Brainstorming, mind maps and concept maps are terms that are often used interchangeably. They all refer to a quick, simple technique for generating and focusing ideas and making connections between concepts. 

When brainstorming, don't worry about grammar, spelling, or formatting. Just jot down ideas until you can't think of any more, then go back and make connections between the ideas.

Strategies for brainstorming keywords:

• Look in your article for keywords
• Brainstorm ideas with a partner or group
• Create a mind map
• Search the Web
• Use names of people and organizations related to your topic

Here's an example of a mindmap. The student used colors to organize her ideas: red is the idea she started with, green are broader concepts, black are subtopics.  She put a red star on the topic she decided to focus on.

From Idea to Search Statement

1. Write down your idea in a sentence or two.

2. Cross out the fuzzy words and little words

3. Underline the words that remain. These words are your starting concepts.

4. Put an "and" between the concepts.

5. Add a touch of class to your search. Put quotation marks around the phrases so those words stay together.