literature essay mind map

Mind mapping - 5 min read

Mind Maps for Essay Writing (Guide + Examples)

In this article we’ll show you how to use mind maps for essay writing . Mind maps can not only make this often dreadful task a whole lot easier, but also save you a huge amount of time. If you want to learn how this simple yet effective technique works, just follow the steps as outlined below.

What Is a Mind Map?

A mind map is a diagram that displays information visually. You can create mind maps using pen and paper, or you can use an online mind mapping tool such as MindMeister . Whatever you use, the rules for creating a mind map are simple:

Write the subject in the center of your paper / canvas.

Draw branches that point away from the center. Each branch symbolizes one thought or idea related to the subject. Use meaningful keywords to write these ideas onto the branches.

From each branch more ideas can branch off . There is no limit to the number of hierarchical levels in a map.

Use colors, icons and images whenever possible. These function as mental triggers and can help spark new ideas in you, which is important during brainstorming sessions .

Now that you know how to create a basic mind map, let’s go over how you can use mind maps for essay writing.

Step 1: Using a Mind Map to Find a Good Topic for Your Essay

If you have the opportunity to choose the topic for your paper yourself, try to find one that’s been covered by other researchers before but still gives you a chance to come up with new findings and conclusions . If you choose a topic that has already been explored in depth by a gazillion other researchers, you might be hard-pressed to develop a unique perspective.

Ideally, the topic should be something you are also personally interested in, or at least something you can relate to in some way. This will make the whole task of writing your essay a little less dreadful. The best way to find such a topic is a  brainstorming session .

How to brainstorm topic ideas in a mind map

Create a new mind map and simply write “My Essay” or “My Paper” in the center of the map. Now, start adding ideas around the center. These can be things your professor suggested, related subjects you discussed in class, or anything else relevant to get you started.

Next, note down your own areas of interest and see where they intersect with the former. Once you have a few good ideas for the subject of your paper, you can start weighing them against each other, noting down pros and cons . Eliminate topics until you’re left with only one. This will be the topic of your paper.

In the example below, the only requirement that had been given was to write a paper about literature from the English Renaissance. You’ll see various famous writers of this time mentioned in the map, as well as various aspects of their work that could be examined in a paper, such as the symbolism, dramatic conflicts or themes.

Step 2: Start the Research Process

While working through both primary and secondary sources, it’s quite easy to get confused about the numerous arguments and counterarguments mentioned by the different authors. Many students get frustrated and waste time just trying to figure out how to make all the different pieces of information fit together into a coherent text.

What you need, therefore, is a system to collect and structure all this information  in one central place, so you can easily review the materials while you write.

How to collect research in a mind map

Create a new mind map for each source (book, article, essay) you read and take notes in this mind map while you work through the text . Alternatively, you can use one single map where you list all your sources and create branches for every page/paragraph/quote you want to use in your paper.

In the map below, you’ll see that — based on our initial brainstorming session — we chose ‘Love in Romeo and Juliet’ as the topic of our paper. For our research map, we wrote this topic in the center and created individual branches for each secondary source we read.

Next to the book title, we noted down the topics covered in the source, its central question as well as important passages that we thought we might want to quote in our essay.

Here are some practical tips to set you up for success:

Use colors , arrows and icons to indicate connections between the arguments and quotes.

Be sure to add the page numbers of your secondary sources to the topics in the map so you can quickly go back to do some more fact checking if necessary. If you’re working with online sources, you can also attach their links directly to the topics in your map.

As you go along, you can restructure the sources according to their common themes. This usually provides a better overview of the material you have available for each section of your paper.

Here’s another example of a research map. This is the map we used to take notes while reading Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , the subject of our paper. As you can see, we created branches for each of the text passages we wanted to analyze in the essay.

Step 3: Outline Your Paper in a Mind Map

Before you start with the actual writing , it’s very important that you first  create an outline of your paper . This will help you create a coherent structure of your arguments, counterarguments, examples, quotes, and the sources you want to reference in each argument.

You can quickly review this outline whenever you get sidetracked in your writing process, or when you’re unsure about how to continue. A mind map is a great format for such an outline because it provides you with a visual overview of your thesis statement  and the entire text structure .

If you’re using mind mapping software such as MindMeister , you can also…

Link the individual topics in your map with the respective research maps you’ve created.

Add notes and deadlines to each step to make sure your writing stays on schedule.

Export your finished outline as a Word document and use it as the basis for your paper.

Using mind maps to plan and outline your essay will not only make the writing process a lot easier. It will also enable you to work through sources more efficiently and help you find and review information more quickly . Of course, you can use mind mapping for all types of writing assignments — from essays to short stories and from book reports to blog posts . Try it out!

See also: The Student’s Guide to Mind Mapping

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Whether you’re writing an essay, creating a presentation, or brainstorming strategies with your team, it’s a challenge to sort ideas effectively. There’s a simple solution to this, used by students and established writers alike: mind maps! A mind map helps you organize your ideas in a systematic manner and reveals clues for you to arrange your material better.

In this article, we’ll explore what mind mapping is and learn how to make a creative map for your ideas. We’ll also take a look at some mind map examples to show you unique and innovative ways to create a mind map. But before we begin, let’s establish a mind mapping definition.

What is a mind map?

A mind map is a visual tool used for brainstorming, problem-solving, and organizing ideas. It is a diagram that starts with a central idea and branches out to related subtopics and details.

As you lay out different topics and subtopics visually, you can clearly see the connections between them. In this way, mind mapping helps you see the relationships between different ideas and understand complex topics easily. It’s time to throw away those hefty notes and make note-taking a fun activity!

Let’s see how you can use a mind map in different ways.

Why use mind maps?

Is there any advantage to mind mapping beyond the obvious joy of drawing out your thought process? It’s all very well that you avoid working like a grumpy professor, but what beyond this? 

Here are some benefits of using a mind map:

• Learning becomes a stimulating process.
• Difficult topics can be simplified and easy to understand.
• You can visualize complex points to easily remember and recall dense pieces of information.
• The freedom to connect ideas without a specific order leads to creative and innovative solutions.
• You can come up with a hierarchy of points by easily differentiating between primary and secondary topics.
• The engaging act of making a mind map speeds up brainstorming and improves productivity.
• Easy collaboration allows an entire team or group to work together on a presentation or project.

Mind mapping allows you to see connections and relationships between different ideas. The process makes it easier to understand complex topics and make the right decisions. In this way, a mind map enhances your memory, comprehension, and productivity.

How to make a mind map

It’s quite easy to create a mind map. All you need is a pen and paper! If you prefer working on a laptop, there are several tools you can use, our mind map template being one of them. Scroll down and you’ll find our template.

Follow these steps to make a mind map:

1.  Start with a central idea

Write down the central idea or topic in the center of a blank page. This can be your essay title, an area of research, or a problem you need to solve. Make sure you leave enough space on all sides to create a spreading map.

We’ll add a step-by-step mind map example to help you understand the process. Let’s say you had to brainstorm an essay on types of democracy. Your first step will begin at the central point.

2. Add related ideas

Think of the most important subtopics or areas of interest and arrange them around the central idea. Connect these to the main topic with lines or arrows to indicate the relationship between the two.

So for an essay mind map, the first relevant bubble will be the essay introduction, which will further lead to your thesis statement . For now, we’ll show you the second stage of mind mapping in this example:

3. Create a hierarchy of ideas

Keep adding more layers until you get a spreading map that starts with your central idea and ends with specific facts, evidence, and examples. As you break down your information into smaller and smaller points, you’ll also need to denote the connections between them.

If any facts from separate subtopics are connected, draw a dotted line or arrow between them to indicate this. When you open your mind map later, all hierarchies and connections should be instantly clear to you. Come up with a system of arrows and lines to denote various types of connections between points and subpoints.

Our mind map example will outline this for you:

4. Review and refine the map

If you don’t have a rough essay outline in your mind, you can just focus on getting everything out on the page. After seeing the rough layout, you can decide on the final set of points and remove everything else.

So, the last step is to review your mind map and refine it until you are satisfied with the outcome. In this stage, you’ll add all the smallest details to your mind map and establish important connections through lines.

In a mind map for essay writing, the last few points will be the evidence you use to support your arguments. It’s a good idea to mark the page numbers or other citation indicators so you don’t have to go looking for them later.

Your mind map should look something like the example below:

5. Add symbols and images to help you remember

While making mind maps for writing essays, it’s essential to use any techniques that can help you remember information better. A great way to ensure this is to use symbols and images to signify specific things.

You could develop a system of meanings for different signs. A star can represent important data figures, while a vertical arrow can highlight ascending or descending order. While you can utilize mind mapping tools and software to achieve this, it helps to use symbols that are personal to you. This way, it’s much easier to memorize things!

Let’s add some symbols to our mind map example and breathe life into it.

If you’d like us to add more mind mapping examples, let us know in the comments below!

Note: Keep your mind maps clean! Add only the most central points in one or two words rather than writing entire phrases or sentences. Making a cluttered and chaotic mind map serves no purpose. Keep your focus on the bigger picture and what you want to achieve through the mind map.

If you’re using the mind map for essay writing, you should know how to transfer ideas and information from your map to your essay. Knowing how to write a MEAL paragraph can help! 

Done brainstorming and writing your essay? Let’s make it perfect Get started

Free mind map templates

If you need innovative mind map ideas and templates, we have no shortage of them! Mind mapping for writing differs from mind mapping for a presentation or brainstorming session. Accordingly, mind mapping methods also differ from one another.

So, we’ve created four blank mind map templates to help you find the format that works best for you. Based on your requirements, you can choose from the mind map templates available below. 

1. Basic map that radiates outward

2. template to brainstorm a topic, 3. mind map for writing an essay, 4. mind map that uses arrows for cause-and-effect.

If you’ve created a mind map for your assignment and need an editing and proofreading service , we’re here to help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is mind mapping software, what are the compulsory elements of a mind map, how do students create a mind map, what are some other names for a mind map, what is the best mind mapping method.

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Mind Maps for Essay Writing: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples and Tips

5 minutes read

Mastering essay writing is an essential skill for academic success. One valuable tool to enhance this skill is mind mapping, a dynamic and visual approach to organize thoughts. This article will guide you through the benefits, creation process, practical examples, and expert tips for effective mind mapping.

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Understanding Mind Maps: Definition and Benefits

A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique that provides a universal key to unlock the potential of the brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills – word, image, number, logic, rhythm, color, and spatial awareness – in a single, uniquely powerful manner.

Utilizing mind maps in essay writing offers several benefits. Not only does it provide a visually engaging way to organize ideas, but it also enhances understanding and memory recall. The science behind this phenomenon lies in the way our brain works. By representing information spatially and with images and color, mind mapping stimulates the brain in a much richer and more varied way than traditional note-taking.

How to Create a Mind Map for an Essay

Mind mapping is an easy process that can be mastered with practice. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Start in the center : Write your main idea or essay prompt in the center of the page and draw a circle around it.

2. Branch out : From your central idea, draw lines out towards the edges of your page representing the main thoughts or ideas related to your topic. At the end of each line, write a single word or phrase that summarizes the point, then draw a circle around that word or phrase.

3. Add details : Draw smaller lines branching off from each main idea line that represent supporting details. At the end of these lines, write a brief detail or example and circle it.

4. Color your thoughts : Add colors to your different ideas to highlight them. Use pictures or symbols wherever applicable.

Essential tools for mind mapping range from simple pen and paper to advanced mind mapping software like Boardmix or EdrawMind.

How to Use Mind Maps for Effective Essay Writing

Mastering the use of mind maps for essay writing entails three primary steps – identifying an apt essay topic, kickstarting the research process, and finally, outlining your essay within a mind map. Here's a detailed exploration of these stages:

Step 1: Using a Mind Map to Find a Good Topic for Your Essay

Selecting an engaging and manageable topic forms the bedrock of an impactful essay. Mind mapping can be instrumental in this process by helping to generate and connect ideas creatively and logically.

Brainstorming Topic Ideas with a Mind Map

To brainstorm topics, start by jotting down a general area of interest at the center of your mind map. Let's say, "Climate Change." Now, let your mind flow freely and create branches from this central node, each representing a different aspect or question related to Climate Change - "Causes," "Effects," "Solutions," "Controversies," etc. From these primary branches, draw secondary branches for further thoughts, arguments, or subtopics. After creating this mind map, assess the feasibility and interest level of each potential essay topic, and choose the one that resonates the most with you.

Step 2: Start the Research Process

Once you've chosen your topic, it's time to delve into research. A well-researched essay strengthens your arguments and adds credibility to your work.

Collecting Research in a Mind Map

Begin by creating a new mind map with your chosen topic at the center. As you start reading relevant resources - books, articles, or websites - extract key points and note them as branches on your mind map. For instance, under the "Causes" branch for Climate Change, you could add sub-branches like "Industrialization," "Deforestation," or "Carbon Emissions." Under each of these, note relevant data or quotations from your sources. This approach helps to visualize how various bits of information relate to each other and makes it easier to structure your essay later.

Step 3: Outlining Essay Paper in a Mind Map

Having gathered adequate research material, it's time to structure it coherently through an essay outline. Creating this outline within a mind map ensures that no crucial point is overlooked and allows you to visualize the logical flow of your essay.

