Brainstorming For English Essays

Hi,

I'll be taking an English CLEP exam in a couple of weeks to earn college credit.

In the last portion of the test, you are given a very general topic and asked to write a five paragraph essay. I'm confident in my ability to write an essay. However, I've always had a difficult time thinking of things to write about. The more general the topic, the more difficult it is for me to think of things to say.

Are there any writing formulas or simple ways to brainstorm that can help me?

I'd appreciate your input.