Brainstorming techniques Aim: to provide learners with practice in brainstorming techniques suitable for most tasks in Paper 2 (Writing) Level: CAE or FCE Example: FCE Instructions for students 1. Look at the following writing task which is taken from a sample FCE paper. You have been asked to write a story for a student magazine beginning with these words: "I wanted to give my best friend a surprise...." Write your story. 2. You have 3 minutes to jot down 5 points or ideas related to this story. Use the following questions if you're stuck for ideas. About your friend Who is your best friend? What is he/she like? How long had you known him/her? Why did you want to give them a surprise? About the surprise What did you decide the surprise should be? How long did it take you to make up your mind? The events leading up to the surprise What preparations or arrangements did you have to make? Were there any problems or complications? Did you feel excited or nervous beforehand? The surprise What was your friend's reaction? Was he/she pleased or angry or disappointed or...? The consequences What happened afterwards? Did your friendship change as a consequence? 3. Find a partner or work in a small group. Tell each other the brief outline of your stories and ask for comments from others about how interesting your stories sound. |