore, the quality of food in the cafeteria or the accessibility of computer stations.

Then you might list some of the ways these things could be improved. These thoughts could become the basis for your essay. Try it!

The more essays you write, the easier it will become, so take a moment to write some things down.

Step Three: Note taking:

In this step, you take your informal ideas from your brainstorming activity, sort through them and decide what is relevant, useful or important to include.

You think about what will be effective; what points you may want to make; what examples to use. You may need to or want to do some reading and/or research.

When you are ready, you will prepare an outline of your intended work.