From your research mind map, create another one specifically for your essay outline. The central node should be your essay title or thesis statement. Create major branches for each key argument or point you plan to discuss. Attach supporting evidence, examples, or sub-arguments as sub-branches. Under each major branch, ensure that there is a claim or unique viewpoint that you will defend or explain in your essay.

In essence, this mind map will act as the skeleton of your essay, providing a clear roadmap for your writing process.

5 Examples of Mind Maps for Essay Writing

Analyzing examples of mind maps for essay writing can provide a better understanding of how this powerful brainstorming tool works. Here are five detailed examples that demonstrate different ways to utilize mind mapping in academic writing.

Example 1: Argumentative Essay Mind Map

Let's consider a mind map developed for an argumentative essay about "Climate Change". The central node, in this case, states "Climate Change". From this central idea, branches emerge that represent the main arguments for the essay. One branch could say "Evidence of Climate Change," with sub-branches exploring different scientific studies that support climate change. Another branch might state "Effects of Climate Change," delving into the impact on polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and wildlife extinction. A third branch may argue "Solutions to Climate Change," examining renewable energy sources, deforestation reduction, and government policies. Each branch further divides into smaller branches providing details, examples, or counterarguments.

Example 2: Descriptive Essay Mind Map

Now, imagine a descriptive essay about "A Winter Morning". The central node would depict the essay's main theme. Major branches could represent sensory details, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. For instance, the sight branch might have sub-branches like "white snow," "gray skies," or "bare trees." Each of these would break down into more detailed descriptions.

Example 3: Compare and Contrast Essay Mind Map

In a compare and contrast essay on "Traditional Classrooms vs. Online Learning," each of these educational modes could form a major branch from the central node. Sub-branches would then depict aspects for comparison, such as learning flexibility, student-teacher interaction, technology usage, assessment methods, etc. Each of these sub-branches would further branch out into specific points for both traditional classrooms and online learning environments.

Example 4: Cause and Effect Essay Mind Map

For a cause and effect essay on "Smoking", one major branch might represent "Causes of Smoking" such as peer pressure, stress, and advertising influence. Another major branch could depict the "Effects of Smoking," branching out into health impacts (lung cancer, heart disease), financial costs, and societal effects. Each point could be further elaborated through additional branches.

Example 5: Narrative Essay Mind Map

A narrative essay on "My First Camping Trip" would involve major branches for each key event in the story's progression - setting up camp, exploring the forest, facing a wildlife encounter, and handling a campfire accident. Sub-branches of these main events would provide specific details and dialogue to enrich the narrative.

Some Tips and Tricks for Effective Mind Mapping

For effective mind mapping, follow these tips:

• Be creative and make your map vibrant.
• Use single words or simple phrases for information brevity.
• Keep your mind map clear by using radial hierarchy or outlines to embrace your branches.
• Review regularly to reinforce memory.

While creating a mind map, avoid cluttering information on one branch. Use balance across your mind map while distributing information.

Reinventing Essay Writing with Mind Maps

Mind mapping , when mastered, can be a game-changer in your academic writing. It helps organize thoughts, enhances memory and understanding, and can make the essay writing process smoother and more efficient.

Through this guide, you've learned the benefits of mind mapping, how to create a mind map, seen some examples, got expert tips, and learned how to incorporate it into your essay writing process. Now it's time to put this knowledge into practice and start revolutionizing your essay writing with mind maps!

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Free Mind Map for Essay Templates by GitMind

Making an essay is a common piece of advice offered to you along with your writing assignment. In that case, this post will teach you how to make mind maps as well as how to use pre-made mind maps for essay models. Mind mapping organizes information in a way that mirrors how our brains truly operate, as opposed to standard note-taking or linear text that you’ve been taught or have grown accustomed to. It can also help you avoid the stumbling blocks and overload created by overt analytical thinking. It lets you view more than one notion at a time, which helps to clarify your thoughts.

Free Mind Map for Essay by GitMind

Effective essay writing, essay topic template, paragraph essay organizer, mind map for essay benefits, how to create a mind map for an essay.

A mind map for writing an essay is a written piece in which you convey a certain topic and then back it up with facts, claims, analyses, and explanations. The five-paragraph essay is the most common style of an essay, though an essay can have as many parts as necessary. A 5 essay is comprised of five paragraphs. An essay, on the other hand, is divided into 3 sections: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

According to the mind map essay example, an essay is a written piece in which you convey a certain topic and then back it up with facts, claims, analyses, and explanations. The five-paragraph essay is the most common style of an essay, though an essay can have as many parts as necessary. A 5 essay is comprised of five paragraphs. An essay, on the other hand, is divided into 3 sections: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Plan essay mind map template with this paragraph organizer. The introduction should begin with a broad statement and end with a thesis statement that zooms in on the themes you will discuss in considerable depth. The proof of your idea should be included in the body paragraphs. Lastly, the conclusions affirm your topic and the key ideas of your work and then zoom out with an assessment or comment on the greater issue.

Mind map for essay may be an excellent method for you to try if you want to attain higher levels of attention and creativity, as well as the improved organization and more succinct communication. The advantages of concept maps are numerous and diverse. In essence, they include: presenting an overview of a vast subject/broad issue and enabling you to portray it in a more compact manner and also creating a more appealing and entertaining structure for your ocular to look at, ruminate over, and remember.

Creating a mind map essay example is always challenging, even if you are a superb writer and are well-versed in the subject. In contrast to other types of writing, you need to cultivate an interesting way of thinking in order to persuade readers of your point of view. In this instance, a program like GitMind might be useful. It will enable you to write essays that need ordered thought. While there are various strategies for arranging the thoughts you want to include in your essay, many people connect using a mind map for essay writing to utilizing a mind map. This program makes it easy to brainstorm, convey your ideas, and clarify your position.

• To get started, go to the GitMind official website. and then press the “Get Started” button.

• Start designing your mind map for writing an essay by clicking the “Create MindMap” button.

• Select your favorite layout and begin entering data into each node.

• When you’re finished, just click the “Save” button to save your changes.

In summary, making a mind map for essay writing is a basic yet very efficient method of brainstorming and outlining your thoughts. A mind map represents your topic by using a primary thought and branches that explain the center notion. Terms and keyphrases, color codes for phrases and branching, and visual materials like doodles or symbols are all used in well-drawn mind maps. On a single page, you may generally summarize all of your essay’s main points.

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How to Make a Mind Map to Unleash Your Imagination

Did you know that mind map ideas for students, a technique that has revolutionized the way students approach their studies, were inspired by the intricate structure of the human brain? Just as our brains interconnect ideas through billions of neurons and synapses, mind maps offer a powerful visual tool to mimic this organic process of idea generation and organization.

The concept was first popularized by British author and psychologist Tony Buzan in the 1960s. Buzan was inspired by the brain's natural inclination to think in a nonlinear and associative manner. He realized that traditional note-taking methods often failed to capture the true essence of how our minds work. In response, he developed mind maps as a way to replicate the web of thoughts and connections that occur within the human brain.

How to Make a Mind Map: Short Description

In this complete guide, we'll explore how to use the mind mapping method to assist you in organizing your thoughts more effectively and generating fresh ideas. Whether you're tackling a challenging research project, preparing for exams, or simply aiming to enhance your brainstorming skills, this guide will revolutionize your approach to schoolwork. By following these steps, you'll harness the power of mind mapping to excel in your studies:

Step 1 : Choose a Focus Topic

Step 2 : Start with a Central Node

Step 3 : Branch Out Key Ideas

Step 4 : Add Sub-branches

Step 5 : Use Visual Elements

Step 6 : Color and Highlight

Step 7 : Organize and Align

Step 8 : Review and Refine

Keep reading for a deeper dive into each of these steps and discover valuable insights!

What Is a Mind Map for Students

Within the mind mapping definition, it is a dynamic and creative tool for students designed to transform the way they organize and interact with information. Unlike traditional note-taking or linear text, a mind map offers a visually captivating approach to capturing and connecting ideas and concepts. At its heart, it's a visual thinking technique that mirrors the intricate way your brain processes information. The true magic of a mind map lies in its simplicity, allowing you to engage your cognitive functions in a more profound and enjoyable way.

Picture this: As you engage in the process of drawing mind maps, you're not just compiling information; you're actively participating in a process that's both analytical and artistic. This unique blend of creativity and logic enriches your thinking and problem-solving skills. It's an enjoyable way to study, brainstorm, plan, and even remember information.

Now, let's take a closer look at what a mind map actually looks like. Imagine a visual representation of interconnected ideas and concepts branching out from a central theme. Each branch represents a key idea or topic, while sub-branches delve into supporting details and related concepts. While it might appear a tad chaotic at first glance, mind maps are designed to emulate the nonlinear nature of thought. Once you embrace this unconventional approach to note-taking, you'll discover its transformative power in enhancing your learning process. So, let our essay writing service team dive deeper into the world of mind maps and explore how they can revolutionize your academic journey.

Exploring the Benefits of Mind Maps

Now that we've established what mind maps are let's delve into the benefits of mind mapping in education, including how they can aid in learning how to write a reflection paper .

• Enhanced Creativity : Mind maps encourage free thinking and association, fostering creativity in problem-solving and idea generation.
• Improved Understanding : The visual nature of mind maps makes complex topics more understandable by breaking them down into digestible components.
• Efficient Note-Taking : Mind maps streamline note-taking during lectures, helping you capture key points while maintaining a clear structure.
• Enhanced Memory Retention : Creating and reviewing mind maps enhances memory recall, making it easier to remember important information for exams.
• Effective Organization : Mind maps provide a structured overview of a subject, making it easier to see connections and relationships between ideas.
• Boosted Productivity : By helping you prioritize tasks and set goals, brainstorming mind map ideas increases productivity in both academic and personal pursuits.
• Enhanced Problem Solving : Mind maps facilitate the breakdown of complex problems into manageable components, aiding in effective decision-making.
• Visual Appeal : Their colorful and engaging format makes mind maps visually appealing, making studying a more enjoyable experience.

How To Create A Mind Map to Boost Your Creativity

In this section, let's unlock the steps on how to make a mind map—a vibrant and dynamic tool that will revolutionize the way you approach learning and idea generation.

Step 1: Choose a Focus Topic

• Begin your mind map adventure by selecting a central topic. This is the big idea, the core concept around which your mind map will revolve. It's like choosing the star of the show!

Step 2: Start with a Central Node

• Imagine this central topic as the heart of your mind map. Write it down in the center of your canvas or paper and draw a circle or box around it. This is your mind map's anchor point.

Step 3: Branch Out Key Ideas

• Now, let's breathe life into your mind map, drawing inspiration from mind map examples. Imagine branches sprouting from the central node, like the limbs of a tree. These branches represent your key ideas or main categories related to your central topic.

Step 4: Add Sub-branches

• Each key idea deserves its own set of branches. These are like mini-branches growing from the main ones. They contain supporting details, examples, or subtopics. It's like building a family tree for your ideas.

Step 5: Use Visual Elements

• Make your mind map a masterclass in visual analysis by incorporating images, symbols, or icons. These visual elements add depth and personality to your map, making it more captivating and enhancing your ability to analyze and understand complex ideas.

Step 6: Color and Highlight

• Let your artistic side shine! Color-code your branches and sub-branches. Highlight essential points to draw attention. It's like giving your mind map a vibrant coat of creativity.

Step 7: Organize and Align

• Arrange your branches in an orderly manner. This organization ensures your mind map is easy to follow. It's akin to tidying up your room – everything has its place.

Step 8: Review and Refine

• Your mind map is a living creation. As you use it, periodically revisit and refine it. Update information, add new branches, or make it more visually appealing. It's like nurturing a garden, tending to it so it flourishes.

Ever Thought Your Assignments Could Use a Touch of Mind Map Marvel?

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7 Mind Map Ideas for Students

In this section, we'll introduce you to 7 practical mind map ideas that can supercharge your study skills and help you succeed in your academic pursuits. Whether you're looking for better ways to take notes, brainstorm ideas, or tackle complex subjects, these strategies have got you covered. Let's dive right in and explore how mind maps can be your secret weapon for student success.

Brainstorming

Imagine your mind map as a launchpad for creativity. Mind map brainstorming encourages free thinking and idea generation. Start with a central idea and let your thoughts branch out like fireworks, sparking new connections and innovative solutions. It's the ultimate tool for turning your wildest ideas into actionable plans.

Note-taking

Mind maps transform the way you capture information. They replace linear note-taking with a dynamic, visual format. Use them during lectures to organize key points and concepts effectively. With mind maps, your notes become engaging visual snapshots, making revision a breeze and improving information retention.

Creative Writing

They're also perfect for crafting compelling stories, characters, and plotlines, as demonstrated by mind map examples. Starting with a central theme, branch out to explore character backgrounds, plot twists, and thematic elements. Whether you're penning a novel, screenplay, or poetry, real-life mind map examples can inspire your storytelling journey.

Language Learning

Mastering a new language becomes more engaging with mind maps. Use them to visualize vocabulary, grammar rules, and language concepts. Connect words and phrases to form a web of associations, making language acquisition a dynamic and enjoyable process.

Book Summaries

Mind maps condense complex books into manageable summaries. Begin with the central book title and branch out to capture key plot points, character developments, and important quotes. These visual summaries provide a quick overview, helping you grasp the essence of a book in a fraction of the time.

