Have you ever heard of the cubing technique in writing? This lesser-known approach to writing has been gaining traction among writers and educators. It may sound like a complex concept, but at its core, cubing is a simple and effective way to generate ideas and organize thoughts. In this article, we will delve into the world of cubing and explore how it can enhance your writing process. From understanding the concept to applying it creatively, well uncover the role of cubing in writing and decode its potential for improving your writing skills.

The Power of Cubing Technique in Writing

When it comes to writing, there are numerous techniques and strategies that can help enhance the creativity and effectiveness of our words. One such technique is cubing, a powerful tool that can unlock our writing potential and take our work to the next level.

Cubing has been used by writers, students, and educators for decades to generate ideas, improve critical thinking skills, and add depth to written work. In this article, we will explore the concept of cubing and how it can be applied to writing effectively.

What is Cubing in Writing?

Simply put, cubing is a technique that involves looking at a topic or idea from six different perspectives, just like a cube has six sides. It was first introduced by English professor and author, Linda Seger, in her book "Creating Unforgettable Characters."

The goal of cubing is to encourage writers to think outside the box and view their subject matter from multiple angles. By doing so, they can gain a deeper understanding of the topic and generate more unique and creative ideas.

Link: What is Cubing in Writing?

Uncovering Cubing in Writing

The basis of cubing lies in its ability to break down a topic into smaller components and explore each one in detail. This technique can be useful in various forms of writing, such as essays, reports, creative writing, and brainstorming sessions.

One of the key advantages of cubing is that it allows writers to approach a subject matter from different perspectives, thus providing a well-rounded outlook on the topic. It also helps in tackling writers block and generating new ideas when the words just wont flow.

Cube Strategy in Writing

The cube strategy in writing involves dividing a topic into six distinct viewpoints, with each side representing a different perspective. These perspectives can include:

  • Description: This side focuses on explaining the physical attributes, characteristics, or features of the subject matter.
  • Comparison: This side involves drawing parallels between the topic and other similar ideas, objects, or concepts.
  • Association: Here, writers connect the topic to personal experiences, emotions, or memories to add a personal touch to their writing.
  • Analyze: This side delves into the deeper meaning, symbolism, or significance of the topic.
  • Application: In this perspective, writers consider how the topic can be applied practically in real-life situations.
  • Argumentation: This side involves presenting an argument for or against the subject matter, providing a critical analysis of its pros and cons.

Exploring Cubing for Writing

So, how can one apply the concept of cubing to their writing? Lets take a closer look at how this powerful technique can be used to enhance your work:

  1. Generating ideas: Using cubing, writers can generate a wide range of ideas and perspectives related to their topic. This can help in avoiding writers block and coming up with fresh and unique content.
  2. Developing characters: For fiction writers, cubing can be a valuable tool in fleshing out their characters. By exploring different angles of their personalities, traits, and motivations, writers can create more complex and well-rounded characters.
  3. Revise and edit: When going through the editing process, cubing can be used to identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the writing. Writers can check if all six perspectives have been covered and make necessary revisions to ensure a well-rounded piece of work.
  4. Brainstorming: During brainstorming sessions, using cubing can help in generating a diverse range of ideas and perspectives for various topics. This can enhance the quality of discussions and lead to more effective decision-making.

Understanding the Concept of Cubing in Writing

Cubing is not just a simple exercise of examining an object or idea from different viewpoints. It involves digging deeper, analyzing, and critically thinking about the subject matter. This process can help in developing a more thorough understanding and uncovering hidden layers of a topic.

Moreover, cubing also encourages writers to be more creative and think outside of traditional patterns. By exploring different angles, writers can come up with more unique and original ideas, making their writing stand out.

Applying Cubing to Writing

Now that we have a better understanding of what cubing is and its benefits, lets see how it can be put into practice in our writing:

  1. Choose your topic: Start by selecting a topic you want to write about.
  2. Create a cube: Draw a cube on a piece of paper or use a digital cube template. Label each side with the six perspectives mentioned earlier.
  3. Explore each perspective: As you examine each perspective, write down any thoughts, ideas, or observations that come to mind. Try to be as creative and thorough as possible.
  4. Connect the perspectives: Once you have explored all six perspectives, try to find connections between them. This can lead to more insightful conclusions and a deeper understanding of the topic.
  5. Use the perspectives in your writing: Incorporate the various perspectives into your writing. This can help add layers and depth to your work, making it more engaging for readers.

The Role of Cubing in Writing

In todays fast-paced world, where content is constantly being churned out, it is essential to stand out as a writer. By utilizing techniques like cubing, writers can produce more unique and high-quality content that captures the attention of their audience.

Cubing also encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial for effective communication. By examining a topic from diverse angles, writers can develop a more rounded and balanced outlook, leading to more well-informed and thought-provoking writing.

Creative Cubing in Writing

While cubing is often used in writing, it can also be applied to other creative fields such as art, music, and theatre. The technique of looking at a subject matter from various perspectives can help in unlocking creativity and inspiration in these areas as well.

Furthermore, cubing can also be combined with other writing strategies such as brainstorming, clustering, and freewriting to enhance their effectiveness and produce better results.

Decoding Cubing for Writing

In conclusion, cubing is a powerful tool that can greatly improve our writing skills and elevate the quality of our work. By exploring a topic from multiple perspectives, writers can generate more unique and creative ideas, develop a deeper understanding, and produce more well-rounded pieces of writing.

So, the next time youre struggling with a writing piece, remember the power of cubing and unleash your creativity to produce exceptional work. Happy writing!

In conclusion, the cubing technique is a powerful tool that can enhance the writing process and improve the overall quality of written work. Through uncovering, exploring, and understanding the concept of cubing in writing, writers can apply this strategy to their work and see positive results. The role of cubing in writing is to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and organization, making it a valuable resource for any writer looking to improve their skills. By decoding and deconstructing cubing, writers can fully utilize its potential and take their writing to new heights. Whether its through creative cubing or using it as a brainstorming tool, the cubing technique has proven to be a useful and effective method in the writing process. With its ability to spark new ideas, organize thoughts, and build well-rounded pieces, cubing should not be overlooked by any writer seeking to improve their craft. So next time you sit down to write, consider incorporating the cubing technique to unleash your full potential as a writer.

Author

  • wyattrobinson

    I am a 33-year-old educational blogger. I have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have been blogging since 2010, and I love it! My blog is all about homeschooling and educating kids in a fun, hands-on way.