Creative Thinking Exercises

What Else?

Make a list of objects, and then brainstorm as many new uses for one or more of the objects as you can imagine. For example, you might use a paper plate to begin with, and see how many new things you can discover. Then combine several of them, illustrate the new product and explain why it might be useful. Try also brainstorming the other Creative Thinking processes on the chosen object(s)--like adapting or putting to other uses.

Making Connections

The ability to see relationships and patterns, and make unfamiliar combinations and connections is the core of creativity. For example, what connections can you make between a bullfrog and the Internet? (The frog's feet are webbed. The Internet links you to the World Wide Web) Get the idea?

Aim to generate three or four connections for each of the following. What connections can you make between:

An ice cream cone and the human eye

A frown and an ocean liner

A cow and the Renaissance

A Mozart concerto and a bottle of wine

Metaphor exercise

Write your own metaphors for each of the following ideas or concepts.

Example: Smallness

She was the spider, unnoticed by all, spinning her web among the endless, towering redwoods.

1. Loneliness

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2. Largeness

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3. Jubilance

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4. Repugnance

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5. Clarity

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6. Anger

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7. Confusion

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8. Excitement

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9. Contentment

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10. Optimism

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Source pages: http://homeworktips.about.com/od/paperassignments/a/Critical-Thinking-Exercises.htm