Whether you're a student tackling a challenging novel or an avid reader pressed for time, mind maps offer an efficient way to comprehend and retain key information from literary works, offering benefits akin to the convenience of ' pay for essay ' services in the academic world.

Project Management

Streamlining project planning with cute creative mind map ideas adds a delightful and engaging dimension to the otherwise conventional project management process. Rather than relying solely on text and tables, you infuse your project with a burst of visual appeal and playfulness.

Consider using adorable icons, colorful illustrations, or charming doodles to represent tasks and milestones. These whimsical elements not only make your mind map visually appealing but also serve as memorable markers, ensuring that everyone involved in the project stays engaged and informed.

Travel Planning

Now, prepare for unforgettable adventures by creating mind maps for traveling. Begin by centering your map on your destination, which is one of the main branches of your travel mind map. Branch out to cover essential details like accommodation, activities, and budget, nurturing the growth of new ideas for your trip. Use sub-branches to explore local cuisine, must-see attractions, and transportation options, creating a comprehensive travel plan. With a well-structured map, you'll map out the perfect itinerary and ensure nothing is left to chance, making your journey even more exciting.

5 Useful Mind Mapping Tools

Let's explore the world of mind mapping with these top-notch tools, each offering unique features and capabilities. Whether you're brainstorming ideas, planning projects, or even using an essay writing app , these tools can revolutionize your productivity and organization.

MindMeister

• MindMeister is a popular online mind mapping tool that allows you to create, edit, and collaborate on mind maps in real time. It offers a user-friendly interface, various templates, and integrations with other productivity apps like Google Drive and Dropbox.
• XMind is a versatile and feature-rich mind mapping software that offers both a free and paid version. It provides a wide range of customization options, including themes, styles, and layouts, making it suitable for various mind mapping needs.
• Coggle is a straightforward online mind mapping tool known for its simplicity and ease of use. It's great for brainstorming sessions and collaborative mind mapping. Coggle also allows real-time collaboration, making it perfect for group projects.
• Developed by Tony Buzan, the pioneer of mind mapping software programs, iMindMap offers a comprehensive platform for creating visually appealing mind maps. It provides various features like 3D mind mapping, brainstorming mode, and integration with other applications.
• FreeMind is an open-source mind mapping software that's simple and lightweight. It's an excellent choice if you prefer a desktop application and want to create mind maps without any distractions. FreeMind is especially useful for creating straightforward mind maps quickly.

To Wrap Things Up

To wrap things up, employing mind map ideas can transform the way students approach their studies. By harnessing their versatility, students can conquer complex subjects, improve memory retention, and elevate their creative thinking. So, don't hesitate to dive into the world of mind mapping—it's a game-changer for your education and beyond.

Feeling Like Your Assignments Need a Creative Spark?

Our expert writers are here to craft your next mind map-infused assignment with precision and creativity!

Annie Lambert

specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

How to Use Mind Map In Writing – A Thorough Guide

This guide is brought to you by Zen Mind Map, the simplest mind map maker.

Before we can delve into using a mind map for writing, we must first understand what a mind map is. Apparently, there are many self-published authors who launch successful book releases by a creative writing exercise called mind mapping.

Mind mapping is one of many idea-generating strategies that rely on the association, which then comes out as a diagram with figures, facts, concept maps, phrases, keywords, etc. Overall, it is a powerful writing habit inspiration, especially for first-time authors.

There can never be two similar mind maps, even if you use the same mapping software . However, there are some arbitrary steps that you must follow for this approach:

• Choosing a central idea
• Creating ideas connecting to this subject
• Adding in colors / images to associate with these ideas
• Rearranging the map so that it doesn’t look confusing
• Reviewing and storing the map for a subsequent writing process

How To Use Mind Map For Writing Process?

Using a mind map to find your topic, choose the central idea .

Indeed, the very first thing to do is to decide on the backbone of your essay, which is the subject. The best approach is to pick a topic that allows you to provide new findings/conclusions. 

The ideal topic should interest you, as it makes the process much less unbearable. At this stage, put something like “My Essay” in the center of your piece of paper.

Write Down Areas Of Interest (Potential Topics) 

The next thing to do is surround the center with ideas, which is very easy if you have some mind mapping tools. They can range from suggestions from your professor, subjects discussed in class to anything relevant.

Subsequently, quickly start noting down some areas in which you find interesting - They can be anything, as it does not need to be related to the main topic at this step strictly. Remember to use mind map templates with a clear color scheme.

All you need to do is write down anything that pops up in your mind, preferably instinctively. 

Review Their Relationships/Intersection 

Now you have two sets of branches, one being the relevant ideas and the other being your personal interest. Find areas where these two sets intersect with each other.

This process results in a set of ideas that are both relevant to your goal and your interest. 

Weigh Them Against Each Other With Pros And Cons 

The next step is to weigh every idea in the set, analyzing each idea’s pros and cons. 

Start The Elimination Process

Start the elimination process once you get the pros and cons of every single concept. Compare the list of advantages and disadvantages carefully, but mostly on the disadvantages. 

Yet, remember that challenges are inevitable, but they should never hinder you from turning in your work.

Eliminate the choices until there is only one.

Using A Mind Map Standard To Compile Research Materials

Make a new branch for each source .

With this approach, the topic will be listed in the center of your map, and the child branches will be the secondary sources. From these branches, create smaller ones consisting of the secondary source’s topic, central idea, and quotes.

This method most benefits projects that do not require you to focus entirely on primary source material. Instead, find other similar types of writing and present the link between them to enforce your point.

Make A Branch For Each Area Of Your Topic

There are some involvements from the secondary sources, but they are not prominent.

Note everything you need onto the map while working through the source’s text. You need to work a lot more, but the payback will absolutely be worth it. 

Using A Mind Map To Layout Your Outline

You will get a well-structured thesis outline out from the mind map. It allows you to generate a coherent structure consisting of examples, quotes, arguments, counter-arguments, etc., without losing grasp.

The visual representations of mind maps mean that you can quickly review your outline whenever you need to. All it takes is one look, and you can track your entire text structure from the thesis statement.

However, there certainly are some specific things that you need to pay attention to for a better creative process:

• Put a link between each topic with a corresponding research map created independently. 
• Next, put in some notes or deadlines at each level, ensuring that the writing project is never behind schedule. 
• Going over the deadline is always the clearest sign of bad writing.
• The last thing to do is export your finished mind map for easier access.

The Rules Of Mind Map For Writing Process

• The subject you want to discuss should always be at the center of the map. 
• Branches should be going out, each representing one single idea relating to the subject.
• The last rule to keep in mind is the use of visuals such as images, icons, and color themes. They will serve as mental triggers, sparking more ideas within your brain to create a positive loop within your brain.

What Are The Benefits Of Mind Map For Writing?

• Newbie authors will have a complete overview of the entire topic and a clear flow of ideas. 
• The second benefit of mind maps is that they let you see how the main topic connects with its supporting pieces. This results in an easier time planning resource materials and when to use them.
• Finally, this approach provides a much more enjoyable and attractive format to supply information to your brain. You will, in turn, remember the information more clearly, improving your writing potential.

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How to Create a Mind Map for an Essay

It’s always challenging to write an essay even if you know the subject well and are an excellent writer. Unlike other types of writing, you must come up with an interesting line of reasoning to convince readers of your point of view.

Essay writing requires structured thinking. A good essay writer not only reads and makes notes but also uses critical thinking and analysis before penning the essay.

While there are many ways to structure the ideas you want to include in your essay, few, if any, can compare with using a mind map for essay writing. This tool makes it easy to brainstorm, organize your ideas, and argue your case.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Mind Mapping

Mind-mapping is a useful way to make notes, revise all your ideas, and organize your information. A mind map for essay writing helps you visually represent and connect ideas on a topic.

A mind map is effective for the following reasons:

• It will help you get clear on your key concepts around a central topic.
• It will help you define your concepts and show the relationships between them.
• It will make it simple to see all your ideas at a glance because you’ll spread them out on a single page.
• It will trigger your memory to associate previous ideas with the new ideas you’re developing.
• It will make it easier to write an essay because you’ll have identified what to say and how to say it.

3 Simple Steps to Create a Mind-Map for Your Essay

Step #1: brainstorm what ideas to include in your mind-map.

Brainstorming is a thinking process that you can do alone or with a group.

Brainstorm your essay by writing everything you can think about the topic. It’s unnecessary to write out sentences. If you use keywords and keyword phrases rather than write out a sentence, you’ll be able to come up with more ideas at a faster rate.

So, for example, if you are writing an essay about King Lear, you would not have to write out a sentence like, “William Shakespeare wrote a tragedy about King Lear, a man who bequeathed his power and land to his two daughters after they fawningly declared their love for him. ”

Instead, you only need to write: “William Shakespeare,” “King Lear,” “Tragedy,” “Power” “Land,” “Two out of three daughters,” “Obsequious declaration of love.” These keywords and phrases are enough to recall your ideas.

During the brainstorming phase, you need not organize information. Just get them out on paper.

Step #2: Organize Your Ideas Into Groups

Circle your key ideas and draw arrows to connect them to supporting ideas. Use colors to differentiate between various classes of ideas. You could, for example, write keywords about King Lear’s wealth and power in red and keywords about his daughters in blue. You could also choose different colors for arrows to designate different types of connections.

Step #3: Create Your Mind Map

The central circle of your mind map should be the title keyword.

From the central circle, draw arrows to other circles that represent smaller categories. For instance, you might have a circle for the introduction, a circle for the body, and a circle for the conclusion. Of course, you don’t have to use circles. You can choose another shape, like rectangles, if you like. You can also group similar categories into clusters by using wavy lines to show a group.

Finally, connect the supporting ideas you had brainstormed to their main ideas. For instance, under the keyword “daughters,” you could use supporting ideas adjectives like “fawning,” “manipulative,” “obsequious” to describe them.

When you’ve finished mind mapping, your diagram should resemble a spider’s web.

Although this may all sound rather complicated, it’s only because they are verbal descriptions of a mind map. Once you look at an example of your mind map, the idea of circles or rectangles, categories and subcategories, main ideas and supporting ideas, and the use of colors and lines to show connections between ideas will become instantly clear.

Tools for Mind Mapping

You can use a large piece of paper horizontally and several colored pens.

You can also use mind-mapping software. The primary difference between free mind-mapping software and paid mind-mapping versions is the number of times you can use the software and the number of templates you can use. Still, the main thing is that a free version of mind-mapping software is just as robust as a paid version. It will give you all the functionality you need to draw out a comprehensive mind map for your essay. You can also try out a trial version for 30 days to try out all the features of a mind-mapping app if you can’t decide whether you should use a free or paid version.

Enhancing Your Mind Maps

Technically, all you need is a blank sheet of paper and a pen to start mind mapping. But you might find it useful to use a variety of colored pens to make it easier to identify different categories of ideas. It’s also a good idea to keep your keywords short rather than use long phrases because this saves you space. Additionally, try adding doodles alongside keywords.

If you use mind-mapping software, you’ll find it easier to visually represent your information because you’ll have many more options, such as icons, colors, shapes, and other such features.

Mind Mapping Is Better Than Notes or Outlines for an Essay

Mind mapping is actually just another way of taking notes or outlining. But a graphic representation of your ideas is much more meaningful because your brain processes images better than interpreting the meaning of words. If, for example, someone had never seen an apple, it would take a lot of words to describe one, but if you just showed him or her a picture, they would instantly understand the features of the fruit.

Traditional notes use linear notes that start in the upper left corner of a page and go from left to right. With mind mapping, your subject starts from the center of a page and radiates outwards. Consequently, all your ideas are clearly visible at once. Similarly, it’s easier to understand a mind-map than a formal written outline .

How to Practice Mind Mapping

The best way to learn mind mapping is to look at examples. You will instantly understand how they work.

When creating a mind-map here are some ideas to keep in mind:

• Always begin with a central idea for your mind map.
• Use the first tier of your thoughts to describe your main ideas, the second tier to describe your supporting ideas, and the third tier to describe ideas that expand on your supporting ideas.
• Continue to reorganize your mind map until it outlines your argument in a logical sequence.

The more you practice and learn about mind mapping, the better you’ll get at it.

In summary, creating a mind map for essay writing is a simple yet highly effective way to brainstorm and outline your ideas. A mind map uses a central idea to represent your topic and branches that describe the central idea. Well-drawn mind maps use keywords and keyword phrases, color codes for words and branches, and visual cues, such as doodles or icons. You can usually outline all the primary ideas of your entire essay on a single page.

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Mind Mapping in Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

Mind mapping is not just a tool for brainstorming or organizing thoughts; it’s a powerful technique that can revolutionize the writing process. Whether you’re drafting a blog post, an essay, or even a book, mind mapping can help streamline your thoughts and make your writing more coherent.

Understanding Mind Mapping

Before diving into the intricacies of using mind maps for writing, it’s essential to grasp what a mind map is. At its core, a mind map is a visual representation of ideas branching out from a central concept. It’s a tool that leverages the power of association, allowing writers to connect various ideas, facts, phrases, and keywords in a structured manner.

Steps to Create an Effective Mind Map for Writing:

— Choose a Central Idea: This is the foundation of your mind map. It could be the main theme of your essay or the primary topic of your article.

— Branch Out with Related Ideas: Surround the central idea with related concepts. These can be subtopics, arguments, or any relevant information.

