Word Gathering/Brinstorming

 Select a topic of interest to you, and then free write and loop to explore your position on the issue.  It may be necessary to conduct research to deepen your knowledge of the issue.  As you plan your photo essay, consider how you might use it as a proposal to solicit action on the issue or as support for a college application. Follow these steps: 

1. Open a blank document. Title it brainstorming for Photo essay.
2. List topics of interest to you at the top. (Education, novels, entertainment, music, politics, audio visual design, etc.) Explore different topics from the class, and list those also. List at least 20 topics. 
3. Choose one Topic to explore further, and type it below your first list. Bolded at font size 20. 
4. Below this topic, list questions you have about this topic. List at least 20 questions. 
   1. EX: novels: 
      1. What books are allowed for students to read? What books are banned? How does banning books affect the teacher and the classroom? How does it affect students? How many banned books have been challenged? How many teachers have challenged book banning? How many teachers have banned books from their classroom? How many teachers promote books which have been banned? What kind of people have banned books in the past?
5. Choose one question to focus on. This might take some research to see what content is available and interesting to you. 
6. Generate a working thesis that clearly identifies the issue and your position.  Use peer response to refine your thesis into a concise statement. (Ask a peer if thesis states clearly enough to tell your topic and direction.)
   • There should be agreed upon limitations to banning books in education so that student reading is presented in the least restricted way possible.  
7. When you have chosen a Topic and question, fill out this form. 
8. Submit your brainstorming for photo essay to this document.