Clustering, which is sometimes called mapping, is one method to help you generate ideas for your essay. Clustering ideas so that they form a visual map is a first step toward turning a blank page and blinking cursor into a draft of a great essay.How to Construct a Cluster

	Make your key idea in the middle of the page, and then draw a circle around it.
	Think about words and phrases related to your key idea. Jot these down, and draw circles around them too.
	Draw lines or branches between your circles to show connections among the ideas and details you have come up with.

Directions: To practise this method of prewriting, complete the following student's cluster on the topic of "university student life." 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.(Hint:Associations will always go in the circles attached directly to the topic in the centre circle. Examples or details will always go in circles attached to the corresponding associations.)

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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.Directions: Answer the following question about the cluster.

Based on the cluster, what is the focused idea that the writer is moving toward?

Although keeping fit is challenging, university students have access to first-class gyms, which makes working out easier.

University life presents new opportunities that can be challenging for students.

University life is one long party, just as represented in movies such asAnimal HouseandOld School.