The art or practice of brainstorming is a great way to develop an outline for a short essay--especially in timed situations.  The idea is to just jot down whatever thoughts you (or your group) have concerning the topic.  If there is a group effort, then appoint one person to be the facilitator.   This person would use a chalkboard (easel, or whiteboard) to list the ideas.  There is no need for order.  However, it is helpful if similar ideas are close together.  One of the most important aspects is to allow full expression.  Do not try and curtail ideas during the brainstorm process.   Remember, CEOs often resort to brainstorming sessions when they do not have a clear path or solution to a problem that they may have been working on.  It is precisely the openness to new ideas that makes the brainstorm process so powerful. 

Once the flow of ideas slows, evaluate your time constraints.  The allotted time to brainstorm should be no more than 10% of the total available time. 

Look at the collection of ideas.  Find an introductory statement.  Often this statement will be written by the facilitator as it is the topic.  Then find consensus in a thesis statement.  Follow this with concrete examples or documentary support.  One of the things to keep in mind is a good closing statement.  If one idea, particularly a humorous or succinct representation, stands out; then make this part of your conclusion.

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