Prewriting: Gathering Ideas

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Prewriting Gathering Ideas
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Introduction
Detective work requires exploring ideas and
gathering information.
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Introduction
Like a detective, you have to explore your
writing topic and gather information before you
can begin to write.
Topic owl adaptations (physical traits that
help owls survive in their environment)
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Exploring what you know
First, determine what you already know about your
topic. Write down all the ideas and information
that you have on your topic.

• Topic owl adaptations
• Most owls are nocturnal.
• Owls hunt small animals.
• Owls have excellent hearing.

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Exploring what you know
What information or ideas are missing? Next,
write down specific questions that show what you
still need to know about your topic.

• Topic owl adaptations
• How do owls hear so well?
• What kinds of animals do owls eat?
• How do owls catch and eat their prey?
• Are owls noisy or quiet when they fly?

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Researching your topic
Next, do some research to find answers to your
questions. Research is a part of nearly all forms
of writing, not just informative reports. For
example,
You might research
If you are writing
the place and time in which your story is set
a short story
the beliefs of those who disagree with you
a persuasive essay
details of the event youre relating
a personal narrative
information about the author of the work
a literary response
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Test Tip Gathering ideas for tests
You wont be able to research the topic you are
given for a writing test. Instead, you must rely
on what you already know. To get your best ideas
into your response,
always take time to plan your answer
jot down notes in response to the prompt
focus on what you know, not on what you dont
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Researching your topic
Ways to research your topic include
reading books, magazines, and newspaper articles
talking with others about your topic
typing your topic into a search engine
viewing documentary videos
creating a survey to see how others feel about
your topic
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Evaluating your ideas
As you research, you must evaluate the ideas and
information that you find to make sure they are
usable. Ask the following questions about each
idea or piece of information
How does this information relate to my topic?
Is this information too specific or too broad?
Will this information interest my readers?
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Evaluating your ideas
The shape of an owls face and its uneven ear
openings help it collect sounds and determine
their direction.

• How does this relate to my topic?

All are owl adaptations.

• Is the information too specific or too broad?

no

• Will the information be interesting to my
  readers?

yes
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Writing your thesis statement
You should be able to determine your thesisthe
main idea of your topicfrom the ideas and
information you gather. Look for patterns in or
relationships between the facts youve gathered.

• Topic owl adaptations
• The shape of an owls face and its uneven ear
  openings help it collect sounds and determine
  their direction.
• An owl can fly silently because it has tiny
  ruffles on the edges of its feathers.
• An owls talons help it catch and kill prey such
  as mice, rabbits, other small mammals, and
  insects.

owls special physical traits
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Writing your thesis statement
Often, you will give readers a thesis statement,
which directly states your topic and what you
want to say about it. To create a thesis
statement, use the following equation
Topic
Owl adaptations
Owls have specialized physical traits that
enable them to hunt and to survive in almost any
environment.
Main idea about topic
Adaptations such as specialized ear openings and
specially structured feathers enable owls both to
hunt with ease and to exist in almost any
ecosystem.
Thesis statement
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Writing Tip Staying focused
Whether you state your thesis directly or
just imply it, you should write down your main
idea before you go on to do further research or
to draft your writing.
This written statement will help you stay focused
on your main idea as you go forwardwhich will
help keep your writing on track.
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Reviewing your ideas
After deciding on your thesis, review the ideas
and information you have already gathered. Do you
have enough strong ideas to support your thesis?
If not, go back and gather more information.
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Your Turn 1 Create research questions
Complete the following steps working with a topic
that you know well or one that your teacher
suggests.

1. Fold a sheet of paper lengthwise. Write your
   topic at the top. Label the left side Things I
   know and the right side Things I need to know.
   
2. On the left side of your paper, write down all
   the things you already know about the topic.
3. Examine the ideas youve written down and think
   about what you still need to know. On the right
   side of your paper, write at least four questions
   that show what you need to know about your topic.

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Your Turn 1 Possible response
Topic Cell phones in school

• Things I know
• Most teenagers have cell phones.
• Students use cell phones during school to make
  calls, send text messages, and more.
• Students often need to communicate with family
  during school hours.

• Things I need to know
• What rules do schools have about cell phones?
• Who favors banning cell phones from school?
• Is it realistic to ban cell phones at school?
• How would a cell phone ban be enforced?

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Your Turn 2 Compose a thesis statement
Using the topic and the ideas you wrote down for
Your Turn 1, compose a thesis statement for your
chosen topic. Remember the equation
Topic Main Idea About Topic
Thesis statement
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Your Turn 2 Possible responses
cell phones in school
Topic
Cell phones at school are necessary,
but their overuse can sometimes cause problems.
Main Idea About Topic
Thesis statement
While cell phones are a necessary
communication tool for students, their overuse
can and has led to problems in the classroom.
Schools must create a policy that allows phone
use while keeping the phones from interfering
with class activities.
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The End