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Attempts Attempt1 score is3Attempt 2 was not attempted.-Attempt 3 was not attempted.-
Keep the Highest 3 out of 33 / 3
Directions: To practice this method of prewriting, complete the following student's cluster on the topic
of "transportation to campus." For each missing area within the cluster, select the correct item from
the corresponding dropdown menu below the cluster. One association and its examples or details
provide a model for you to follow: "walk" is an association to the topic of "transportation to campus,"
and the specific details about it are "slowest way to campus" and "no traffic." (Hint: Associations will
always go in the circles attached directly to the topic in the center circle. Examples or details will
always go in circles attached to the corresponding associations.)
7. Clustering
Have you ever stared at a blank page and felt as if you don't know how to begin your essay? Do you
tend to get stuck when you try to find examples that link to your topic? Many writers have these
experiences when they first sit down to write. Clustering or mapping is one method of prewriting to
help you generate ideas for your essay. Clustering ideas into different associations and examples is a
first step toward turning a blank page and blinking cursor into a draft of a great essay.
How to Construct a Cluster
Topic
transportation to campus
Associations
walk
bike
bus
Examples or Details
no traffic
flat bike tires
study while on the bus
•Draw a circle in the middle of a blank page. Write the topic of your essay inside of it.
•Put ideas that you associate with the topic in circles branching from the center circle. You can
think of these associations as broad categories that relate directly to the topic.
•Put examples or details in circles that connect to the corresponding associations. These
examples should provide more specific details about each of the associations.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Error! Filename not specified.Pedaling uphill
Error! Filename not specified.Ride a bike
Error! Filename not specified.Transportation to campus
Error! Filename not specified.Meet new people
Error! Filename not specified.Take the bus
Error! Filename not specified.Drive a car
Error! Filename not specified.No parking spots
Points
: 1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
Here is the correct version of the cluster:
Correct Cluster
Topic, Associations,
and Examples
Topic:
Transportation to
campus
Explanation
"Transportation to campus," the cluster topic, has generated four
associations and eight examples or details of these associations. The
topic of your cluster goes in the center of the page because it is the
broadest and most important concept to which you will connect all
other associations and examples. You can think of the four
associations as parts, or subtopics, of the larger topic of
"transportation to campus." The association "walk" is provided in the
Association:
Ride a bike
Examples:
Flat bike tires
Pedaling uphill
Association:
Drive a car
Examples:
No parking spots
Parking fees
Association:
Take the bus
Examples:
Meet new people
Study while riding
Correct Cluster
Topic, Associations,
and Examples Explanation
cluster. The following explanations detail the three remaining
associations.
"Pedaling uphill" and dealing with "flat bike tires" are examples of
experiences this writer thinks of under the association "ride a bike."
Therefore, riding uphill and fixing flats are singular and smaller
events, or instances, that illustrate what often happens when using a
bike as transportation to campus.
Another popular method of transportation to campus is to "drive a
car." However, the writer thinks of two drawbacks to driving to
campus: "no parking spots" and "parking fees." These are examples
of what this writer thinks about when he or she considers driving a
car to campus.
Finally, "take the bus" has generated the examples of "meet new
people" and "study while riding." The writer indicates from his or her
examples that taking the bus has positive experiences associated with
it. By taking the bus, the writer not only gets to school but also has
time to study and to meet new people. Therefore, these experiences
are attached to the larger association of "take the bus."
Directions: By clustering, you can generate many associations to a topic. Afterward, it is important to
step back and consider which parts of the cluster are most interesting. From there, you can start to
move toward a more focused essay idea. Answer the following question about the cluster.
According to the cluster, what is the focused idea that the writer is moving toward on the topic of
"transportation to campus"?
Each option for getting to campus offers its own benefits and drawbacks.
Different methods of getting to campus are more or less equal in expense, efficiency, and benefits to
heal th.
Driving to school has some drawbacks, but it is usually the fastest way to school.
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
The focused idea that the writer is moving toward on the topic of "transportation to campus" is that it
doesn't have to be a waste of time. Therefore, the focused idea is "Each option for getting to campus
offers its own benefits and drawbacks." The response "Driving to school has some drawbacks, but it is
usually the fastest way to school" has a main idea, but the writer doesn't indicate that driving is the
quickest form of transportation to school in this cluster. Also, the response "Different methods of
getting to campus are more or less equal in expense, efficiency, and benefits to health" isn't an idea
the writer supports in this cluster.
