The Six Sides of the Cube:
1. Describe: Describe the topic using sensory details. What does it look, sound, smell, taste, or feel like?
2. Compare: Compare the topic to something else. What is it similar to or different from?
3. Associate: What are your free associations with the topic? What other thoughts or ideas come to mind when you think about it?
4. Analyze: Break the topic down into its component parts. How does it work? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
5. Apply: How does the topic relate to your own life or to the world around you?
6. Argue: Make a case for or against the topic. What are the reasons for or against it?
How Cubing Works:
* Write for a short time (5-10 minutes) on each side of the cube, exploring the topic from that particular angle.
* Don't worry about making perfect sentences or complete thoughts. Just let your ideas flow freely.
* After exploring all six sides, review your notes and see if any themes or insights emerge.
* This process can help you to generate ideas, develop your thinking, and create a more well-rounded piece of writing.
Benefits of Cubing:
* Encourages brainstorming and exploration of a topic.
* Helps writers see a topic from different perspectives.
* Prompts deeper thinking and analysis.
* Can be adapted to various types of writing.
Examples:
* Topic: The Great Gatsby
* Describe: The lavish parties, the green light across the bay, the hot summer nights.
* Compare: The American Dream as portrayed in the novel to the reality of the 1920s.
* Associate: The American Dream, social class, wealth, love, betrayal.
* Analyze: The symbolism of the green light, the role of money, the tragic love story.
* Apply: How the themes of the novel relate to contemporary society.
* Argue: Is Gatsby a hero or a villain?
Remember, cubing is just one of many pre-writing strategies that can help writers get started. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.