— Add Visual Elements: Colors, images, and icons can make your mind map more engaging and help in better retention of ideas.

— Rearrange and Refine: Ensure that your mind map is organized and free from clutter. This will make the writing process smoother.

— Review and Store: Once your mind map is complete, review it and save it for future reference.

How to Utilize Mind Maps in the Writing Process:

— Finding Your Topic: Start with a broad idea and branch out to potential topics of interest. This helps in narrowing down a subject that resonates with both the writer and the audience.

—Compiling Research Materials: For research-intensive articles, create branches for each source or reference. This ensures that all crucial information is at your fingertips.

— Laying Out Your Outline: Transform your mind map into a structured outline for your write-up. This provides a clear roadmap for your writing journey.

Benefits of Using Mind Maps in Writing:

— Clear Overview: Mind maps offer a bird’s eye view of the entire topic, ensuring that no critical point is missed.

— Connection of Ideas: They visually represent how different ideas interlink, aiding in a logical flow of the narrative.

— Enhanced Retention: The visual nature of mind maps makes information more memorable, thus improving the quality of writing.

Incorporating mind maps into your writing process can be a game-changer. It not only organizes your thoughts but also enhances creativity and productivity. So, the next time you’re faced with writer’s block or feel overwhelmed with information, give mind mapping a try. It might just be the tool you need to elevate your writing 

Keep reading

• Resources for Teaching

How to Make a Mind Map

by Janice Campbell · Published December 17, 2013 · Updated March 18, 2015

Generating ideas is like turning on a faucet for hot water. What comes out at first is not hot, but it has to come out before hot water (the good ideas you really want) can emerge. Your best ideas usually begin to flow after your mind has warmed up and settled into thinking about a topic. If you begin to write with the first or second idea that comes to mind, you may be settling for a lukewarm idea. Be patient and think first, write second.

How to Use a Mind Map to Think on Paper

• At the center of your paper, write a few words that summarize the topic or question you are supposed to answer.
• Draw a line radiating from the center idea for each relevant fact, possible argument, proof point, or supporting detail that comes to mind.
• Branch off these ideas as additional details emerge.
• Write down everything that comes to mind, even if you are not sure it fits. 
• Record each idea on the mind map as a word or phrase rather than a complete sentence.

Here is a sample mind map (click on the image below to enlarge it):

Additional Mind Mapping Tips and Ideas

• You may use color in your mind maps, but it is best not to create an elaborate color coding scheme, as this can impede the flow of ideas.
• Some people prefer to use quick sketches rather than words to capture some or all of their ideas. If this is the way your mind works, and it does not slow you down too much, you may do this. 
• Mind maps are usually made with pen or pencil on paper, but the sample above was created with a free web app called Coggle. Do what works for you.
• You can see many examples of mind maps at http://www.tonybuzan.com/gallery/mind-maps/

You may also find it helpful to make an outline .

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Extended Essay: Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps

• Extended Essay- The Basics
• Step 1. Choose a Subject
• Step 2. Educate yourself!
• Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
• Identify Keywords
• Do Background Reading
• Define Your Topic
• Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
• Step 5. Draft a Research Question
• Step 6. Create a Timeline
• Find Articles
• Find Primary Sources
• Get Help from Experts
• Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
• Databases and Websites by Subject Area
• Create an Annotated Bibliography
• Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
• Chicago Citation Syle
• MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
• Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
• Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
• Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
• Conducting Secondary Research
• Conducting Primary Research
• Formal vs. Informal Writing
• Presentation Requirements
• Evaluating Your Work

Brainstorming

Coggle.it is a free, easy-to-use web application for creating beautiful informative diagrams and mindmaps.

 For a tutorial video introduction, click the Coggle:  

Mind Map Inspiration

If you find it easier you can, of course, brainstorm and mind map on a big piece of paper with some colored pens or a big board with some post-it notes!

Choose whichever method works best for you.

At  Mind Map Inspiration  artist  Paul Foreman offers example Mind Maps ® for inspiration and motivation, plus mindmapping tips, drawing tips, techniques for enhancing your creativity, and improving idea generation.

See the process of mind mapping from start :

Mind Maps ® were invented by Tony Buzan

Mindmapping helps us progress from linear (one-dimensional) through lateral (two-dimensional) to radiant (multi-dimensional) thinking.

• << Previous: Step 3. Researcher's Reflection Space (RRS)
• Next: Step 4. Choose a Topic >>
• Last Updated: Sep 3, 2024 10:01 AM
• URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee

• TemplateLab

Mind Map Templates

33 free mind map templates & examples (word,powerpoint,psd).

A mind map is a tool used to explore an idea or concept and its related topics. Mind map diagrams visually present information in a non-linear way, and there is no often no specified structure to follow when mind mapping.

The aim of a mind map template is to develop a deeper understanding of a central concept and generate related information from one idea. Mind maps are typically used for brainstorming and are a popular method with students when exploring concepts.

Table of Contents

• 1 Mind Map Templates
• 2.1 Differences between a Mind Map Template and a Concept Map Template
• 3 Mind Map Examples
• 4.1 Mind Mapping for Students
• 4.2 Brainstorming
• 4.3 Mind Mapping for Business
• 4.4 Improve Collaboration Across Teams
• 5 Free Mind Map Samples
• 6.1 Spider Map Template
• 6.2 Bubble Map Template
• 6.3 Brace Map Template
• 6.4 Flow Map Template
• 6.5 Multi-Flow Map Template
• 7.1 Steps to Create a Mind Map
• 8 Benefits of a Mind Map Template

We provide a range of free mind map templates for you to download and customize for your mind mapping sessions and brainstorming process.

What is a Mind Map?

Mind maps are diagrams used in a range of industries to help people brainstorm and organize their ideas. A mind map template can be an incredibly useful resource regardless of how complex the initial concept is.

Many people choose to create a mind map template to explore ideas at a deeper level and to help them form connections between a specific concept and its related ideas. Used correctly, mind maps can extend the thought process and inspire creativity, allowing you to discover new ideas as a result.

Differences between a Mind Map Template and a Concept Map Template

• Focus on one central topic
• Work better for quick note-taking and brainstorming

Concept Maps:

• Deal with a variety of different concepts at once
• Visualize concepts in a more thorough and detailed way

While both diagrams have useful features, mind map templates are a great tool for focused, intense study of a central topic.

For example, you may use a mind map template to study a particular aspect of a novel . If you are studying a novel in class, then you can create a mind map template for each of the main characters. The topics that would stem from each character could be their intentions, their appearance, key quotes, and their main relationships in the story.

Mind Map Examples

How to Use Mind Maps

Mind mapping for students.

Mind maps are commonly used by students for studying or planning an essay. A mind map is highly customizable, meaning you are not restricted to a specific structure when brainstorming ideas. With this in mind, students at any level can use mind maps as part of their study routine.

A mind map is:

• Useful for all subjects
• Customizable
• A form of note-taking
• Great for brainstorming

When studying for an exam, you can edit a mind map template to organize information using branches that link to different topics. Mind mapping can be as detailed or as simplistic as you like, depending on what you are studying.

Brainstorming

You can easily add ideas as they come to you with a mind map template. For example, if you are copying your notes into a mind map template, perhaps a new idea arises. You can simply add this to the mind map template without feeling like it ruins the overall presentation of your ideas.

The visual layout of mind maps can help you to easily remember information. If you choose one section for a specific topic related to your main concept, then you can use the positioning of the topic to help you recall information.

It is also useful to use a specific color for different branches for this reason. Mind mapping is a staple study tool because of how the visual layout improves the recall of information.

Mind Mapping for Business

Mind maps can be used in business, either as part of a brainstorming process or as a part of a presentation during a team meeting .

Regardless of what your business is, you can use a mind map template to:

• Help improve your marketing strategy
• Brainstorm new ideas for the company
• Focus on strategic planning
• Train staff members on a specific process

Improve Collaboration Across Teams

The brainstorming aspect of mind map diagrams is favored by business people, as it can easily be used as part of a collaboration with a team. A mind map template is therefore useful when project planning or improving marketing strategy.

Brainstorming as a team can help to:

• Increase creative ideas
• Improve overall marketing strategy
• Improve current features of the business
• Allow a range of employees to have their say during a team discussion

Mind map templates can also be used as part of a formal presentation to help easily display ideas to colleagues, a team, or clients. Mind maps can also be used in online meetings.

Free Mind Map Samples

Which Mind Map Template Should You Use?

There are several types of mind maps for you to use, depending on the topic you are researching. These include:

• Multi-Flow Map

Whilst the key features remain the same for each template, mind maps are versatile tools that you can use for a range of purposes.

Spider Map Template

Possibly the most common form of mind map, the spider map template begins with the main concept in the middle of the page, with related ideas connected by branches, like a spider web. Spider map templates are great for brainstorming ideas related to a particular concept.

Benefits of a Spider Map Template

• The branches structure is clear and useful for studying
• Customizable with color and images

Spider mind maps give a simplified overview of a central concept, making them a go-to choice for students and researchers.

Bubble Map Template

Bubble maps will often use one word as the central concept, with related adjectives branching out from this. For example, ‘sun’ would be the central concept, with ‘yellow’ and ‘hot’ as words in the outer circles.

The bubble mind map template structure includes space for the central idea in the middle circle, with outer circles arranged for the related adjectives. Bubble maps are therefore particularly useful when writing an essay or planning a story, as they take one simple concept and allow you to expand this creatively into more specific or nuanced ideas. You can also add images to your bubble mind map template to customize the layout.

Benefits of a Bubble Map Template

• Useful for essay and story planning
• Helps to inspire creativity
• Images can be used to add reference points

Brace Map Template

A brace map template is used for developing a deeper understanding of a specific concept, giving you a closer insight into one central concept. A brace map template allows you to understand how something works, particularly physical objects.

The structure of a brace map is still simple, however. You simply write the name of the object on the left-hand side of the page and draw the brace next to this, which you can adjust based on its related parts. Images are also useful to add to a brace map template, as they provide reminders of concepts related to the main idea.

Benefits of a Brace Map Template

• Can expand knowledge of a specific concept
• Simple structure
• Useful for science and math-based topics

Flow Map Template

Flow maps are used present ideas in a coherent sequence. They are designed in a flowchart style, with one concept leading to the next using arrows. They can be displayed horizontally or vertically.

Aside from being a useful study tool, flow maps work great as part of a presentation to highlight a sequence clearly. This can be applicable to businesses when displaying a proposed strategy, or for students who are explaining a timeline of events.

Benefits of a Flow Map Template

• Helps to sequence ideas
• Works well for presentations

Multi-Flow Map Template

Multi-flow diagrams work best for establishing cause-and-effect relationships between a central concept and its related topics.

Multi-flow map templates are designed with the main concept in the middle, similar to most mind map formats. However, a multi-flow map will typically have the causes of this concept branching out from the left-hand side, and the effects of this concept branching out to the right-hand side.

The arrows in the mind map template will flow from left to right to represent a journey from cause to effect. This is a particularly useful type of mind map when researching historical events, novels, or scientific concepts.

Benefits of a Multi-Flow Map Template

• Establishes cause-and-effect relationships
• Useful for a range of topics, including history and science-based concepts

How to Create a Mind Map Template

A real benefit to using a mind map is that they are simple and free to create. Using a mind map template makes this process even easier, and allows you to customize the mind map to your liking.

You may wish to create mind map diagrams on a computer using Google Slides or a word processor. While this may be more time-consuming, the features of online tools are particularly good for a presentation with an audience.

You can follow the same steps for designing your mind map template, whether on paper or online.

Steps to Create a Mind Map

• Choose your main concept This is the reason for creating your mind map. Perhaps you have to study a specific topic for a test or you have an important essay to write. Decide on your main concept to form the basis of your mind map.Most mind map templates will be designed horizontally to allow for more space, so turn your page sideways. You can then write the main idea in the middle of your mind map. This is usually inside a circle, but you can choose a different shape if you prefer. If you have chosen a different type of mind map than a spider map, then lay the main idea out accordingly.
• brainstorm related Information Depending on your chosen style of mind map, the way that you map out ideas will differ. However, this is a crucial part of mind map creation, so be sure to choose your related ideas appropriately. If you are studying for a test, you can use past exam papers or lecture notes to help you decide which ideas to prioritize within your mind map template.In a spider map, the related ideas will branch out from the main idea. You should draw a line to link the related idea to the central idea. You can use a different color to represent different categories, perhaps writing the title of that particular section, or the whole section, in one color.
• Add information to each section of the mind map template As you explore concepts further, you can add additional branches to your mind map. Try to add detail whilst keeping your notes brief.You do not need to write in full sentences, as this may take up too much space. Keep it simple but prioritize key concepts that you think are relevant to remember or present to your audience.
• Use color, images, and curved lines Your mind map should be visually appealing, whether it is for studying, or for presenting to an audience. A mind map template is customizable, so you can add images and colors to help display your ideas in an engaging and memorable way.The lines that connect each section, often known as ‘branches,’ should be curved to help give you more space to write. Curved lines also allow for flexibility if you want to add more ideas to your mind map.If you’re a creative person, having a colorful mind map design can make each mind-mapping session a fun process. When I’ve suggested mind mapping to students, they often end up enjoying the process of mapping out their thinking because of the creative aspect of using different colored branches for their mind map diagrams.

