1. 6. Doodling and Mind Maps
1.1. How to do: Drawing pictures is a great way to come up with ideas because it allows your mind to drift and naturally think of a large number of related ideas.
2. 7. A Mathematical Equation
2.1. The last idea is for people who think artistically and this one is for people who are more logical and mathematical.
2.2. How to do
2.2.1. Step 1: Rewrite the question like an equation: Too many people + _________________ = Bad for cities
2.2.2. Step 2: Write down a few possibilities for the blank space: traffic jams, pollution, cleanliness, expensive, crime, etc.
2.2.3. Step 3: Choose the best 1 or 2 ideas and write about those in your essay.
3. 8.Reverse Thinking
3.1. How to do: Think backwards from the solution.
4. 9.The 6 Thinking Hats
4.1. This is very similar to activity #1 except instead of pretending to be another person, you just pretend to have a different perspective (i.e. ‘wear a different hat’).
5. 10.Rapid Writing - Simple but powerful!
5.1. Just write – don’t stop writing. This is the fastest method, I think.
5.2. How to do
5.2.1. 1. Write down as many ideas as you can as quickly as you can. Take maybe 5 minutes.
5.2.2. 2. Then go back and cross off some, circle some and improve some.
6. 1. Change your Perspective
6.1. common + well-known strategy
6.2. How to do: Imagine that you are someone else considering the problem.
7. 2. Use Humour to Release your Ideas
7.1. John Cleese's insight: humour is a fast way of getting to a creative place and thinking of good ideas.
7.2. How to do: Tell a joke, everyone laughs and that lowers their defences and helps them think more freely and confidently.
7.3. In IELTS exam
7.3.1. Think of a joke from a comedian or a friend or a TV show or movie that you like.
7.3.2. Enjoy the joke for a second. That will relax you. Then write down your ideas after that.
8. 3. Question Words
8.1. Who? Where? Why? When? How? How much/many? What? Which? --> Use these question words to generate ideas.
9. 4. Wishful Thinking
9.1. How to do: Think about the ideal or perfect solution.
10. 5. Word Links/Associations
10.1. How to do
10.1.1. Step 1: Write down the main word related to the topic
10.1.2. Step 2: rite down all the words that you usually associate with this word
10.1.3. Step 3: Use these words as the basis of your main ideas and support in your paragraphs