Prepare for the College Composition CLEP Exam effectively with our comprehensive quiz featuring multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and improve your writing skills!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following is a viable strategy for gathering ideas while writing an essay?

  1. Develop a random list of ideas

  2. Free-write for 10 minutes

  3. Follow a pre-written template

  4. Read the topic sentence multiple times

The correct answer is: Free-write for 10 minutes

Free-writing for 10 minutes is a viable strategy for gathering ideas while writing an essay because it allows for brainstorming and exploration of various thoughts without the pressure of structure or coherence. Developing a random list of ideas (choice A) may be helpful for some individuals, but it does not provide the opportunity for deeper exploration or connections between ideas. Following a pre-written template (choice C) may limit creativity and restrict the writer's thought process. Reading the topic sentence multiple times (choice D) may help with understanding the main idea, but it does not actively generate new ideas. Therefore, free-writing for 10 minutes is the best option for gathering ideas while writing an essay.