Benefits of a Mind Map Template

You can download a free mind map template to begin mapping out your thinking. Mind map templates allow you to explore ideas about a concept and structure your thinking in a clear way.

Seeing a mind map template as a blank canvas can seem daunting, but the final product will result in an understanding of the bigger picture after a creative brainstorming process. You can print and edit a free mind map template to help with your study or research process.

Happy mind mapping!

More Templates

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Bubble Map Templates

15 free mind map tools for writers

A few days ago I wrote about how to use the free online app Miro to plot out a story .

That’s all well and good if you already have an idea for a plot, and now just need to fine-tune it, maybe move some pieces around, add some clues and red herrings, that kind of thing.

But it’s not particularly useful when you don’t have much of a plot to start with.

That’s where mind-mapping tools can help.

In a lucky coincidence, I happen to be stuck in the early phase of my next novel. Turns out, I have to throw out the plot that I’ve got and start over with a new one, because the other one just wasn’t working. It was too similar to my last plot, and there was no way to connect it to my protagonist’s internal character arc in a way that wouldn’t feel clumsy and forced.  So I need to do some brainstorming.

I could use Miro again. It has a mind map function, of a kind. Or I could use pen and paper or move sticky notes around on a wall or floor or draw mind maps in the steam on the mirror after I shower. But who showers these days, amirite?

Anyway, why do something in a simple, familiar, guaranteed-to-work way when I can use this opportunity to test out new tools? And yes, procrastinate. I admit it.

There are a lot of mind mapping tools out there. Some cost a lot of money. I ruled those out right away.

I’m looking for a tool that’s easy to use, has a basic free plan that offers all the features I want, and I don’t want to have to download and install anything. In other words, I want my mind map in the cloud.

If you are the kind of person who doesn’t want to put their stuff in the cloud, that’s fine. And there are a lot of apps that you can download and run locally, including Diagrams.net , Scapple , MindNode , and MindMaster .

But I want my mind maps accessible from any of my devices, and I don’t care if one of their employees leaks my list of possible murder methods. If I become a big-name author who’s obsessed with preventing leaks, then maybe I’ll think about something with better security. But frankly, unless I’m JK Rowling, nobody is going to care about my process. Plus, I’m probably going to blog about it all, anyway.

So I didn’t test any of the downloadable ones. No point in spending a lot of time learning the interface if I’m never going to use it.

Another feature I want is to be able to import and export mind maps in case I change my mind about what platform I use. The most common format is FreeMind, and I want the exports to be free. Finally, I also want it to be pretty.

So here’s a summary of what I’ve got, with my personal, subjective opinions on whether it’s pretty and easy to use. Scroll down for a full description and sample mind maps for each one.

• Ayoa — Free for up to five mind maps then $10 a month. Pretty. Easy to use. No FreeMind exports.
• Bubbl — Free for up to three mind maps then $5 a month. Ugly. Easy. No FreeMind exports.
• Canva — Unlimited free mind maps, upgrade gives you more storage for $10 a month. Pretty. Hard to use. No FreeMind exports.
• ClickUp — Unlimited free mind maps, upgrade gives you unlimited storage for $5 a month. Ugly. Hard. No FreeMind exports.
• Cloud MindMap — Unlimited free maps, ad supported. Ugly. Easy to use. No FreeMind exports. Can install as Google Drive app. Ad-supported version and only slightly improved version of the free MindMaps app .
• Coggle — Free for up to three private mind maps or unlimited public maps, then $5 a month. Ugly. Easy to use. Free FreeMind exports.
• GitMind — Unlimited free mind maps, upgrade gives you unlimited exports for $4 a month. Pretty. Easy. No FreeMind exports.
• Google Drawings — Unlimited free mind maps, add 100 GB storage for $2 a month. Ugly. Hard to use. No FreeMind exports.
• Lucidchart — Free for up to three mind maps then $8 a month. Ugly. Hard to use. No FreeMind exports.
• Milanote — First 100 notes, images, or links are free, then $10 a month. Ugly. Hard to use. No FreeMind exports.
• Mind Map Maker — Unlimited free maps, ad supported. Ugly. Easy to use. No FreeMind exports. Can install as Google Drive app.  Another ad-supported version of the free MindMaps app , this one with a few more improvements.
• MindMeister  — Free for up to three mind maps then $5 a month. Pretty. Easy to use. FreeMind exports cost money. Can install as Google Drive app.
• MindMup — Unlimited free mind maps, upgrade gives you more storage for $3 a month — or completely free with Google Drive integration. Ugly. Easy. Has free FreeMind exports.
• Mindomo  — Free for up to three mind maps then $5 a month. Pretty. Easy to use. FreeMind exports cost money. Can install as Google Drive app.
• Stormboard — Free for up to five mind maps then $10 a month. Ugly. Hard. No FreeMind exports.

If you don’t care about FreeMind exports, Ayoa and Coggle are both pretty and easy to use, with Ayoa giving you five free maps instead of three, but Coggle’s premium plan costs just $5 a month, half that of Ayoa.

MindMeister and Mindomo are both pretty and easy to use and have FreeMind exports if you fork over some dough, and both have three free mind maps and a $5 a month paid plan.

But MindMup turned out to be my favorite. It’s uglier, but its easy to use, and when I installed it as a Google App I got unlimited free mind maps plus super easy integration with all my other Google Drive stuff. And I have a lot of stuff in Google Drive — I use Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Gmail, Google Calendar, probably other Google services I’m forgetting about, and I already pay extra for storage

If you’re a big Google platform user like me, you can go to your Google Drive home page, click on the gear icon at the top right, click on “Settings,” then “Manage Apps,” then “Connect more apps” then type “mind map” to get a list of apps that you install directly into Google Drive. Once installed, you can create a new mind map by going to your Google Drive home screen, clicking the “+ New” at the top left, hovering over the “more” on the menu, and selecting your mind map app. Once you create a new mind map, the file will appear in your Google Drive where you can organize it the way you would any other Google Drive file.

So let’s get started.

Brainstorming a crime with Ayoa

Ayoa is an online tool that’s free for up to five boards and $10 a month for the premium version for unlimited boards. So it meets my reasonable pricing criteria. Downsides include the fact that full integration with Google Drive, so that you can save your mind maps there, costs money. It also doesn’t support importing FreeMind or other open mind map standards.

I’m going to go through the steps of creating a mind map in detail with Ayoa, because it’s the first one that I’m using. Other platforms, for the most part, have a similar approach.

My books are a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery. The setting is a medieval world — but it’s virtual reality. The protagonist kind of has a magic power. And he solves crimes.

So let’s see if I can use an Ayoa mind map to come up with some ideas for a crime that my protagonist can solve.

First, you go to the free Aoya signup page .

I signed up for Ayoa using Google, so it only took a couple of clicks and I didn’t have to fill anything in. But you can also sign in with Facebook or Apple, or create a standalone account from scratch.

Then you can choose between creating white boards, task boards, or mind maps. I want the mind map.

There’s a few templates to choose from, but none of the pre-made ones seemed really appropriate so I went with “Create blank speed map.” Ayoa has a little guide that takes you through the process, in a pretty cute and easy way. Bonus points for Ayoa.

The nice thing about this tool is that as you add branches, it automatically rearranges everything to fit.

I was able to come up with five crimes off the top of my head — murder, rape, theft, blackmail and embezzlement.

Once you sign in — I signed up with Google — you have a choice of building whiteboards, mind maps, and task boards. Good to have other options, in case you decide you like Ayoa and want to use its whiteboards for story planning or if you plan to work with collaborators and want to create task boards.

I opted for the mind map.

Ayoa gives you a bunch of different templates to start with. I started with a blank speed map, but if I decide to stick with this app, I’ll probably check out some of the other options in the future, including the book review template.

The first time you create a new mindmap, Aoya guides you through the process, showing you how to add nodes and branches.

A node is any of the boxes or circles in a mind map. Branches and sub-branches are things that come off of it. A node might have a parent node that it’s connected to, a child node that connects to it, and sibling nodes which are other nodes connected to the same parent branch. You can hover over a node and click the green plus button that appears, or click on a node and hit enter to create a sibling node or a tab to create a child node.

This is the basic design principle that all the mind maps I’ve tested this week use. In fact, after I did a couple of these, I started skipping the guided tutorials because all the interfaces are basically the same.

Hitting “enter” to create a new sibling node and “tab” for a child node is very simple and intuitive and lets you build a mind map very quickly without thinking too much about the layout and design. Many of the apps on this list using the same system. Those that do make you click on a button to add a new node, or force you to drag a node icon from a menu bar. Both are annoying. If you’re a vendor reading this — please fix your interface so it’s consistent with industry standards.

Above, you can see my first mind map. I started out with just a few basic crimes — murder, blackmail, theft, rape, and embezzlement.

Yeah, that’s pretty weak. Well, that’s what Google is for.

After Googling around for different types of crimes, I added arson, counterfeiting, environmental crimes, data theft, bribery, and a few others. After a while, it was getting counterproductive. Did I really want my hero investigating violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act? Actually… maybe… in a later book… I might be able to turn that into something!

Now, the next step is to come up with examples of that crime that would work in my universe. For example, for murder, someone can be shot with an arrow, or stabbed, or trampled by a horse, or pushed off a roof. You can insert images and emojis, but you can’t add file attachments like Google Docs or Word files.

If the map gets too big to fit on your screen, use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out, or drag the map around.

If I were to use this for real to plan my book, I would keep going with detailed options for more of these. Probably not all of them — just whatever strikes my fancy — and keep going only until something rings a bell with me. Once I worked my way all the way out to the end of the mind map, I’d pick my favorite options and then add more branches, about how it would work out with different antagonists and different motives. For example, some of my potential antagonists might be too squeamish to stab someone in the back, or their motive might be strong enough for assault but not for murder.

You can change the mind map’s style at any time. there’s a “display options” button at the top left that lets you switch to dark mode, change the board type, change the style and colors of the nodes and arrows, and change the board’s background color.

Brainstorming crimes with Bubbl

In  Bubbl , the first three private boards are free, and after that it’s $5 per month. You can sign up by registering with the site directly, or with your Google or Facebook accounts. You can’t import any files, including FreeMind, and you can only save as images or text, no FreeMind exports. If you want to share your maps with others, you have to upgrade.

On the plus side, it’s a very simple app and easy to use and you can attach images — but if you want to attach more than one image per mind map, you’ll need to upgrade.

Overall, it’s simple to use but all the limitations mean it’s not one of my top choices for mind mapping platforms.

I also don’t like the way it looks.

Brainstorming things to steal with Canva

If you don’t know about Canva yet, you’re in for a treat. This is a fantastic tool to make social media banners, short story covers and book cover mockups. The book covers it comes up with aren’t good enough to sell, unless you’ve got maybe a specialized technical book, but they’re good enough to give you some personal inspiration, or for a temporary work-in-progress cover. And Canva is great for creating covers to illustrate short stories or blog posts.

And best of all, the free plan has unlimited documents. The only limit is the 5GB of cloud storage they give you. The paid plan, at $10 a month, gives you 100GB of storage. Canva also has downloadable apps for the PC, Mac, Android and iOS.

Canva also has mind maps .

The thing is, though, Canva is design software. It’s not actually mind mapping software. So the mind map templates it offers are more pretty than functional. So, for example, you can’t just click and add a tree branch to your mind map. You have to cut and paste an existing design element and drag it into the place you want it. It’s a little like using Miro for mind mapping, except that the design features are even more generic and less specific to flow charts. Plus, it doesn’t support the FreeMind open mind map standard.

I use Canva a lot for other types of designs, but I’m going to pass on using it for mind mapping.

Above, you can see a simple mind map of potential items to steal. Oh yeah, I’ve decided on theft as the crime. To create this mind map, I picked one of the mind map templates that Canva had and replaced their text with my own. If I want to add more items, I’d have to rearrange the whole mind map. I can click on each of the circles and move it around, or make it bigger or smaller, or change its color, and then I’d have to move all the other circles, and move all the lines, and it would be a big mess.

So Canva is great if you like the designs they offer and have the same number of items as their design has, but if you want a mind map that makes it easy to add new items and that readjusts itself automatically, Canva is not your bae.

Brainstorming crimes with ClickUp

ClickUp offers unlimited boards in the free plan, but a 100MB storage limit. For unlimited storage, it’s 5MB per month. But while ClickUp has a mind map tool that’s nice and interactive, the platform itself is more of a project management system with a lot of organizational features designed for corporate teams.

So while the pricing is good, and ClickUp is a good option if you plan to work on big projects with a lot of collaborators, it might be overkill for an individual writer.

The ClickUp mind map has only the minimum features — the sub-branches are easy to add and to change the text on but not to move around. Any node can be expanded to a full detail page or converted to a task for a team member to do. But it’s not particularly pretty. There’s no “undo” if you make a mistake. And you can only go two levels out. So, overall, not particularly practical for a good mind map. Plus, it doesn’t support the FreeMind open mind map standard.

Brainstorming motives with Cloud MindMap

I found Cloud MindMap in the Google Drive app store. I don’t even know if you can install it directly. The good thing about it is that it’s completely free. You just have to be tolerant of the ads on the side and bottom of the screen. It’s the ad-supported version of the free MindMaps app ., with some very basic improvements such as the Google Drive integration.

It’s easy to use, though extremely ugly. You can export as as image, and change the colors of the nodes and lines and do some basic text formatting, but not much else.

