Clustering/Mind Mapping/Webbing
Clustering can also be referred to as mind mapping or webbing. It entails writing down an assortment of different terms and phrases in a random fashion and then going back to link the words together to create some sort of map or web. The grouping starts off in a chaotic fashion but soon creates some order. Once a clear direction is made, a thesis statement can be formed.
Follow the link below to see an adapted example of clustering/mind mapping/webbing. This example uses the statement: 'Research indicates that the importance of British English and General American English is slowly diminishing due to mobility and globalization'. The pdf provides step-by-step instructions on how to cluster/mindmap/web an academic statement and turn it into a brainstorming activity, resulting in a clear direction to developing the thesis statement.
This technique works well on paper but even more effectively on larger spaces so if there is a white board handy, try it. If nothing seems logical the first time, walk away and then come back and try again.
However, according to Tony Buzan, the inventor of mind mapping, rather than clustering or webbing, he believes that we need to be more structured and less chaotic in how we mind map. This is the address to Tony Buzan's (commercial) web site: