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How to Use Graphic Organizers to Write Better Essays

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If you’re a student, there’s no way around the inevitable: You’re going to have to write essays. Lots of essays. In fact, the five-paragraph essay is so fundamental to the high school curriculum that it’s still used on the ACTs, and knowing how to recognize the organizational structure of essays will help you score higher on the SATs.

Even though it seems like a chore, knowing how to organize and write an essay can have a lasting effect on your life, from getting into a better college to scoring a better job to performing better in that job long after your high school days are over.

Here’s a secret: Using graphic organizers for writing essays can help you write better essays faster. (And don’t count yourself out if you’re an educator—you can offer these tools to help your students succeed.) We’ll show you exactly how to do it.

Why use graphic organizers

When ACT graders or teachers are looking your essay, they’re looking for very specific criteria; essentially, they’re looking at how well you’ve organized your thoughts. Many students don’t take the time to outline their essay structure before writing, and that always means a lower score on a test and a lower grade on the essay in class.

Using a writing template can feel like an unnecessary step in an already complicated process. If you need extra motivation to implement these organizers into your writing routine, consider all of their benefits. Graphic organizers can help you:

• Save time by showing you where each piece of the essay “lives.”
• Have more productive brainstorming sessions, either by yourself or with a group.
• Make connections between ideas and create a more cohesive argument.
• Pinpoint holes in your arguments and either adjust the thesis or find supporting statements.
• Keep track of your research.
• Organize your thoughts and come to interesting, more compelling conclusions.
• Stay in the right direction when you feel lost in a sea of words.
• Manage anxiety by converting the fear of a blank assignment into an action plan with a clear map.

With all those benefits, it’s hard to ignore how useful and vital graphic organizers are to writing. And once you’ve become adept at organizing your thoughts for something like a school essay, you’ll find that skill carries with you throughout your life, whether you’re trying to become a more intelligent debater to negotiate prices. It goes beyond just the essay to becoming a better thinker. And it starts with a simple template.

We’ll walk you through several use cases for graphic organizers and provide templates for you to download and fill in when you’re ready to write.

Brainstorming graphic organizers

Brainstorming is important, not only to come up with ideas for topics but to determine what information you need to include in the essay once you’ve determined your topic. Though many think of brainstorming as just freeflow thinking, brainstorming is most productive when you work within specific parameters.

That’s why essay brainstorming graphic organizers are useful, whether you’re using one to brainstorm on your own or you’re working with a group.

In Lucidchart, our mind map shapes and templates double as brainstorming graphic organizers. Start with an essay prompt as your central shape and then fill in the shapes that branch off your prompt with topic ideas. Alternatively, you can add your selected topic to the center and start brainstorming the different ideas you need to cover in your paper.

When the template is filled in, you’ll have a clear starting point for your essay or research paper.

Research paper graphic organizers

Nothing paralyzes students with fear quite like a research paper. These long-form papers require—as the name implies—quite a bit of research, and their purpose is to teach students how to look for valid sources to support their arguments.

But keeping track of all those sources and tying them into your argument can be tricky. That’s where a research paper graphic organizer can be a student’s greatest ally.

This template lays out the writing process itself. After you come up with a general topic, like “the disappearance of honey bees,” fill in the “Research Paper Topic” box.

Then, start looking for reputable sources (Wikipedia doesn’t count) and use the five sources boxes to hold the most relevant quotes and statistics you find. Using those quotes and statistics, you can then fill out a thesis statement that is supported by the research.

Then, you’ll be able to focus your paragraphs on a single topic each that supports the thesis statement and your overarching argument. After you’ve filled out the template, the backbone of the research paper is complete: All that’s left to do is fill in the spaces between sources and arguments.

5-paragraph essay graphic organizer

When it comes to writing the five-paragraph essay, writing diagrams are key. By using graphic organizers for writing, you’re no longer staring at a giant blank piece of paper with no idea how or where to begin. Your graphic organizer is your map.

Although using writing diagrams may seem time-consuming, the fact is that taking the time to fill a graphic organizer in before writing actually saves time. If there’s a problem with the argument, it will show up on the diagram, or if there’s not enough evidence to support your argument, you’ll know before you’ve wasted time writing the paper. And, as we said before, even if your writing is terrible, if your argument is sound, you’ll still score a decent grade.

Try this 5-paragraph essay template to get you started.

Don’t feel pressured to come up with a compelling title right away. Instead, it’s more important that you come up with a thesis statement that can be supported by three solid arguments. Fill in that thesis statement and your arguments. Then, for each argument, figure out three supporting details to support your case.

That’s it! You’ve got the most essential parts of your 5-paragraph essay completed.

Now, come up with an introduction that sets the stage for your argument and a conclusion that wraps up and restates your thesis and supporting arguments in a compelling way. Now you have a solid plan for your paper and can approach it with confidence.

If you’d like a more linear graphic that exactly follows the structure of the 5-paragraph, use the writing template below and follow the same process.

Visuals, such as graphic organizers for writing, can help you better understand concepts, think creatively, and collaborate with your classmates—and there are plenty of other templates where these came from.

Lucidchart offers hundreds of templates to help you through your studies, including timelines, Venn diagrams, word maps, and more. Sign up for Lucidchart and upgrade to an Educational account for free.

Resources for teachers

Providing graphic resources to students is essential; after all, many of your students will be visual learners, so while you may beautifully explain how the process works, there will be some who won’t understand until they see a template of the essay itself.