To create a new child node either click on an existing node and hit “tab” or mouse over an existing node, click on the red circle that appears and drag it over to where you want the new node to be. There doesn’t seem to be an easy way to create a sibling node.

At one point, I seem to have accidentally switched over into moving-things-around-but-no-typing mode. I saved the mind map to my Google Drive, closed it, opened it again, and I could edit the text on the nodes once more. This could just be a bug, since I couldn’t find any indication that it was a special mode. But given how little functionality a mind map app actually needs, it shouldn’t have a bug that a user would encounter after just a minute of use.

There are no templates, no themes, no design options to speak of.

Brainstorming motives with Coggle

With  Coggle , the first three private boards are free, and after that it’s $5 per month. But you can have an unlimited number of public boards. So this is an option if you don’t really care if people find and see your mind mapping boards. Plus, it supports the FreeMind open mind map standard in case you want to bring in mind maps from MindMup or other platforms.

Shift-enter creates a new sibling node, tab creates a new child node, shift-tab moves you to the parent node. You can drag nodes or entire branches around. And you can attach images, hyperlinks, or icons to each node. You can also zoom in and out and move the map around on your screen. It’s a very simple, sleek interface. If you’re looking for a mind map tool that makes it very easy to create mind maps, without a lot of bells and whistles, check this out.

Coggle makes it pretty quick and easy to create mind maps, but there’s no choice of templates or color themes. I’ve looked through their gallery of mind maps, and they all look generally the same, though some of them play around with different node arrangements, icons, or embedded images.

You can export as a PDF, image, Visio flowchart, or a FreeMind mind map so you can move the whole mind map to another platform. You can also drag FreeMind or text files onto the diagram to import them. That was actually pretty cool — I dragged a text file with a list of phrases on it and it automatically created a branch full of nodes, a new node for each line of text.

It also keeps a history so you can easily go back to previous versions of the map. It seems to save each change as a new version.

Brainstorming crimes with GitMind

GitMind offers unlimited mind maps on the free plan, but you need to upgrade, at $4 a month, to export more than once.

You can sign in with Twitter, Google, Facebook or register with the site directly.

The interface is simple and has all the basic functions mind map functions, including image attachments.

GitMind doesn’t support FreeMind imports. You can export as an image, PDF, text or GitMind export file. Each export costs two points, and you get two points when you start. To earn more free points, you can share GitMind on social media.

At first, due to the limitations and the limited templates, I didn’t think I was going to be using this one.

But I actually came back to GitMind for my next brainstorming task, creating a story outline. One thing I like is that you can click to hide all the subbranches, and click to expand them all again.

It’s also relatively easy to move things around. To take a node and all its children and attach them to another node, you just click on it and drag it over.

There are some minor annoyances, like not being able to resize the text boxes and automatically reflow the text. I had to do hard line breaks inside the text boxes to keep the text box from being a super-wide one-line box.

Brainstorming motives with  Google Drawings

Unlimited number of documents, integrates with all your other Google Docs. Has a feature where you can add comments to your text boxes. And once you make a mind map you like, you can save it as a template and use it over and over again.

However, while Google Drive has mobile apps for both Android and iOS that let you view the drawings, you can’t edit the drawings unless you open it in your smartphone’s web browser as a desktop site. Which is really difficult to use on a smartphone screen. Plus, it doesn’t support the FreeMind open mind map standard. And Google Drawings is a general design app, and not a particularly good one at that, so it’s missing the mind map functionality of being able to easily create child nodes and drag entire branches around.

I didn’t see any pre-made mind map templates in the Google template gallery, and couldn’t find many online, either. The drawing below was based on a template from Ditch That Textbook.

There are some pluses. First, it’s completely free. Second, if you’re already using Google Drive, it’s fully integrated with everything you’ve got. So, for example, if you have a spreadsheet where you track your writing projects, you can easily embed live links to the Google Drawing. You can also embed the drawing into a Google Doc word processing document, or into a slide deck, and sharing is simple.

I’m not going to be using it for mind maps. MindMup offers the same degree of Google Drive integration, with a better user interface.

Brainstorming a motive with Lucidchart

In addition to having a crime, I’ll need a motive. Time for another mind map. This time, I’ll use Lucidchart . The first three boards are free, and after that it’s $8 per month. But Lucidchart is a general-purpose charting app, so there might be a lot of features there that get in the way. Plus, it doesn’t support the FreeMind open mind map standard. And you can export as an image or as a Visio file, but not as a FreeMind file.

There are a lot of templates here, including more than 20 mind mapping templates, but only three of the mind maps are free. For the rest, you have to upgrade.

Lucidchart is primarily a chart creation tool. The kind of charts you might put in a presentation or a corporate report. So the nodes don’t resize automatically. Hitting enter or tab doesn’t create new nodes like in the dedicated mind mapping apps. There’s a lot of options for shapes and arrow types, so if you wanted to you can customize the look of your chart quite a bit. But the actual mind mapping isn’t particularly easy.

I’m not going to keep going with Lucidchart. All the design features are getting in the way for me, as is the lack of FreeMind imports or exports.

Brainstorming motives with  Milanote

In  Milanote , the first 100 notes, images or links are free, and after that it’s $10 per month.  Has Google and Apple sign-on options.

When you start out, it asks you what you do — I said writer — and then it takes you through to your first mind map in a very simple guided tutorial. Just a couple of clicks and I was there, plus in addition to mind maps it gave me a bunch of other writer-specific templates, including novel plan, character profile, story outline, and world building. Nice!

But, it doesn’t support the FreeMind open mind map standard.

And the interface isn’t as user-friendly as some of the other platforms. For example, to create a new node, you have to click on a blank area of the canvas — to deselect whatever node you were in before — then drag a “note” from the top left corner of the interface to where you want it. Then click on the node, and drag the little arrow icon in its top right corner to the parent node to create a line. Then click on the node to change its color using the icon bar at left, and click on the line to change its color, unless you want them to be the black and white defaults. Then type your text. Hitting “enter” or “tab” just adds lines and tabs inside the note — it doesn’t create new child or sibling nodes. And you can drag around a node — and all attached nodes follow — but the rest of the map doesn’t rearrange itself to move other nodes out of the way. So you can put nodes on top of nodes and make a mess.

You can add images, comments, hyperlinks, to-do lists or attachments, group cards into columns, or embed other boards inside your main board. You can also publish it to the Web, or embed it into a blog post or website.

You can export as a PDF, image, Word document, HTML, or plain text, but not in the FreeMind format that lets you easily move the mind map to other platforms.

It’s pretty easy to use, and the interface is nice and sleek, but it doesn’t make it as easy to add nodes as other platforms do. Also, you can’t click on the background to drag it around — you have to use the scroll bars at the bottom and on the right.

On the plus side, it does have other cool templates. Here’s one for a short story plot, that I used to outline my next short story.

I do like some of the functionality that Milanote has, and it can look really pretty. Am I willing to spend $10 a month on it? No, I don’t think so.

Brainstorming motives with Mind Map Maker

Mind Map Maker seems to be a clone of  Cloud MindMap , but with a couple more features. I also found it in the Google Drive app store. And like Cloud MindMap, it’s completely free and ad supported.

It has a website, but the home page looks like something created a decade ago as a hobby project.

It’s easy to use, though extremely ugly. But it has more features than Cloud MindMap. There are some additional formatting options, like borders around the nodes, and you can add images and attachments. The color picker is also much better, and there are more ways to save files.

To create a new child node either click on an existing node and hit “tab” or mouse over an existing node, click on the red circle that appears and drag it over to where you want the new node to be. Hitting “enter” twice adds a sibling node. You can drag branches around, but you can’t move a node from one branch to another.

When you create a new node, it doesn’t place it intelligently, and you can easily wind up with new nodes on top of each other that you then have to move around to see.

Again, there are no templates, no themes, no design options to speak of. I installed this app via Google Drive.

I actually decided to use this app — ads and all — as an embed in my novel writing database. Another feature of this app that seems to be unique is that the app makers offer unlimited free storage, if you don’t mind that it can be accessed by anyone with the URL. For example, here’s a quick story plot mind map .

Feel free to play around with it. If you do, and save it, it will create a new URL that only you will know — unless you share it, like I just did.

It doesn’t look like the images are saved in the free public save option, but they do get saved when I save it to my Google Drive account. I really like this app. It’s free. You quickly learn to ignore the ads. You can save locally, or to Google Drive. You can’t export as a FreeMind file or text file, and for future versions I’d like to see the creators add those options. Also, it’s hard to move a branch from one parent node to another. Right now, I just copy the whole branch and paste it where I want it, then delete the old one. It would be nice if they offered a feature where if you drag a branch on top of a new node it would disconnect from the old one and attach to the new one automatically. But those are pretty mild quibbles.

Brainstorming an antagonist with MindMeister 

So, I need a bad guy. Time for another mind map. This time, I’ll use MindMeister . The first three boards are free, and after that you have to upgrade to a premium plan, which is $5 per month.

The free version supports imports from the FreeMind open mind map standard in case you want to bring in mind maps from MindMup or other platforms. I tried it out and the import function works well.

It also lets you log in with Google and with Facebook single sign on. I logged in with Google.

You can add emojis, images and videos to each node, and attach longer notes, comments, tasks, and file attachments. The attachments can be files from your computer, or from Dropbox, Google Drive, or Evernote. You can drag nodes and branches around, change shapes and colors, font sizes.

If you don’t like the light blue theme, you can switch anytime to one of more than a dozen other color themes, or you can customize your own shapes and colors.

It saves previous versions that you can revert to. And, if you’re working in a team, you can create presentations from your mind maps, basically videos that show you building the mind map. It’s kind of cool, and if you worked for a corporation and you had a bunch of people working together creating mind map it shows who added what.

You can save your mind map to your computer or Google Drive as outline or as a MindMeister file. If you upgrade, you can also save as an image or PDF,  as a FreeMind file, as a MindManager file, or as an XMind file. The FreeMind export is particularly useful if you want to move your mind map to another mind mapping platform, but you have to pay to be able to do that.

It’s easy to use, has all the functionality I would need in a mind map tool. But the lack of FreeMind exports in the free version, and the limit to just three mind maps in the free plan makes it less appealing than some of the other on this list.

On the plus side, you can install it as a Google Drive app.

Brainstorming crimes with MindMup

MindMup has unlimited boards, as long as each one is under 100KB in size. For $3 a month, get boards of up to 100MB in size each, plus collaboration features and revision histories. Another difference is the free option only keeps your maps for six months, and the paid version keeps them indefinitely. But you can save your maps to Google Drive to avoid that limitation.

After playing around with this, I strongly recommend that if you plan to use the free version, start right out with the Google Drive option. I was literally not able to figure out how to save and reopen mind maps using the free option — it kept telling me to activate the premium account first. Which I didn’t want to do.

So, my recommendation is to follow this tutorial for setting up MindMup with Google Drive . It’s pretty quick and easy, and then basically it looks and feels like MindMap is just another Google app. Except you can’t open it  with the Google Drive app on your mobile device, not even to look at it. But. BUT. If you open Google Drive in your mobile browser, then the interface is fully functional! And we’re in business!

If you’re the only one working on a file, I also recommend turning on AutoSave in the File menu.

Now, to the interface. Adding, deleting and moving branches around is pretty easy. There’re buttons in the top menu bar for adding child branches or sibling branches, or you can double-click on a node and then hit “enter” to create a sibling branch. You can drag branches around, and all the child nodes come along for the ride.

You can also add images, notes, emojis, and attachments of all kinds. I created a MindMup mind map of more than 5GB by attaching files and images and MindMup didn’t tell me that I was going over the file size limits.

You can change the image thumbnail by going to Edit > Node Icon/Picture and changing the dimensions. The edit menu also lets you change the font on your nodes.

There’s also one unique feature I haven’t seen in other mind mapping apps — you can show or hide different levels. So, for example, you can show just the first layer of nodes, or the first two layers, or all the layers, or anything in between. So if you’re using this as an outlining tool, or a timeline tool, you can add or hide layers of detail. I like this very, very much.

Overall, this is one of my favorite mind map tools. The basic version gives me everything I want — unlimited file sizes, unlimited number of boards, easy sharing via Google Drive. Plus, Google Drives has a built-in revision history feature, in case you want to go to an earlier version of the map. And if you’re worried about MindMup going out of business — say, because it does such a bad job managing the free and the premium accounts — you can export all your maps in the open FreeMind standard, which is the most commonly used standard, and supported by MindMeister, Mindomo, Miro, MindNode, and Coggle.

I do wish it had better graphics for the nodes, but there are several themes you can switch between on the fly, and you can customize your own theme.

Brainstorming motives with Mindomo 

In  Mindomo , the first three boards are free, and after that it’s $5 per month. It supports the FreeMind open mind map standard in case you want to bring in mind maps from MindMup or other platforms.

You can sign up with Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Office 365, or Apple. I opted for Google. And you can import from a bunch of different file formats, including FreeMind, the most popular open mind map format, as well as Mindomo saved files — in case you run into your limit and save old ones to your computer — MindManger, Mindmeister, XMind, Bubbl, SimpleMind, iThoughts, and more.

You can create a couple of different types of charts, not just mind maps but also timelines, Gantt charts, business plans, break-even analyses, company org charts — lots of different business-friendly options. I went with mind maps, of which there are 40 templates to pick from.

The interface is easy. Click on a node then hit enter to create a new sibling node or tab to create a child node. You can move things around by dragging and dropping.

You can also switch the color themes at any time or customize your theme.

You can add notes to any node as well as images, attachments, videos, hyperlinks, and audio recordings.

I like the sleek, clean look of the interface. It really lets you focus on creating the mind map.

You can export as a text file or a Mindomo file. If you want to export to Excel, or a PDF, or Word, PowerPoint, image file, or FreeMind you have to upgrade to a paid version. And exporting to your computer is free, but exporting to Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive requires an upgrade.

I like the interface very much, but the lack of FreeMind exports is worrisome. And forcing people to upgrade to get an image export is just nickel-and-diming, since you can just do a screen save.

You can install Mindomo as a Google Drive app but it doesn’t increase the number of free mind maps you can have.

Let’s move on to the next app.

Brainstorming motives with  Stormboard

In Stormboard , the first five boards are free, and after that it’s $10 per month. It doesn’t support the FreeMind open mind map standard.

To sign up, you can create a new account, or log in with Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn or Facebook. As usual, I opted for Google and then picked the free personal plan.

The first annoying thing is that they invent new words for things. What is a “Storm”? Is a folder? A board? I decided to do their tutorial, and created a new storm, and chose the “Mind Mapping” template.

Then I clicked the green “add” button at the bottom to create a new node and typed in “Motives.” Now to add child nodes… can’t figure out how. Tab doesn’t work. I create a new node using the “add” button, but it’s not connected to the first node.

This seems to be more of a sticky-notes-on-a-whiteboard app than an actual mind map. Even though the preview of the template showed arrows. I searched the entire interface for how to add arrows and couldn’t find it. I clicked everywhere on the sticky notes. I clicked on the little arrows that show up on the sides, but they didn’t do anything.

Okay, I Googled how to do lines. It seems that those arrows on the sides do do something — you can click and drag to another node to connect them.

So the way this works is you create a new node, then you drag one of the arrows to another node to connect it.

This is too much of a pain to use. Also, I can’t figure out how to export a board. And it looks like you an import a spreadsheet but not a FreeMind file.

MindMup isn’t the prettiest of all the apps I’ve tried over the past few days, but I do like the fact that there seem to be no limits on how many maps I can have.

And I wound up going back to GitMind to do my plot outline.

But overall, I’d have to say that there’s no perfect mind map app.

The thing is, a mind map requires very minimal functionality. And, if you integrate with Google Drive and use Google Drive to save the files, it doesn’t even have to take up any of the app developers’ storage space. I think this is a great opportunity to do a Dropbox-style freemium app, where all the basic features are free and the interface is attractive and easy to use.

So far, I haven’t found one.

Am I missing any apps? Email me at [email protected] .

Edited by Melody Friedenthal

Maria Korolov

MetaStellar editor and publisher Maria Korolov is a science fiction novelist , writing stories set in a future virtual world. And, during the day, she is an award-winning freelance technology journalist who covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise virtual reality . See her Amazon author page here and follow her on Twitter , Facebook , or LinkedIn , and check out her latest videos on the Maria Korolov YouTube channel . Email her at [email protected] . She is also the editor and publisher of Hypergrid Business , one of the top global sites covering virtual reality.

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How to Use Mind Maps for an Effective Essay Writing

Edraw content team, do you want to learn more about using mind maps for an effective essay writing.

EdrawMind specializes in diagramming and visualizing. Learn from this article to know everything about How to Use Mind Maps for an Effective Essay Writing !

Being a student, writing an effective essay is a difficult task for you. But you can make it easy if you know how to use mind maps. Creating a mind map for essay writing helps you visualize the idea before writing it.

So, do you want to create mind maps? If yes, read this article explaining how to use mind maps for essays .

1. What Are Mind Maps for Essays

A mind map is a technique for centrally organizing thoughts on a particular concept. This visual thinking tool makes it easier to analyze, remember, understand, summarize, and develop new ideas by managing the data. Let us know by taking a mind map essay example . You want to write about your best friend, including his hobbies, details about his parents, and his likes and dislikes. Mind mapping would be the technique you will use to visualize the content going along in your 'best friend' essay.

Here are some benefits of using a mind map for writing an essay:

• The student can order the segments according to their subtopics.
• The student can refer to the mind map to see if they missed any important topics.
• If a student includes a mind map in an essay, it will help a reader to understand the issues quickly.
• The student makes sure they have all the necessary information before writing the essay by creating a mind map.
• Before an exam, a student can quickly review his mind maps for revision.

2. How to Prepare the Essay Using a Mind Map

Now that you know what a mind map is and how beneficial it is for essay writing. So, let's learn how to prepare an English essay mind map for essay writing .

2.1 Research the essay's topic

Finding a unique concept or a less popular subject is the first step in essay writing. If you choose to write about a topic for your essay that has already been discussed, it may be difficult for your research to take a real stand.

Instead, choosing an essay topic that interests you personally, or at least isn't too difficult for you to discuss, is advised. The process of writing an essay will be less tedious if you select a topic that is personal to you. To research the case of an article, do brainstorming.

To brainstorm, take a piece of paper and write down everything you know about a particular topic. Then, write your ideas by using keywords.

2.2 Planning the essay

One of the critical steps in writing an essay is research. Unfortunately, students often waste a lot of time simply attempting to put all the various pieces of information together. So, creating an essay planning mind map is essential so students can easily organize and collect their data.

Moreover, making notes in a mind map as you read each source (book, article, or essay) helps you retain the information. You could also use a single map where you list all your references and make branches for each page, paragraph, and quote you plan to use in your essay.

To organize the information from the brainstorming, decide on the main categories. Then, tie the additional information to those in the manner described below:

2.3 Outline and write the essay

The third step is to create an outline of your essay before you start writing it. It will help you to organize your arguments, counterarguments, examples, and sources in a logical order. A mind map makes it simple to review the outline and find the data one needs for their essay.

Whenever you find yourself getting off track while writing or when you are unsure of where to go next, you can quickly review this outline. Then, once outlining is done, start writing.

3. Mind Map Templates for Different Essays

There are different kinds of essays in academic writing. You can make a mind map as a student for various essays and then use these procedures to write the essay. Let's see 5 different types of essay outlines explained with mind maps. These essay mind map templates help you to write outstanding essays.

3.1 Argumentative Essay Mind Map

To write an argumentative essay, a student must be analytical. He must research a subject, gather information, come up with points, analyze the evidence gathered, and take a position.

So, use an argumentative essay mind map. By doing so, you will have different segments while outlining the essay's investigative and evaluative stages.

3.2 Comparative Essay Mind Map

Students write this type of essay when they need to highlight the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Writing this type of essay is a fantastic way to show those topics or concepts frequently misunderstood by one another. It is easy to see the differences and similarities between the two subjects in this essay by using a comparison essay mind map.

3.3 Research Essay Mind Map

A research essay is an essay that offers information on a specific subject that you have looked into and is unrelated to you. By doing research, you can find out more about the subject. The research outline mind map gives students a plan of action, especially at the beginning of the research. It can be applied as a critical thinking technique for problem-solving. Looking at this essay mind map template, you can easily concentrate on and comprehend the target ideas.

3.4 Thesis Statement Essay mind map

A thesis statement is a statement that summarizes the key idea of your essay. Usually, it follows your introduction. Your thesis will be slightly different depending on the type of essay you are writing. But the main point you want to make is always stated in the thesis statement. For this, follow the thesis statement essay mind maps. This essay mind map template is beneficial in deciding the best thesis statement for your essay.

3.5 Interpretive essay mind map

An interpretive essay is a form of writing that recognizes, assesses, and analyzes the author's methods in a specific work. This essay offers an interpretation of a previously published form of writing.

4. Tips for Essay Mind Maps

If you adhere to some tips for  mind maps for essays , writing essays can be enjoyable. So, here are some tips for essay mind maps that you must follow:

• Always place the topic you want to talk about in the middle of the mind map. 

You should save money to cover any unexpected financial needs.

• Use images, icons, and colors whenever you can. These serve as mental triggers and can help in your ability to generate fresh ideas.

Investing is essential for growing money so that you can achieve your goals.

• To write the ideas on to the branches, always use relevant keywords.

Financial security through insurance ensures that you and your family can get through difficult times.

• Draw lines to indicate cross-links between the information in different parts of a mind map.

5. Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed everything that you must know. So, if you want to save time and other resources, use mind map templates for different essays.

You can find these templates on EdrawMind . Unlike other software, this has an excellent user interface with straight forward drag-and-drop features. So what are you waiting for, then? Create a mind map for the essay right away by downloading EdrawMind.

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Mind Maps For Essay Writing (Guide + Examples)

In this article we’ll show you how to use mind maps for essay writing. Mind maps can not only make this often dreadful task a whole lot easier, but also save you a huge amount of time. If you want to learn how this simple yet effective technique works, just follow the steps as outlined below. What Is a Mind Map? A mind map is a diagram that displays information visually. You can create mind maps using pen and paper, or you can use an online mind mapping tool such as MindMeister. Write the subject in the center of your paper / canvas. Draw branches that point away from the center. Each branch symbolizes one thought or idea related to the subject. Use meaningful keywords to write these ideas onto the branches. From each branch more ideas can branch off. Use colors, icons and images whenever possible. These function as mental triggers and can help spark new ideas in you, which is important during brainstorming sessions. Now that you know how to create a basic mind map, let’s go over how you can use mind maps for essay writing.

If you have the opportunity to choose the topic for your paper yourself, try to find one that’s been covered by other researchers before, but still gives you a chance to come up with new findings and conclusions. If you choose a topic that has already been explored in depth by a gazillion other researchers, you might be hard pressed to develop a unique perspective. Ideally, the topic should be something you are also personally interested in, or at least something you can relate to in some way. This will make the whole task of writing your essay a little less dreadful. The best way to find such a topic is a brainstorming session. Create a new mind map and simply write “My Essay” or “My Paper” in the center of the map. Now, start adding ideas around the center. These can be things your professor suggested, related subjects you discussed in class, or anything else relevant to get you started.

Next, note down your own areas of interest and see where they intersect with the former. Once you have a few good ideas for the subject of your paper, you can start weighing them against each other, noting down pros and cons. Eliminate topics until you’re left with only one. This will be the topic of your paper. In the example below, the only requirement that had been given was to write a paper about literature from the English Renaissance. You’ll see various famous writers of this time mentioned in the map, as well as various aspects of their work that could be examined in a paper, such as the symbolism, dramatic conflicts or themes. While working through both primary and secondary sources, it’s quite easy to get confused about the numerous arguments and counterarguments. Many students get frustrated and waste a lot of time just trying to figure out how to make all the different pieces of information fit together into a coherent text. What you need, therefore, is a system to collect and structure all this information in one central place, so you can easily review the materials while you write.

Create a new mind map for each source (book, article, essay) you read and take notes in this mind map while you work through the text. Alternatively, you can use one single map where you list all your sources and create child topics for every page/paragraph/quote you want to use in your paper. In the map below, you’ll see that – based on our initial brainstorming session – we chose ‘Love in Romeo and Juliet’ as the topic of our paper. For our research map, we wrote this topic in the center and created individual branches for each source we read. Next to the book title, we noted down the topics covered in the source, its central question as well as important passages that we thought we might want to quote in our essay. Use colors, arrows and icons to indicate connections between the arguments and quotes. Be sure to add the page numbers to the topics in your map so you can quickly go back to do some more fact checking if necessary. If you’re working with online sources you can also attach their links directly to the topics in your map.

As you go along, you can restructure the sources according to topics, which usually provides a better overview of the material you have available for each section of your paper. Here’s another example of a research map. This is the map we used to take notes while reading Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the subject of our paper. As you can see, we created branches for each of the text passages we wanted to analyze in the essay. Before you start with the actual writing, it’s very important that you first create an outline of your paper. This will help you create a coherent structure of your arguments, counterarguments, examples, quotes, and the sources you want to reference in each argument. You can quickly review this outline whenever you get sidetracked in your writing process, or when you’re unsure about how to continue. A mind map is a great format for such an outline because it provides you with a visual overview of your thesis statement and the entire text structure. Link the individual topics in your map with the respective research maps you’ve created. Add notes and deadlines to each step to make sure your writing stays on schedule. Export your finished outline as a Word document and use it as the basis for your paper. Using mind maps to plan and outline your essay will not only make the writing process a lot easier, it will also enable you to work through sources more efficiently and help you find information more quickly. Of course, you can use mind mapping for all types of writing assignments – from essays to short stories and from book reports to blog posts.

How to create a Mind Map to write an Essay

Mind maps are a useful tool that facilitates the development of a coherent and well-organized essay centered on a specific theme. This stage is often referred to as the pre-writing or ideation stage, which involves generating a wide array of ideas, organizing them visually, and structuring them in preparation for the actual essay writing process. Mind maps offer a versatile approach to brainstorming, allowing writers to expand their thoughts and visualize complex relationships between concepts. By engaging in this preliminary phase of essay writing , one can develop a deeper understanding of the topic at hand, identify gaps in knowledge, and establish a solid foundation for crafting a compelling essay. Overall, the utilization of mind maps as a pre-writing strategy can significantly enhance the overall quality and coherence of written works.

