Chapter Two

  

 When it comes to writing, what compels a writer to write a piece and a reader to read that piece is a good thesis. When I’m writing a thesis I am intrigued by, I’ve noticed that I’m more inclined to continue writing about it. Yet, part of my trouble comes from a worry that others will not be interested was well. Chapter 2 in my Writing 101 class focused on how to generate thoughtful and intriguing thesis statements as well as finding and using good information to back it up. After reading Chapter 2, one concept in particular stood out to me. So, I’m going to be discussing that concept for this week’s blog.  

    The best starting point for forming a good thesis is coming up with a good question that activates one’s critical thinking. Yet, how does one come up with such questions? Writers tend to use one of four methods to activate their brain cells. One method is called freewriting, in which someone just writes down whatever they want to for a long period of time. Typically, people free write in journals or diaries, as spelling and grammar are not concerns during the freewriting process. There is also focused freewriting, in which someone rambles on about a particular topic as to develop useful supporting points and questions that relate to that topic. Idea mapping, a visual method that involves someone writing their topic in a circle and coming up with related ideas that stem from their main topic, is another idea. I commonly use that method for art to come up with new ideas on what to draw. Lastly, there’s the dialectic conversation in which two people who are willing to be open to new ideas debate a given topic. This method, as well as the other three, all focus on the same goal of getting people to be open to other viewpoints and think deeply about their own topic or viewpoint. 
 
    The objective of these methods is to get a writer to think about something that is new and interesting. If it’s interesting and new to the writer, chances are that it is also new and interesting to others as well. Whatever method you choose is up to you, as multiple methods exist for a reason. That’s why this concept interested me, because although I’ve practiced mind mapping and free writing before, I never truly grasped the benefits of those methods. Plus, I’ve never heard of the dialectic conversation method before so I am intrigued to try it sometime soon.