Cubing

CubingFROM THE WRITING CENTER@ THE A.R.C.

Learning Objective• Be able to elaborate on a topic by describing, associating, comparing, analyzing, applying, and arguing.

Cubing The scenery of New York City from a ferry looks a lot different than the view from the top of a skyscraper. Varying viewpoints provide a fresh outlook on the same thing. This principle also applies to writing.

• CUBING is a prewriting method. Six different aspects of a topic are examined—like the six sides of a cube. Cubing helps generate new complex claims and evidence for a paper.

Six Sides of a Cube

1. Description/Definition

2. Association

3. Comparison

4. Analysis

5. Application

6. Argumentation

1. Description/Definition• What are some interesting and important details about your topic? Write a few sentences portraying and describing such characteristics. Be specific!o For example, if you were to describe a physical object (such as a banana), you’d describe things such as the color (yellow), weight (eight ounces), texture (soft and squishy), etc.o If the topic is an event, you could write about the culture, time period, sight, and sounds. What’s important is that you’re recording details. Remember, the purpose of cubing is to dig out more information for you to work with when it’s time to write your paper.

2. Association• What memories, thoughts, examples or experiences do you have with this specific topic? What do you think of when you think of your topic? Write 4-5 sentences that focus on a vivid memory or example. Classify your topic and draw connections between it and other things.• For example, coffee can be associated with mugs, coffee shops, scones, fair trade, tea, caffeine, energy drinks, and all-nighters. You might have a memory that involved coffee. •Associations can be both positive and negative.

3. Comparison• Compare your topic to something. It helps if what you’re comparing it to is somewhat related—this is where association comes in handy. • Create a chart to list the differences and similarities of the things you are comparing, then write 4-5 sentences about those contrasts. How is (your focus topic) different from or similar to __________?

Coffee and Green Tea(Similarities)

•Can be served hot or cold.

•Naturally contain caffeine.

Example Comparison Chart: Coffee v. Tea

Coffee•More popular in the

United States•Made with beans.•Commonly flavored

with cream and sugar.

Green Tea•Popular in Japan•Made with leaves.•Traditionally served

plain

4. Analysis• Analyze the who-what-when-where-why-how of your topic. Give some supporting details and evidence. • Are there any controversial debates associated with your topic? What issues are people concerned with? Write 4-5 sentences answering these questions.

What?When?

How? Who?

Why?

Where?

5. Application• Take all the information you know and put it to use. Write about how your topic is relevant to your audience.• If your topic is an object, how can it be used? Why is it necessary?• If your topic is an event, ask yourself—what are (where) the results or consequences of this situation? How does (did) it affect the individual people of a certain society? 

6. Argumentation This is where you explain your opinion about the object/person/event/situation that you are writing about. • Are there any problems? Do you have any social criticism or recommendations for what should be done? Defend your position.• How should things change (or not change)? Write 4-5 sentences, using facts and examples to back up your point of view.

In Conclusion…• Cubing is a prewriting method that helps generate ideas and material for a paper.• Cubing has six aspects.oDescribe the details of your topic.oAssociate the topic with related

objects/concepts/events/people/memories.oCompare it to related things to find similarities and differences.oAnalyze it by asking why, who, what, when, where, and how.oApply your topic by explaining how it is relevant.oArgue by explaining and defending your position on the subject.