Two: Generating Ideas
Autor: Martina Valilà • January 13, 2016 • Exam • 2,175 Words (9 Pages) • 745 Views
TWO: GENERATING IDEAS
In this session we will be looking at different methods which writers use to generate ideas for writing.
A) How do writers get ideas?
Watch this interview with writer Neil Gaiman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C48jAkVlI0
What is his point?
How do you get ideas? Discuss the following with your work group
Imagine your professor has asked you to write about a current issue, e.g. New Media.
1) What do you do before you start writing?
2) What do you need to know?
3) Where do you get your ideas?
4) Do you ever get writer’s block?
5) What do you do to avoid it?
B) Ways of getting ideas:
I. Mind-Mapping
a) Watch this video and answer the questions.
What is mind mapping?
What can it be used for?
What are the advantages of using mind maps?
How do you make a mind map?
b) Now make your own mind map, following the instructions in the video. At the center of your mind map, write your first name. Draw your mind map on the back of this paper.
c) When you have completed your mind map, use the ideas generated to write two paragraphs about you. You will only be able to develop 2 or 3 branches of your mind map.
II. Reading for ideas: Reading about the subject you are going to write about is one way of getting input for ideas. Look at the texts below and answer the questions.
- Citizen Journalism is a form of new media. Could you define what it is? Try to write a one-sentence definition .
Citizen journalism is…. based upon citizens playing an active role in collecting, reporting and disseminating the news thank to the new medias and internet.
Below is a list of some of the advantages and disadvantages of citizen journalism. Read the points and put them into the correct column in the table. Can you think of any further points to add?
Citizen Journalism – advantages | Disadvantages |
shortens geographical distances and speeds up communication | is superficial and lacks background research |
increases the amount of communication | lacks professional standards |
allows for democratic debate amongst citizens | gives an overload of information without any form of filter |
allows different forms of communication to interconnect. | |
- When reading a longer piece of written discourse, it can be difficult to find the key points being made.
- Read the article below and, using 2 different coloured pens, underline the positive and the negative aspects of Citizen Journalism.
In a digital world with a whole host of different ways to communicate a factual message it is increasingly hard to judge the value of amateur eyewitness film shot on a mobile phone and posted on the internet against a considered, observational documentary broadcast on a traditional television channel.
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