Clustering is a type of pre-writing that allows a writer to explore many

ideas as soon as they occur to them. Like brainstorming or free associating,

clustering allows a writer to begin without clear ideas.
Clustering is a mapping technique that helps you explore the relationships
between ideas. The subject goes in the center of the page, and you branch
off from the subject to link to as many new ideas as possible. As new ideas
emerge, you link off of those in the same way. Clustering reveals new and
unexpected connections.
How to Cluster
To begin to cluster, choose a word that is central to the assignment. For
example, if a writer were writing a paper about the value of a college
education, they might choose the word "expectations" and write that word
in the middle of the sheet of paper. Circle "expectations," then write words
all around it: words that occur to the writer as they think of "expectations."
It's ok if many of these words at first seem to be random. Write quickly,
circling each word, and group words around the central word. Connect the
new words to previous ones with lines; when the writer feels they have
exhausted a particular avenue of associations, they should go back to the
central word and begin again.

Example of idea clustering:

Example of clustering with Young Adult Literature as topic.