Writing on Unassigned Topics
If you are free to choose your own topics, try any one of the following methods of discovery:
1. Write nonstop for twenty minutes.
Write a letter to a friend that begins, “The reason I like/dislike writing (or any other activity) is…….” Write without stopping. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar, or even making sense; just write whatever comes to mind. After twenty minutes, read what you have written, and underline you find interesting, even surprising. Now write about this point for ten minutes without stopping. When finished, you may find that you have come upon a topic you want to develop into a full-scale essay.
2. Examine a conflict.
Since the richest moment of experience are often born out of conflict, suppose you recall a time when you were made or asked to do something you did not want to do. When and where did it happen? How did you feel about having to act against your will? How did you feel about the person who asked you to do so? What did you learn for the episode? Raising question like these-and trying to answer them-will help you think more about the experience until you discover the point you want to explore in depth.
3. Spy on people.
Have you noticed the way some people (including you, perhaps) be have at rock concert, at movies, in shopping centers, in department stores, in supermarkets, in classrooms, in restaurants, on side walks, on beaches, at parties? Does anything they do so, say, or wear strike you as funny or strange or irritating? If so why? And if you had the power to change their behavior, what would you do?
4. Choose a topic you want to know more about.
Tap your curiosity. Investigate a subject that interests you. As you learn about it, you will find your self increasingly eager to share your new knowledge with others-especially if the subject is one you have wondered about for some time. Look for unexpected. Surprises ill interest your readers as much as they interest you.
5. Share your expertise.
Help others learn how to do something you do well. You may be an expert photographer, carpenter, guitar player, computer operator, cartoonist, sales clerk, or actor. What advice could you give others who would like to acquire your skill? What should they be prepared to do and sacrifice? What characteristics do they need to have? What obstacles will confront them? What kind of regimen should they follow?
Exercise 1.Writing about your own experience
Follow the instructions given in item 1, but start with these words: “I like writing because ……”or “I dislike writing because…..”
Exercise 2. Exploring a moment of conflict
Recall a time in your live when you felt bullied, cheated, or deceived. When, where and how did it happen? How did you feel about your self? How did you feel about the other person? Write about them for ten minutes without stopping
Exercise 3. Writing about people
After reading item 3 above, write nonstop for
ten minutes about a person or group that amuses or annoys you. Write as fast as you can. Don’t worry about grammar , spelling or punctuation. Just get your thoughts and description down.
Exercise 4. Asking about people
Jot down as many question as you can about a subject you would like to investigate.
Exercise 5. Exploring your favorite subject
Explain what puzzle or fascinates you most about your favorite subject.
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