Lucidchart has many resources for teachers, from lesson plans to writing templates. While you’re teaching your students how to write essays or research papers, it’s useful to print out the templates and fill them out together (even using a completed template as a separate assignment with a separate grade) so that your students can get a feel for properly filling out graphic organizers before attempting it on their own.

About Lucidchart

Lucidchart, a cloud-based intelligent diagramming application, is a core component of Lucid Software's Visual Collaboration Suite. This intuitive, cloud-based solution empowers teams to collaborate in real-time to build flowcharts, mockups, UML diagrams, customer journey maps, and more. Lucidchart propels teams forward to build the future faster. Lucid is proud to serve top businesses around the world, including customers such as Google, GE, and NBC Universal, and 99% of the Fortune 500. Lucid partners with industry leaders, including Google, Atlassian, and Microsoft. Since its founding, Lucid has received numerous awards for its products, business, and workplace culture. For more information, visit lucidchart.com.

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Check out how Annika, a recent English graduate of the University of Michigan, used mind mapping in Lucidchart to develop her honors thesis.

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15 Graphic Organizers and How They Help Visualize Ideas

Written by: Orana Velarde

In this guide, you will find 15 different types of graphic organizers:

• Type #1: Circle Map Graphic Organizer
• Type #2: Spider Map Graphic Organizer
• Type #3: Idea Wheel Graphic Organizer
• Type #4: Idea Web Graphic Organizer
• Type #5: Concept Map Graphic Organizer
• Type #6: Venn Diagram Graphic Organizer
• Type #7: Tree Chart Graphic Organizer
• Type #8: Organizational Chart Graphic Organizer
• Type #9: Sequence of Events Chain Graphic Organizer
• Type #10: Cause and Effect Map Graphic Organizer
• Type #11: Brace Map Graphic Organizer
• Type #12: Analogy Graphic Organizer
• Type #13: T-Chart Graphic Organizer
• Type #14: Timeline Chart Graphic Organizer
• Type #15: Storyboard Graphic Organizer

Choose the type of organizer that you want from the navigation above or scroll down to see each of the different types included, one by one.

1 Circle Map Graphic Organizer

The purpose of the circle map is to brainstorm an idea or topic using related information.

A circle map consists of a large circle with another circle inside, where the main topic or idea takes center stage. Surrounding it is the larger circle where corresponding ideas flow.

As the second circle fills up, connections and definitions grow organically and visually. In the second circle, any type of wording can define the main idea; nouns, adjectives or even phrases.

Preschoolers can also use the circle map to learn simple concepts like colors and shapes.

For example, the triangle shape. The word "triangle" goes in the center, and surrounding it are things that have a triangle shape. The outer circle can even include how a triangle makes them feel.

Circle maps are great for brainstorming the very beginning of an idea . You can use it on a whiteboard for a group brainstorm session. With the help of a circle map, great ideas can begin to take shape, and eventually become complete and complex plans.

You can also use a circle map to get the ball rolling with a newly created team!

If the team members don’t know each other very well, a circle map exercise can break the ice and get them to open up about their ideas. Use the interior circle to ask, “What do we want to achieve with this project?” and watch the interaction flourish.

2 Spider Map Graphic Organizer

The spider map's purpose is to define a main topic with specific descriptive connections.

In this instance, the center circle stems off to other circles which surround it, creating a visual image of a spider. Each connected leg and circle will include a defining adjective or phrase.

The difference between a circle map and a spider map is that the circle map is more suited for a brainstorming stage, while the spider map is better for defining a topic in detail.

In schools, the spider map makes a regular appearance in science classrooms. Students learn to define new lessons visually, by defining the main topic with a spider map.

For example, consider the subject of animal families. The center circle is mammals and the surrounding circles represent characteristics like give birth, live young, have fur, etc.

In a marketing setting, you can use a spider map to define an audience persona.

In the middle circle, we state the general idea of the persona, such as "a multiracial millennial male." In the surrounding circles, we add defining adjectives like works for himself, lives in the city, considers his friends his family, and more.

Another use for a spider map is for goal setting. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to figure out a set of goals in a timeframe, like the spider map example above on yearly goals.

The other idea is to map out why you want to complete a certain goal.

For example, "Why do I need a new website?" can go in the center. The surrounding circles can include things like the design is boring and dated or the UX is not working very well. This can then help sort out the exact things that you need to change on your website!

3 Idea Wheel Graphic Organizer

The idea wheel is like a mixture of the circle map and the spider map.

This graphic organizer works for brainstorming and organizing ideas at the same time. The center of the chart holds the main topic which is being studied and around it there can be other circles or shapes, a sectioned larger circle or connected bubbles.

The purpose of an idea wheel is to organize information hierarchically or as a sequence.

Thoughts are added around the main idea in specific sections, and then explained inside the same circle or with a shape stemming out.

Idea wheels are good for freestyle brainstorming and organizing information about a topic. It helps with taking notes while doing research or getting an idea of the bigger picture.

4 Idea Web Graphic Organizer

The idea web graphic organizer is a combination of two spider maps. It's basically a comparison organizer that defines differences and similarities between topics.

In an idea web, the two central circles contain the main ideas. Stemming out from both are circles of two types. In the two first stemmed circles are the shared similarities. Towards the sides are the circles that define the differences.

This type of organizer is perfect for situations in which concepts or ideas need a visual comparison. School students use idea webs for courses like Language Arts. They compare characters, situations and parts of the story, making it all easier to grasp.

Another situation in which an idea map could come in handy is when making decisions. If you have to choose between two solutions to a problem, an idea web can help you make a final decision.

By comparing and contrasting visually, the option becomes more clear. In the same way, an idea web can be a slide inside a presentation . It can show a comparison between concepts.

Idea webs can also work really well as infographics. The layout of the circles doesn’t need to follow a strict grid. Get creative with organizing the circles as long as they're still understandable.

5 Concept Map Graphic Organizer

Very similar to an idea web is the concept map . This type of graphic organizer can analyze one single topic instead of two or more topics at once.

A concept map and an idea web look very similar with circles stemming out from the center. The difference is that an idea web is for comparing while a concept map is for brainstorming and organizing .

Concept maps sometimes stem out in so many directions that they end up looking really complicated. These types of graphic organizers are good for many stages of content production. From the messy brainstorm stage to the more structured hierarchical organization.

This type of organizational chart usually ends up very large and complex. It's more suited for personal use than for an infographic or presentation. Although, a concept map is sometimes used for data visualizations that show connections between topics.

6 Venn Diagram Graphic Organizer

Venn Diagram organizers are similar to idea webs, but the visual difference is that the circles or sections overlap each other instead of being connected with lines.

Venn Diagrams are great for helping to find similarities and differences between concepts.

The similarities in a Venn diagram are placed in the union between two or more circles, while the differences are placed where the previous circles don’t meet.

Venn diagrams can become quite complex with many circles (or other shapes) overlapping in different areas, showing comparisons and differences between lots of different things.

Another great use for a Venn diagram is to show how one topic can include many different things to define it and how some of these can even be compared to each other, like in the example below.

If you want to create your own Venn diagram, you can find some practical and easily customizable Venn diagram templates inside Visme. Just pick one and start editing.

7 Tree Chart Graphic Organizer

When it's time to classify and organize information, the tree chart can be of great help. Visually, the tree chart resembles a real tree, and some people even associate it with a family tree.

The topmost section is the main title or topic, below that are the qualifiers or subtopics. Below the subtopics, the relevant information forms a list.

Create your own graphic organizer with this drag-and-drop tool!

• Choose from dozens of professionally designed templates
• Add shapes, icons, data widgets, animations, links and more
• Customize anything to fit your content and design needs

Tree charts can be used in nearly every industry, especially in education. In an elementary school setting, they can help classify concepts, such as animal families or types of sentences.

A tree chart can be used as a visual outline for any type of written project like an essay or blog post. The title and introduction are placed at the top and the paragraphs branch out underneath.

A practical way of using a tree chart is to organize tasks for a large project. The name of the project goes at the top and each team is a subtopic below. Further below are the names of the team members and their relevant tasks.

8 Organizational Chart Graphic Organizer

Although it looks similar to a tree chart, an organizational chart has a different purpose.

A tree chart separates information into sections that stem from each other as classification, while an organizational chart is more about hierarchy.

The most common use for an organizational chart is for internal company purposes. It can help visually organize the positions of the founders and everyone who comes after.

The sections at the top of the chart are for the CEO, CFO, etc. Below them are the managers and so on in hierarchical order. The same system can be used to visualize a team inside a company.

Visme has some great templates for organizational charts that you can easily customize for your own company or project. You can also create one from scratch using the drag-and-drop editor.

Check out this video on how to make an organizational chart in Visme.

9 Sequence of Events Chain Graphic Organizer

A sequence of events chain is pretty much the same as a flowchart. This type of graphic organizer is a visual representation of a process, progression or set of instructions.

The main topic of a sequence of events chain is labeled outside of the map in the rectangle that surrounds it. Connected shapes form the steps in the progression or explanation of the chain. Some shapes can also have an extra one connected to it to describe that particular step.

We see sequence of events chains all the time in infographics about the growth of a startup or a topic’s progress of change. Here at Visme, we used a sequence of events chain to show how our graphics editor improved in 2017 with new feature updates.

Recipes also look great as sequence of events chains. Start at the beginning with the ingredients and then add the step-by-step process of the recipe, filling in each consecutive shape.

Sequence of events chains, just like idea webs, can be quite creative in their design. You can include illustrations, shapes, colors and even animations to make them more interesting.

10 Cause and Effect Map Graphic Organizer

The cause and effect map helps to figure out the causes and effects of certain events. The way to use it is to start with a main event, which fills the main central section of the map.

From the main section, other connected shapes stem out to the left and right. The shapes to the left represent the causes that helped the event happen. The shapes to the right are the effects of the chosen event. In some occasions, an effect can also become a cause, creating a feedback loop.

This graphic organizer can help to show the ways in which something is achieved by using the causes functionality. For example, "Be more productive" can be the main event. Some of the causes on each side could be spending less time on social media, or using a calendar or timer.

Another way to use a cause and effect map is to predict the outcome of a certain event.

For example, "Move the office to a bigger place downtown" can be the main event. To predict possible effects, connect shapes to the right of the main event and fill them in. Some of the resulting effects could be that it would be a longer commute, or we would be closer to networking events.

The cause and effect map can also be combined with a sequence of events chain. This way you can create a progression towards a cause, or a succession of events after an effect.

You could make a combined cause and effect map with a sequence of events chains for flipping a house. The main event would be "Flipping a House." The causes could include looking for a new investment, buying an old house or seeing a great opportunity to invest.

The cause and effect map is one of the most versatile of all graphic organizers.

