Prewriting refers to the first planning stages of a writing task. Before beginning to write, a student needs to analyze or make decisions about the requirements of the writing task. Prewriting includes choosing a topic or a position, planning a story outline or a series of arguments, and determining voice and format. Prewriting can include brainstorming, jot notes, drawing, mapping, or other visual techniques that can help a student to record ideas, but are not part of a final draft or product. Effective prewriting allows a student to create a plan for beginning and completing their writing, so that they can stay on topic, answer a question appropriately, and recognize when they have completed a task.