Clustering is a method of generating and organizing ideas during prewriting. It is similar to freewriting, during which you put down ideas as they occur; it differs from freewriting, however, in that it is a more visual representation of ideas. Begin clustering by naming the topic in the middle of the page, circling it, and drawing spokes from the circle to other ideas as they occur to you. Then look for relationships between those ideas, and connect them with lines. These connections may in turn spark additional ideas. When you feel you have written down all the possible ideas, examples, and subtopics, begin your draft by selecting and organizing the ideas within the clusters. (See also, The Composing Process.)

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