11 Brace Map Graphic Organizer

A brace map helps analyze the parts of a whole and the relationship between them.

Visually, a brace map looks like a sideways tree chart. The difference is that a brace map spreads out into all the parts of the original whole. The tree chart, on the other hand, is more conceptual and used for organizing rather than separating concepts.

This type of organizer must include a real object or situation as the initial premise. Concepts and ideas are not what brace maps are for.

Math teachers use brace maps to help their students understand the parts that make up large numbers. By separating whole numbers into smaller parts, students can see how a number works visually. When it's time to add or subtract, students can use the knowledge learned through brace maps and feel confident about their conclusions.

For example, the number 563. The number is the initial object and to the right of it is a bracket. Inside the bracket are the parts of the number; 500, 60 and 3.

The number can be further separated by adding a brace next to each part. The parts of 500 are 100, 100, 100, 100 and 100. The parts of 60 are 30 and 30. The parts of 3 are 1, 1 and 1. Reading the brace map from right to left, all the parts add to the original whole, 563.

Outside of an academic setting, brace maps can help visualize the creation of a website. The initial object can be the website as a whole. To the right of it, a brace opens to reveal the main parts, in this case, the website's pages. Each page then opens a new brace which reveals everything that should be inside that page. A brace map can extend sideways until all the parts have been identified.

Another great use for a brace map is for workplace organization. A beautifully designed brace map can be made into a poster showing all the sections of a startup office, including who works where and where to find them. Or for a premier co-working space that houses all sorts of enterprises. A fun brace map can be used as an outline to show everyone how they can network with each other.

12 Analogy Graphic Organizer

A more unique example of a graphic organizer is the analogy organizer. This is an organizer used to find similarities between things and create analogies. In a few words, an analogy is a comparison of two things by showing their similarities.

This is how an analogy works:

Superman has the power of flight as Spiderman has the power of web-slinging.

We are comparing Superman to Spiderman by using what they have in common, a superpower.

For children, creating analogies is an important part of language development. Analogy organizers make it easier for them to internalize this knowledge.

An analogy organizer can be used to create a narrative style for a piece of written work. By using the main words in an idea and creating analogies with them, it can make content more appealing. From business proposals to informative blog posts, analogies can add a personal touch.

Another use of the analogy organizer is for a training session of a new team member. With the use of analogies, the training can be more fun than just a bunch of information they need to learn.

13 T-Chart Graphic Organizer

A T-Chart is a simple, but quite versatile organizational chart.

It's used mainly for comparing two topics . The most common use for a T-Chart is to compare the pros and cons of a decision that needs to be made. For example, what are the pros and cons of revamping your website ? Seeing it all mapped out can help you make the right decision.

Other visual uses for this type of organizational chart is to compare two things through their differences. T-Charts are not for finding similarities between things.

Visually, a T-Chart has a large heading at the top with the title and two columns side by side that are filled in with information according to each topic. It visually resembles the letter T. The information can be organized as a list with text or with images to support visually.

14 Timeline Chart Graphic Organizer

A timeline chart is a long line representing a span of time. All along the line, connected shapes stem out depicting events happening on certain dates. The events are organized in chronological order.

The main line that depicts a span of time can be visualized horizontally, vertically or as a freeform shape. A timeline chart can sometimes look like a sequence of events chain.

The difference between the two is that a timeline chart visually depicts the dates of things that have happened while a sequence of events chain is timeless.

This particular organizational chart is a good visualization tool for the classroom . It can be used for history projects and a better understanding of historical events.

15 Storyboard Graphic Organizer

The last organizational chart in this list is the storyboard. A storyboard visually looks like a simple comic strip . The purpose of a storyboard is to visualize a story with images .

Image Source

A common use for a storyboard is for video and film production. Each square in the storyboard can represent one scene in the film.

Another use for a storyboard is for UX designers to create customer personas and possible situations in which the website, app or product is used. Storyboards are also used in schools to teach sequencing and cause and effect in stories and fables.

A storyboard doesn’t need to be a static page with squares, it can also be cut into sections and used for creative writing organization. Writers can sketch the scenes in their story and organize the visual squares in any order until they are happy with the final outcome.

Create Your Own Graphic Organizer

As you can see, graphic organizers are a rich resource when it comes to creative analytical thinking processes. They help us visualize even the most complex ideas and make them tangible.

Sometimes, when we take on a new project, it can feel daunting and enormous. By using graphic organizers, we can relieve our brains of excessive thought work.

You can easily create most of the graphic organizers mentioned above in Visme with little or no design knowledge. Our library is full of professionally designed templates that you can use by simply plugging in your content, changing the colors, adding new shapes and more.

For example, it will take just a few minutes to create an idea web by adding circle shapes, lines and text. You can customize the colors, add background images and even animation and interactivity to make your graphic organizer more engaging.

Sign up for a free account and take Visme for a test drive.

How do you plan to use a graphic organizer? Which one is your favorite? Let us know your feedback, suggestions and questions in the comments section below.

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About the Author

Orana is a multi-faceted creative. She is a content writer, artist, and designer. She travels the world with her family and is currently in Istanbul. Find out more about her work at oranavelarde.com

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Using Graphic Organizers Correctly

It’s much more important for a student to practice writing — the only way to build writing fluency — than to fill in a graphic organizer completely or perfectly.

What is a graphic organizer? A graphic organizer is a visual display or chart that shows the relationship between ideas, facts, and information. 

It can allow a third-grade student, for example, to chart out chronologically a summer vacation by writing specific information in each box in a connected series. Another graphic organizer might have three columns and require a seventh-grade student in a world history class to list the causes of WWII. Those causes are listed in the far left column, then, the middle column asks for effects, while the far right column requires the student to write in evidence or a source to accompany each cause and related effect.

A Pre-Writing Tool

Teachers carefully select a graphic organizer after deciding what type of writing they want their students to engage in -- narrative, argumentative, or informational. They then select specific skills for development in that type of writing. In a narrative writing assignment, does the teacher wish the child to develop sequential writing, or perhaps the focus will be on description and details? Determining this will help a teacher select the appropriate graphic organizer.

The ultimate purpose of utilizing a graphic organizer as a tool is to prepare students for writing. Simply put, a graphic organizer assists a student with thinking and is a pre-writing tool --  not the end product. Some young writers may need this thinking tool more than others. That said, a writer in your classroom might want to skip using a graphic organizer and be ready to dive into the writing. Let her.

Teachers need to remember they are not developing charters of information, but they are developing writers . The only way to build fluency in writing is to write.

Improve Writing by Writing

As I’ve seen in my many classroom observations, we teachers can get caught up with treating the graphic organizer as The Assignment , especially with struggling students. At some point, with learners who are struggling, we need to stop encouraging them to finish filling in those boxes or columns on the graphic organizer and move into what matters: the writing.

It’s much more important for a student to practice writing -- the only way to build writing fluency -- and stumble through stringing thoughts together this way than to fill in a graphic organizer completely or perfectly.

Lastly, grade only the writing and not the graphic organizer. This will help keep the focus where it really matters: on our students as writers.

What are your experiences with using graphic organizers in your classroom? What suggestions or tips can you offer, especially for novice teachers? Please share in the comments section below.

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How to Make a Graphic Organizer

Last Updated: February 15, 2022

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 91,643 times. Learn more...

Graphic organizers are tools utilized to help understand information. They are commonly used in schools to teach concepts. Graphic organizers help compare and contrast, summarize information, build timelines, and show relationships. There are a few common graphic organizers that are more general and more widely used.

Making a Venn Diagram

• Using a compass to help you draw the circle will make sure that it is evenly sized and neat. If using a compass, gently hold both legs of the compass to avoid having the pencil end push out, enlarging your circle and making it uneven.
• Draw the circle to one side, not in the middle.

• Keep your compass at the same setting so that your two circles are the same size.

Making a T-Chart

• It does not matter if your paper is vertical or horizontal; it is your preference based on how much room you would like to have for writing from side-to-side.

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• There is no column or space to write what the two things have in common, like in the Venn diagram above. You will simply list how the two things differ from one another.
• For example, you might list how the United States is different from Australia. Under the “United States” heading, you would list information such as population size, number of states, the Constitution, and other pertinent information. Then, under the “Australia” heading, you would list the corresponding information about Australia.

Making a Flow Chart

• Write the numbers in one of the corners of the boxes, such as the top left corner. You can put an additional small box around the numbers to separate them from the text that will be written in them.

• Again, you can draw small boxes around the numbers to separate them from the text that will be written inside them.
• Write the numbers in the same corner that you chose for the top row so that the chart is consistent.
• The top row should read “1” to “3” from left to right, and the bottom row should read “4” to “6” from right to left.

• Plot events in a story, such as the events leading up to the climax
• How to do something, in the order of “First, you do this...” and “Next, you do that...”
• Significant events in a war or historical moment, like the major events of the American Revolution that led to its conclusion

Making a Summary Chart

• You can draw your rectangle just inside the edges of the paper, so that it is almost the same size as the paper. This will allow you to have nice, large boxes in which to write summary information from a story, book, textbook, or other reading passage.
• Use a ruler to help you make the rectangle so that the edges are straight.

• For example, if your paper is vertical, then 11” divided by 5 equals 2.2” (or approximately 2 ¼”) for the height of your rows. If your paper is horizontal, then 8.5” divided by 5 equals 1.7” (or approximately 1 2/3”) for the height of each row.

• Then, you need to turn your ruler horizontally, so that it is parallel with the top of the large rectangle, and draw a line across the width of your rectangle. It should be perpendicular to the sides of the rectangle.

• You now have two of the five rows that you need for your summary chart.

• This last line separates row 4 and row 5. You should now have five same-sized rows across the width of your rectangle.
• Do your best to measure each row to the correct size with your ruler.

• For example, next to “Who,” you will write the person, people, or characters who are involved. Then, next to “Where,” you would write the setting of the story or where the article takes place. After that, you would answer “When” by writing the date or time period. Next, you can answer “What” by describing what happened, like a major plot event or the topic of a news article. Lastly, you will answer “Why” by explaining why that event happened, according to the details given in the story, article, et cetera.

Making a Cycle Organizer

• Use a ruler to help you draw straight, even lines.

• Draw another box of the same dimensions (i.e. 3 inches square) in this new location.
• This box should sit just to the right and down a bit from the first box, as if it is a step leading up to the first box.

• This box should also be just offset from the left side of the first box, also like a step leading up to the first box. Together, the three boxes should resemble a pyramid shape.

• The three boxes should now be connected in a “circle” by the three curved arrows between them. All arrows of the circle should point in a clockwise direction.

