There are three parts to writing a paper -

• Prewriting or Brainstorming
• Writing the paper
• Post writing or Editing

The first part of writing is what I call the "Brain Dump".

Prewriting or brainstorming is the first and most important step in the writing process. By taking the time to brainstorm what you are going to write about, writing your paper will be easier and your finished paper will be better than if you had skipped the brainstorming process.

Brainstorming is your thinking phase of writing, where you think about all the topics you could write about and what details you would add in your paper about that topic. Here is where you write all these ideas down on paper so that you can look at these ideas as you write the paper and you won't have to think so hard while you are writing. Part of the work is done before you start writing.

Download and print two copies of the Brainstorming handout before watching the first video lesson and have a copy in front of you with a pencil as you watch the Brainstorming lesson.