What is a pre-writing activity that can generate ideas for an essay written for a class

Graphic organizers are great for generating ideas also, writing down facts  you know about a topic.

explanation:

it's important for any number of settings.   but then i'm a retired teacher and my view may be biased.

it certainly will not weigh as a minus when applying to a college, while poor grades always work against you.

other factors are important like what you do to improve the community.  

imparadis't in one anothers arms  

the happier eden, shall enjoy their fill  

of bliss on bliss, while i to hell am thrust,  

where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,  

among our other torments not the least,  

still unfulfill'd with pain of longing pines;  

yet let me not forget what i have gain'd  

from their own mouths; all is not theirs it seems:  

one fatal tree there stands of knowledge call'd,  

forbidden them to taste: knowledge forbidd'n?  

suspicious, reasonless. why should their lord  

envie them that? can it be sin to know,