The Basic Elements of Writing and Generating Ideas

2. Basic elements of writing

“What should I write about?” Some people think the hardest part of writing

is finding a topic. However, more often than not, you will have to deal with

topics professors or employers assign to you. Sometimes, too, situations in

everyday life require you to address a subject in writing. Initially, not all of

these topics will engage you. In fact, sometimes you may have to write

about topics you dislike. So instead of “What should I write about?” the

more frequent question is “How can I make this topic interesting for myself

and my readers?”

If you find a topic boring or too hard, your reader will likely have the

same reaction to your paper on that topic. Challenge yourself to find your

own creative ways of making topics and assignments personally interesting.

Begin by having an open mind about the subject and believing that you have

something worthwhile to say about it. Know, too, that you are more likely to

become engaged with a subject after you have listened, read, debated, pondered,

and explored beyond the surface.