• Water cycle
• Human body cycles (e.g. circadian rhythm)
• Animal migrations
• Solar system cycles [1] X Research source

Community Q&A

• Have a purpose in mind for your graphic organizer before creating it. Each type of graphic organizer is used for a specific purpose, so be sure that you draw the correct one for what you need to analyze or learn. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Effective essay writing graphic organizers to enhance your academic writing skills.

Are you looking for ways to enhance your essay writing skills? Do you struggle to organize your thoughts and ideas effectively? Utilizing graphic organizers can be the key to improving your writing process and producing more cohesive and structured essays.

Graphic organizers are visual tools that help writers brainstorm, plan, and organize their writing. They provide a visual representation of the relationships between ideas, making it easier to see the big picture and the flow of your essay. By using graphic organizers, you can break down complex topics into manageable chunks and create a roadmap for your writing.

Whether you’re a student working on academic essays or a professional writer crafting articles, utilizing graphic organizers can make a significant difference in the clarity and coherence of your writing. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using graphic organizers, discuss different types of organizers, and provide tips on how to effectively incorporate them into your writing process.

Master the Basics

Before delving into the complexities of essay writing, it is crucial to master the basics. Understanding the fundamental elements of an essay, such as the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, is essential for crafting a coherent and compelling piece of writing.

• Start with a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states your main argument.
• Develop your ideas in the body paragraphs with supporting evidence and analysis.
• Conclude your essay by summarizing your key points and reinforcing your main thesis.

By mastering these basic components of essay writing, you can better structure your ideas and effectively communicate your thoughts to your audience.

Understanding the Essay Structure

When it comes to writing an effective essay, understanding the structure is crucial. An essay typically consists of three main parts: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Introduction: This is where you grab the reader’s attention and provide a brief overview of what your essay will be about. The introduction should also include a thesis statement, which is the main point or argument of your essay.

Body paragraphs: The body of your essay is where you develop your argument and provide supporting evidence. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and include detailed explanations and examples to support your thesis.

Conclusion: The conclusion is where you wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis. It’s also a good place to leave the reader with a thought-provoking idea or call to action.

By understanding and utilizing this basic essay structure, you can ensure that your writing is clear, organized, and effective.

Choose the Right Organizer

When it comes to effective essay writing, choosing the right graphic organizer can make a significant difference in organizing your thoughts and boosting your writing skills. There are various types of organizers to choose from, such as the outline, Venn diagram, flowchart, concept map, and more. It’s essential to select an organizer that best fits the structure of your essay and helps you clearly outline your ideas.

Outlining: If you prefer a straightforward approach, an outline organizer can help you create a clear and organized structure for your essay. Use headings and subheadings to categorize your main points and supporting details.

Venn Diagram: A Venn diagram can be useful when comparing and contrasting ideas or topics. It allows you to visually represent the similarities and differences between two or more concepts.

Flowchart: For essays with a sequential flow of ideas, a flowchart organizer is ideal. Create a visual representation of the sequence of events or steps in your essay to ensure a logical progression of ideas.

Concept Map: If you want to explore the relationships between different concepts in your essay, a concept map can help you visualize the connections between ideas and brainstorm new insights.

Choosing the right organizer is crucial to effectively structure your essay and enhance your writing skills. Experiment with different types of organizers to find the one that best suits your writing style and helps you convey your ideas clearly and cohesively.

Selecting the Best Graphic Tool

When choosing a graphic organizer tool for your essay writing process, it is essential to consider various factors to ensure its effectiveness. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Type of Essay: Consider the type of essay you are writing and choose a graphic organizer that best fits the structure and organization needed for that particular essay type.
• Complexity: Evaluate the complexity of your ideas and arguments to determine the level of detail and hierarchy required in the graphic organizer.
• Visual Appeal: Look for a tool that is visually appealing and easy to comprehend, as this will help you better visualize and organize your thoughts.
• Flexibility: Opt for a tool that offers flexibility in terms of customization, allowing you to adjust the layout and structure based on your specific needs.
• Accessibility: Ensure that the graphic organizer tool you choose is accessible and easy to use on your preferred devices and platforms.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the best graphic tool that will enhance your essay writing process and improve the clarity and coherence of your ideas.

Organize Your Ideas

Before diving into writing your essay, it’s crucial to organize your ideas to ensure a clear and coherent flow of information. Using graphic organizers can help you visually map out your thoughts and easily see how they connect. Here are some effective ways to organize your ideas:

• Outline: Create a detailed outline with main points, subpoints, and supporting evidence to structure your essay.
• Brainstorming: Brainstorm ideas and jot them down on a mind map to see relationships between different concepts.
• Cluster/Spider Diagrams: Use cluster or spider diagrams to group related ideas together and visualize the structure of your essay.
• Storyboard: Create a storyboard with key events or arguments to plan out the sequence of your essay.

By organizing your ideas using graphic organizers, you can enhance the clarity and coherence of your essay, making it easier for readers to follow your argument.

Mapping Out Your Thoughts

One of the most effective tools for organizing your thoughts and ideas before starting to write an essay is a graphic organizer. By using a graphic organizer, you can visually map out your thoughts, main points, and supporting details. This helps you clarify your ideas and ensure that your essay has a logical structure.

There are various types of graphic organizers you can use, such as mind maps, concept maps, Venn diagrams, and flowcharts. Choose the one that best suits your writing style and the topic of your essay. Once you have selected a graphic organizer, start by jotting down your main idea in the center and then branch out to include your supporting points and details.

Mapping out your thoughts using a graphic organizer will not only help you stay focused and organized but also make the writing process smoother and more efficient. It can serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you through each section and ensuring that your ideas flow cohesively.

