1. Brainstorming: This is the initial exploration of your topic. It involves generating ideas, concepts, and potential arguments related to your writing goal. Techniques like freewriting, mind mapping, and listing can be helpful.
2. Research: After brainstorming, you'll likely need to gather information to support your ideas. This can involve reading articles, books, or other resources, conducting interviews, or observing events.
3. Outlining: Organizing your ideas into a logical structure is crucial for effective writing. Outlining helps you create a roadmap for your writing, ensuring a clear flow of ideas and a strong argument. There are various outlining methods, such as traditional Roman numeral outlines or more free-flowing bullet point structures.