Listing consists of simply making a list of any ideas, in the order in which those ideas occur, that surface about the subject. Write as fast as you can, and organize those ideas after you have exhausted the subject.

• Pros: List making is, for many, a natural activity and makes concrete or tangible ideas that might otherwise remain "slippery" in short-term memory. Lists allow you to focus initially on your ideas rather than the shape, form, or organization of those ideas.

• Cons: Lists are linear and rarely allow for associative activity. Too often we feel restricted, when confronted by our list, to remain true to the order of our initial thinking.

Updated: 08.16.07