Wize Core English Textbook > English Writing Overview

Brainstorming Focus Questions


Before beginning either to write something or to analyze something that is written, it is helpful to brainstorm. 
Brainstorming is a technique that begins with big ideas, and then moves through: 
emotions
responses
questions
areas for expansion
Each of these strategies offers a starting point as a "way in" to analyzing a text or starting to write an original text.

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Focus Questions
Once brainstorming is complete, it is important to learn how to create focus questions. 
Focus questions are an important step in shaping a response to a piece of text or the starting point to writing a piece of text. 
The main way of walking through focus questions begins with: 
1. what is the big idea? 
2. what small part of this big idea puzzles/interests me? 
3. what are two sides that puzzle/interest me? 
4. is there something picky I can focus on?

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Note Taking
A key element of analyzing texts or writing about texts is knowing how to take notes about one's work. 

Poetic Texts
When dealing with poetic texts, the key things to note are: 
title
theme
stylistic elements
form

Narrative Texts
When dealing with narrative texts, the key things to note are: 
title
theme
characters
plot
stylistic elements
form 

Non-fiction Texts
When dealing with non-fiction texts, the key things to note are: 
main thesis
points/evidence
stylistic elements
form