Develop Strong Arguments

Effective essay writing requires the development of strong arguments to persuade the reader of your perspective. To create compelling arguments, follow these key strategies:

• Research: Conduct thorough research to gather credible evidence and support for your arguments. Use reliable sources to strengthen your points.
• Structure: Organize your arguments logically and coherently. Start with a clear thesis statement and build each argument in a structured manner.
• Counterarguments: Anticipate counterarguments and address them in your essay. This shows that you have considered different viewpoints and strengthens your own position.
• Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant evidence, such as examples, statistics, and expert opinions. This adds credibility and persuasiveness to your essay.
• Clarity: Clearly articulate your arguments and provide explanations to ensure that your points are easily understood by the reader.
• Consistency: Ensure that your arguments are consistent throughout the essay. Avoid contradictions or inconsistencies that may weaken your overall argument.

By developing strong arguments with these key strategies, you can enhance the effectiveness of your essay writing and convey your ideas convincingly to your audience.

Building a Persuasive Case

When writing a persuasive essay, it is crucial to build a compelling case to persuade your audience to agree with your viewpoint. Here are some key steps to help you construct a persuasive case:

• Clear Thesis Statement: Start by clearly stating your position or argument in a concise thesis statement. This statement should clearly convey what you are trying to persuade your readers to believe or do.
• Supporting Evidence: Back up your thesis statement with strong evidence, facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions. Providing solid evidence can make your case more convincing and credible.
• Logical Organization: Structure your essay in a logical and coherent manner. Develop your arguments in a clear sequence, with each point building upon the previous one to strengthen your case.
• Address Counterarguments: Anticipate potential counterarguments and address them in your essay. Acknowledging opposing viewpoints and refuting them can make your argument more persuasive.
• Emotional Appeal: Use emotional appeals, anecdotes, and narratives to connect with your audience on a personal level. Appeal to the emotions of your readers to make them more likely to empathize with your argument.
• Call to Action: End your essay with a strong call to action that urges your audience to take a specific course of action or consider your perspective. Encouraging your readers to act can motivate them to support your cause.

By following these steps and building a persuasive case in your essay, you can effectively convince your audience to embrace your ideas and opinions.

Enhance Your Writing Flow

One of the key elements in effective essay writing is maintaining a smooth and consistent flow throughout your piece. A well-structured essay should lead the reader from one point to the next seamlessly, with each paragraph naturally transitioning into the next.

To enhance your writing flow, consider using transitional words and phrases such as “furthermore,” “however,” “in addition,” and “conversely” to connect your ideas and guide the reader through your argument. These transitions help establish logical connections between your thoughts and make your writing more coherent.

Additionally, vary your sentence structure and length to create a dynamic rhythm in your writing. Mixing short, punchy sentences with longer, more elaborate ones can keep your reader engaged and prevent your writing from feeling monotonous.

Finally, don’t be afraid to revise and reorganize your essay to ensure a smooth and consistent flow. Take the time to read your work aloud or have someone else review it to identify any awkward or disjointed sections that may disrupt the flow of your writing.

By paying attention to these techniques and practicing them regularly, you can enhance your writing flow and take your essay writing skills to the next level.

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Efficient Essay Writing Using a Graphic Organizer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to Essay Writing with Graphic Organizers

Essay writing can often pose a significant challenge for students, especially at the high school level. National test scores reveal that only about one-quarter of students in grades 8 through 12 perform proficiently in writing, with a mere 1 percent of 12th-grade students capable of crafting sophisticated, well-organized essays. Additionally, it's surprising to note that over 80 percent of freshmen have never tackled a formal five-page paper. These statistics underscore the struggles many students face when it comes to academic writing.

Graphic organizers play a crucial role in simplifying the essay-writing process by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. They serve as visual frameworks that help students compartmentalize the essential elements of an academic paper. By utilizing graphic organizers, students can easily comprehend and organize their thoughts, leading to more coherent and structured compositions.

How a Graphic Organizer Simplifies the Process

A graphic organizer is essentially a visual tool that aids in brainstorming ideas, organizing information logically, and outlining content before diving into the actual writing process. Research has shown that graphic organizers are beneficial for enhancing writing skills by improving vocabulary, creating concept maps, highlighting key points, dividing content into sections, and facilitating prewriting activities.

These tools are particularly valuable for essay writing as they assist students in developing clear thesis statements, organizing supporting arguments effectively, and ensuring a cohesive flow throughout the essay. For instance, when working on a five-paragraph essay structure—which includes an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs focusing on specific points or topics, and a concluding paragraph—a graphic organizer can provide a roadmap for structuring each section cohesively.

In education across various subject areas, graphic organizers have proven to be versatile tools that cater to different learning styles effectively. They not only aid in organizing thoughts but also provide visual representations of information that enhance comprehension and retention.

By incorporating graphic organizers into the essay-writing process, students can overcome the challenges associated with academic writing and develop essential skills for effective communication and expression.

Understanding the Basics of Essay Writing

Writing an essay is like constructing a building; it requires a solid foundation and a well-thought-out plan. Essay writing involves more than just putting words on paper; it's about structuring your ideas in a coherent and logical manner to communicate effectively with your readers.

The Structure of a Standard Essay

When embarking on an essay-writing journey, it's crucial to understand the fundamental structure that underpins a well-crafted piece. An essay typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section plays a vital role in conveying your message clearly and persuasively.

