Transformative Writing Skills, LLC
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AJ's Pre-Writing
Cheat Sheet
Stage 1 · How to Write Series · By Anita Ghajar-Selim
Pre-writing = your warm-up. Just like athletes warm up before a game, writers need to organize their thoughts before drafting. Choose ONE technique below that fits your essay type. There's no wrong choice — the best one is the one that gets your ideas flowing.
The 6 Pre-Writing Techniques
A
Free-Writing
✍️
Write non-stop for 5–7 minutes without stopping, correcting, or judging. If you get stuck, write "I don't know what to say" until a new idea comes.
✓ Best for: Any essay · Writer's block
- Set a timer for 5–7 minutes
- Write everything that comes to mind
- Don't stop — grammar/spelling don't matter
- Highlight the best ideas when done
B
Mind-Mapping
🗺️
Place your main idea in the center. Branch out with 3 reasons/topics. Add support/evidence to each branch. Visual and organized from the start.
✓ Best for: Argumentative · Expository · Opinion
- Write thesis/claim in the center
- Add 3 branches = 3 reasons (WHYs)
- Add 2 sub-branches per reason = evidence
- Use pencil — ideas will change!
C
Venn Diagram
⭕
Draw two overlapping circles. Differences go in the outer sections. Similarities go in the overlapping center. Perfect visual for compare/contrast essays.
✓ Best for: Compare/Contrast essays only
- Label each circle with one subject
- Fill outer sections with differences
- Fill the overlap with similarities
- Use the fuller side for your main argument
D
Journalist's Questions
🗞️
Ask the 6 reporter's questions about your topic: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Each answer becomes a potential part of your essay.
✓ Best for: Most essay types · Research papers
- WHO is affected or involved?
- WHAT is the issue/event?
- WHY does it happen / matter?
- HOW can it be addressed?
E
Cubing
🎲
Explore your topic from 6 different angles — like the 6 sides of a cube. Spend 2 minutes on each angle. Not all 6 will apply; that's okay.
✓ Best for: Expository essays · Complex topics
- Describe — What are the facts?
- Compare — How is it similar/different?
- Analyze — Causes, effects, parts?
- Argue — For or against?
- Apply — What can we learn?
F
T-Chart / Listing
📋
Draw a T and list pros/cons, advantages/disadvantages, or reasons for/against your topic on either side. Color-coding each reason helps organize your draft later.
✓ Best for: Argumentative · Opinion essays
- Label two columns (Pro/Con, For/Against)
- List at least 3 items per side
- Circle the 3 strongest points overall
- Those 3 become your thesis "news headlines"
Quick Decision Guide — Which technique should I use?
Argumentative
Try Mind-Map or T-Chart — both show your reasons clearly before you write
Compare/Contrast
Use Venn Diagram — it visually separates differences from similarities
Expository / Research
Cubing or Journalist's Questions help you explore angles you hadn't considered
Writer's Block
Free-Writing always — get words on the page first, organize later
Opinion / Personal
Free-Writing first to discover your position, then T-Chart to strengthen it
Not sure?
Use Mind-Map — it works for almost every essay type and produces a ready-to-use outline
Before You Pre-Write — Know Your Prompt
Option A — No prompt given
1.State a problem/issue
2.Turn it into a question
3.Answer the question (2–3 reasons)
4.Write your initial thesis statement
Option B — Prompt given by teacher
1.Read the prompt carefully
2.Decide your position (yes/no/how)
3.List 2–3 reasons for your position
4.Write your initial thesis statement