Table of Contents

Using The Mind Map

The utilization of mind maps as a tool for enhancing cognitive performance has gained widespread recognition and popularity in recent years. One of the key benefits of mind maps is their ability to facilitate the development of connections between key ideas and concepts, allowing individuals to create a comprehensive overview of their chosen topic. Additionally, mind maps can be utilized to record important points and ideas presented in lectures, serving as a valuable reference tool for future use. Furthermore, the brainstorming process can be streamlined using mind maps, allowing writers to organize their thoughts and ideas into a structured format. This approach can also help writers to visualize their essay before beginning the actual essay writing process, ensuring a more coherent and cohesive final product. A further benefit of mind maps is that they offer a compact and accessible means of storing all relevant points and ideas in a single location. Ultimately, mind maps represent a powerful and versatile tool for collecting and organizing ideas, helping individuals to improve their essay writing and critical thinking skills. To create a mind map effectively, there are several essential steps that one should follow to maximize its potential.

1-Centralizing The Ideas

Creating a mind map is a valuable and effective technique for organizing one’s thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner. To begin this process, it is essential to start with a blank page and write the chosen topic in the center, ensuring that it is the focal point of the entire map. The centralization of the topic serves to promote clarity and coherence, preventing disunity and confusion throughout the rest of the map. To facilitate the creation of a comprehensive and well-structured mind map, it is recommended to use a page oriented in a horizontal direction. This approach allows for greater flexibility in organizing ideas and connecting them in a logical sequence. As the mind map evolves, the use of color and visual aids can further enhance its effectiveness and make it more engaging and memorable. By following these steps, one can create a visually appealing and informative mind map that serves as a valuable tool for organizing and presenting complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Overall, the use of mind maps can help individuals to improve their critical thinking skills, enhance their creativity, and promote a deeper understanding of their chosen topic.

2-Connecting The Dots

Once the central topic has been identified and placed in the center of the mind map, the next step is to generate a wide range of ideas that are relevant to the chosen topic. This process involves allowing the mind to freely associate with the topic, drawing upon existing knowledge and experiences. It is essential to record all of these ideas as they arise, without judgment or self-censorship, in order to create a comprehensive and varied list of potential points to include in the essay. Once the list of ideas has been generated, the next step is to connect these ideas to the central topic using lines, arrows, or bubbles, which can be color-coded to represent different themes or concepts. These visual connections serve to illustrate the relationships between ideas, highlighting key connections and reinforcing important concepts. It is important to note that the connections between the central topic and the various ideas generated during the brainstorming phase will form the basis for the essay’s paragraphs. By using mind maps in this way, writers can create a strong foundation for their essay, ensuring that it is well-organized, coherent, and focused. Additionally, the use of mind maps can help to stimulate creativity and generate new ideas, making it an essential tool for any writer looking to enhance their writing process.

3-Choosing Different Colors

When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, it is essential to present a range of opposing viewpoints and arguments. This can be a challenging task, particularly when trying to keep track of multiple viewpoints and arguments. One useful technique for managing this complexity is to use different colors in the mind map to represent different perspectives or opinions. For example, one could use blue to represent arguments in favor of a particular viewpoint and black to represent counter-arguments or opposing viewpoints. By doing so, writers can avoid confusion and ensure that they have a clear overview of all relevant arguments and perspectives. This approach not only facilitates the writing process but also ensures that the resulting essay is well-structured, coherent, and balanced. Moreover, the use of color-coding can help to stimulate creativity and encourage more nuanced and sophisticated arguments. By incorporating these techniques into the mind mapping process, writers can create a more effective and persuasive argumentative essay, improving the overall quality and impact of their work.

4-Marking The Ideas

Organizing the ideas and points generated during the mind mapping process is a critical step in crafting a well-written and coherent essay. Once a comprehensive list of relevant points has been created, it is essential to prioritize and arrange these points in a logical and meaningful way. To achieve this, it is recommended to mark each point in the order that it will be included in the essay, using numbers or other symbols to indicate its relative importance or relevance. This approach allows writers to establish a clear plan for structuring their essay writing and ensures that the most relevant and compelling points are given appropriate emphasis. By organizing their ideas in this way, writers can avoid confusion and repetition, and ensure that the overall flow of the essay is coherent and engaging. Moreover, the act of prioritizing and arranging points can help to stimulate creative thinking and generate new insights, leading to a more nuanced and sophisticated argument. Overall, the process of organizing and marking points is an essential step in the writing process, enabling writers to craft a compelling and well-structured essay that effectively communicates their ideas and arguments to their intended audience.

The use of mind maps is an effective tool for enhancing one’s writing abilities and promoting critical thinking skills. By creating a visual representation of the topic and related ideas, mind maps encourage writers to think creatively and make connections between different pieces of information. This can be especially helpful in developing arguments and counterarguments for essay writing, as writers can use the mind map to explore different perspectives and identify potential weaknesses or gaps in their arguments. Additionally, the process of creating a mind map can help to stimulate the imagination and generate new ideas, leading to more original and engaging writing. One of the key benefits of mind maps is that they provide a comprehensive overview of all relevant points and ideas, making it easier for writers to prepare and revise their work. By having all the key points mapped out in a clear and accessible way, writers can quickly identify any areas that need further development or refinement. Overall, the use of mind maps can be a valuable tool for writers of all levels, helping to develop creativity, critical thinking skills, and more effective writing practices.

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Mind Map for Writing: How a Mind Map Help You in Writing an Essay

A mind map helps in writing an essay, which is the fact that others still don't know about. You are probably reading this article because you want to know how a mind map helps a learner in writing, or perhaps you already know that it does, and just want to find out how to make a mind map effectively for you to create a persuasive essay. Whichever your reason is, we assure you that after reading this post, you will understand how a mind map could improve your writing skill, especially in making an essay.

In addition, you will not only have a profound understanding, but we will also show and help you how to plan an essay using a mind map. And so get ready to create essays wisely using a mind map anytime and anywhere, and let’s start it today.

Part 1. How Does a Mind Map Help in Writing?

Part 2. how to outline an essay in a mind map, part 3. bonus: how to create a mind map for essay writing, part 4. questions frequently ask about mind mapping.

To begin with, let us learn what does a mind map means. A mind map is a graphical illustration that depicts the gathered information regarding the subject matter. Furthermore, studies have discovered that the mind mapping in writing an essay , solving a problem, decision making, brainstorming, and organizing research is the most effective method for the students and other learners to increase their analytical and thinking skills.

After all, it is easier for the human brain to retain a piece of information presented photographically than via write-ups. In line with this, as mentioned previously, a mind map is the best aid in writing an essay, for it is the tool that shows the expanded and collaborated information of your topic. Believe it or not, a learner can come up with much more ideas and information by organizing his thoughts first through a mind map before writing them in paragraphs.

Suppose that you are about to write an essay about the iconic Harry Potter. Without using a mind map, how will you organize and develop a better and more precise piece of writing? Imagine your ideas are floating and couldn't decide where to allocate them. We hope you are getting it by now.

Moving forward, let us now learn the proper ways to outline an essay. Well, you know pretty well that the outline will be your guide or your roadmap in writing your essay, so it should be structured wisely. Therefore, let’s see the standard and the tips to consider in creating a mind map for writing an essay .

Essay Standard Outline

1. Introduction - An essay should have an introduction, and we are not just talking about a typical opening, but an attention-grabber one. This means that it should catch your reader's attention as soon as they read it. It is the most crucial part of the essay, aside from the title, for it will be the deciding factor of the readers if they will continue reading or just leave it behind.

2. Body - Of course, your essay needs to have the body. This part should have everything, especially the most important message you want your readers to acquire. Like creating a mind map for letter writing, the body includes your point of view, opinion, justification, and evidence about the subject.

3. Conclusion - This is the end part of your essay. Remember to always close your essay with a remarkable conclusion. It should be as brief as possible but contain the summarized points you tackled in the introduction and the body.

Using mind maps to develop writing

Mind maps can be used for a multitude of purposes. This article outlines how they can effectively be used to help support and develop students' writing skills.

• A mind map is ...
• The advantages of mind maps
• Choosing a topic
• Note making
• Organising mind maps
• Continuation

A mind map is ... A mind map, or spidergram, is a strategy for making notes on a topic, prior to writing. It is a structured strategy, which shows the (hierarchical) relationship of ideas, as opposed to an unstructured strategy, such as brainstorming, in which students produce notes at random on paper.

Having an organised display of information from the outset of the writing process may help some students, as it is more easily converted into a draft, whereas in brainstorming, the random recording of ideas might lead to problems with the structure of students' texts.

The advantages of mind maps Making a mind map should be a spontaneous pre-writing activity. Students start with a topic at the centre and then generate a web of ideas from that, developing and relating these ideas as their mind makes associations.

Mind maps work well as their visual design enables students to see the relationship between ideas, and encourages them to group certain ideas together as they proceed. Mind maps work especially well when created in groups, since the discussion this engenders aids the production of ideas, and makes the task livelier and more enjoyable.

How to make mind maps with your students Choosing a topic Traditionally, students are given a topic to write on by the teacher. However, with certain classes, students may prefer to nominate the topic themselves. This can lead to greater interest in the task on the part of the student, as well as, perhaps, greater knowledge of the topic under study.

The mind map strategy can be used to explore almost any topic, though discursive essays and narrative work particularly well as they front students' ideas and lend themselves to discussing ideas in groups.

I usually start by writing the topic on the board. In the last writing class I taught, with a group of upper-intermediate students, I chose a discursive essay with the title "Why do people start smoking?" I chose this genre as we had recently been looking at the language used to give reasons and explanations. The discursive text is useful in highlighting this feature of English, and in raising awareness of the noun phrase, a particularly tricky area for intermediate students.

Note making Once the topic has been introduced, I encourage my students to close their eyes and think about it for a minute or two, in silence. They then have two minutes in which to note down their ideas. If they do not know a word in English, they can write it in L1 at this stage, as dictionaries or too much teacher intervention tend to halt and inhibit the creative flow.

Then, working in groups, they can compare and discuss their ideas, perhaps adding to their mind maps as they go. This stage also provides the opportunity for peer teaching, as other students may be available to provide the English word for the idea that was noted down in L1.

Feedback The next stage, in which the teacher makes a collective mind map on the board, is optional, but is useful for students who are new to the idea of mind maps, or for weak classes. It is also in this feedback stage that any remaining language problems can be ironed out. As the teacher elicits students' ideas, and reformulates expressions or corrects, students will learn how to express their ideas in English. Such personalisation is said to aid vocabulary learning.

Download an example of the mind map at this stage 90k

The map is fluid and changeable, and new connections or subgroups can be made, or branches added, as the students make suggestions. The end result should be an organised display of information, showing the central topic, and a number of subtopics and further points that stem from it. Organising mind maps In the next stage the students organise their mind maps into a linear format to decide the best way in which to present their points. They should first think about the overall structure, i.e. the order in which to relay the information, and then focus on the precise function each paragraph will have in their final text, as this helps to clarify their writing. This can be done in groups, or as a class with the teacher leading the discussion.

However it is carried out, it is important to provide a context and audience. I told my class, who were writing about drugs, that they were writing for their college magazine. Having an audience in mind helps students to decide which ideas are most important, and also helps students to choose the appropriate style.

Writing Students should then begin to write their compositions, working in pairs if they wish. After two paragraphs, they should exchange their compositions, so they become readers of each other's work. This allows for feedback, and possible re-writing. Once they have finished, they should again exchange their texts. This gives their texts a communicative purpose, as well as developing an awareness of the fact that a writer is always producing something to be read by someone else, rather than for the display of writing alone.

Continuation Once students are familiar with the idea of making mind maps, they can be encouraged to use this skill for further writing activities. It is a useful technique and often improves the clarity and organisation of student texts.

Further Reading 'Process Writing' by Ron White and Valerie Arndt 'How to Teach Writing' by Jeremy Harmer 'Writing' by Tricia Hedge 'Discourse Analysis for Language Teachers' by Michael McCarthy

Vanessa Steele, British Council, Barcelona

the technique of using the…

the technique of using the mind map is used to organize students work

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Techniques like this will help our students plan and perform their writing tasks in a very productive way

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MindMap Gallery Writing Essay Mind Map Template

Writing Essay Mind Map Template

A basic essay consists of three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. However, a detailed essay is more organized and constitutes several important parts. An essay is a long form of content that illustrates one topic from several different angles, like opinions, agreement, disagreement, explanation, recommendations, and more. The following essay mind map template provides a basic layout for essay writing that would come in handy when you start curating the content for your next big assignment. Download this template from EdrawMind and start outlining your essay in a visual format before you go and write it. With EdrawMind, you can even take a printout of this essay writing mind map for offline knowledge retention.

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Narrative Essay Outline Example

Writing Essay

In my opinion

it seems to me that

as far as I am concerned

many people feel

resulting many people prefers

I agree with

I broadly agree that

There is some truth in

According to

I am in favor of

I disagree with

I differe with

From different point of view

People are mistaken when

Others think that

Recommendations/Conclusion

You have to take into account

you must consider

on the whole

I strongly recommend

Expressing Contrast

On the others hand

in contrast

nevertheless

furthermore

on the other hand

on the other part

on the contrary

Explaining Why

for this reason

as a result

there is due to

Introduction

it is hotty debated

as the so-called xxx

it is said that

there is no doubt