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Prewriting: Topical Invention
from Elizabeth Cowan Neeld

Definition | Circumstance | Relationship | Comparison | Testimony

 

 

To use this resource, simply insert your topic in the spaces provided and answer the questions (e.g., How does the dictionary define freedom?  What earlier words did freedom come from?  etc.)

 

Definition

  • How does the dictionary define your topic?

  • What earlier words did your topic come from?

  • What group of things does your topic seem to belong to? How is your topic different from other things in this group?

  • What parts can your topic be divided into?

  • Did your topic mean something in the past that it doesn't mean now? If so, what? What does this former meaning tell us about how the idea grew and developed?

  • Does your topic mean something now that it didn't years ago? If so, what?

  • What other words mean approximately the same as your topic?

  • What are some concrete examples of your topic?

  • When is the meaning of your topic misunderstood?

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Circumstance

  • Is your topic possible or impossible?

  • What qualities, conditions, or circumstances make your topic possible or impossible?

  • Supposing that your topic is possible, is it also desirable? Why?

  • When did your topic happen previously?

  • Who has done or experienced your topic?

  • Who can do your topic?

  • If your topic starts, what makes it end?

  • What would it take for your topic to happen now?

  • What would prevent your topic from happening?

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Relationship

  • What causes your topic?

  • What is the purpose of your topic?

  • Why does your topichappen?

  • What is the consequence of your topic?

  • What comes before your topic?

  • What comes after your topic?

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Comparison

  • What is your topic similar to? In what ways?

  • What is your topic different from? In what ways?

  • your topic is superior to what? In what ways?

  • your topic is inferior to what? In what ways?

  • your topic is most unlike what? In what ways?

  • your topic is most like what? In what ways?

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Testimony

  • What have I heard people say about your topic?

  • Do I know any facts or statistics about your topic? If so, what?

  • Have I talked with anyone about your topic?

  • Do I know any famous or well-known saying (e.g. "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush") about your topic?

  • Can I quote any proverbs or any poems about your topic?

  • Are there any laws about your topic?

  • Do I remember any songs about your topic? Do I remember anything I've read about your topicin books or magazines? Anything I've seen in a movie or on television?

  • Do I want to do any research on your topic?

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Acknowledgements
Axelrod, Rise B., and Charles R. Cooper. The Concise Guide to Writing. NY: St. Martin's, 1993.

Meyer, Emily, and Louise Z. Smith. The Practical Tutor. NY: Oxford UP, 1987.

 

Updated: 08.18.07
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