Introduction, Body, and Conclusion

The introduction serves as the gateway to your essay, capturing the reader's attention and providing a roadmap for what lies ahead. It should include a hook to engage the audience, background information to set the context, and most importantly, a thesis statement that articulates the main argument of your essay.

Crafting compelling body paragraphs is where you delve into the heart of your topic. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or argument supported by evidence and analysis. By organizing your thoughts cohesively within these paragraphs, you create a persuasive narrative that guides the reader through your reasoning.

Finally, the conclusion wraps up your essay by summarizing key points, restating the thesis in different words, and leaving the reader with a lasting impression. It's essential to end on a strong note that reinforces your main argument and provides closure to your discussion.

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

At the core of every well-structured essay lies a thesis statement , which acts as the central claim or argument you will explore throughout your writing. A strong thesis statement not only presents your position clearly but also sets the tone for the entire essay. It should be specific, concise, and debatable to spark interest and guide your content effectively.

The Importance of Organizing Your Thoughts

Organizing ideas logically in an essay is akin to creating a roadmap for both yourself as the writer and your readers. Just as travelers rely on maps to navigate unfamiliar terrain, readers depend on clear organization to follow your train of thought effortlessly.

Choosing an appropriate organizational pattern is paramount in maintaining reader interest and clarity throughout your essay. By structuring your content cohesively from introduction to conclusion, you establish connections between different sections while reinforcing the overarching theme or argument.

Effective organization not only aids in conveying information logically but also enhances reader comprehension by presenting ideas in a systematic manner. When thoughts flow seamlessly from one point to another, readers can grasp complex concepts more easily and engage with your content more meaningfully.

In essence, organization is not just about arranging paragraphs; it's about creating coherence and unity within your writing that allows ideas to unfold naturally. A well-organized essay benefits both you as the writer—by clarifying your thoughts—and your readers—by facilitating understanding and retention of key concepts.

The Power of the Graphic Organizer in Essay Writing

In the realm of academic writing, graphic organizers stand out as indispensable tools for students navigating the complexities of essay composition. These visual aids serve as guiding beacons, illuminating the path to structured and coherent essays that captivate readers.

What Is a Graphic Organizer?

A graphic organizer is a visual scaffold that transforms abstract ideas into tangible frameworks. By leveraging shapes, colors, and connecting lines, students can map out their thoughts, creating a blueprint for their essays. This process not only clarifies concepts but also enhances comprehension and retention of information.

One popular type of graphic organizer is the Five Paragraph Essay Graphic Organizer , which divides the essay into distinct sections: introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This tool streamlines the writing process by prompting students to outline key points before delving into detailed explanations.

Different Types of Graphic Organizers for Essay Writing

The hamburger essay graphic organizer.

Imagine your essay as a delectable burger—the Hamburger Essay Graphic Organizer mirrors this analogy by breaking down your content into layers. The top bun represents the introduction, enticing readers with a hook; the juicy fillings symbolize your supporting arguments; and the bottom bun signifies the conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

The Paragraph Essay Outline Graphic

For those embarking on paragraph-based essays, the Paragraph Essay Outline Graphic offers a structured approach to organizing ideas effectively. Each section corresponds to a paragraph, delineating topic sentences, supporting details, and transitions between thoughts. This visual aid ensures coherence and flow within each paragraph.

When considering graphic organizers for writing , it's essential to choose tools that align with your essay's structure and objectives. Whether crafting an argumentative piece or a narrative exposition, selecting the right graphic organizer can streamline your thought process and elevate your writing prowess.

Utilizing these organizational aids fosters clarity in expression while honing critical thinking skills essential for academic success. As students delve into English Language Arts assignments, incorporating graphic organizers becomes synonymous with mastering the art of persuasive communication through written discourse.

Educational Benefits of Graphic Organizers

Research underscores the educational benefits of integrating graphic organizers into writing instruction. These tools not only enhance brainstorming capabilities but also foster organization skills crucial for developing coherent essays. By visually representing information, graphic organizers cater to diverse learning styles and empower students to structure their ideas effectively.

Moreover, differentiated graphic organizers cater to individual student needs by providing tailored support in essay writing tasks. Whether tackling expository compositions or informative analyses, these tools serve as companions in navigating complex writing assignments with confidence.

In essence, embracing graphic organizers in English Language Arts education nurtures a generation of proficient writers equipped with essential skills for articulating ideas persuasively. Through color-coded schemes and interactive formats, these tools transform mundane writing tasks into engaging ventures that inspire creativity and critical thinking among students.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Graphic Organizer for Your Essay

Embarking on the journey of essay writing can be daunting, especially when faced with a blank page and a myriad of ideas swirling in your mind. This is where graphic organizers come to the rescue, serving as navigational tools that guide you through the intricate process of crafting a well-structured and coherent essay.

Selecting the Right Graphic Organizer

Before diving into the writing process, it's essential to choose the appropriate graphic organizer that aligns with your essay's type and purpose. Whether you are working on an expository piece or a persuasive argument, selecting a graphic organizer tailored to your needs can streamline your thought process and enhance the clarity of your writing.

Consider utilizing tools like the Opinion Essay Planning Organizer , which provides a structured framework for organizing opinions, supporting details, and counterarguments effectively. By selecting a graphic organizer that complements your essay topic and objectives, you set yourself up for success in articulating your ideas persuasively.

Filling in Your Graphic Organizer

From thesis to conclusion.

Once you've selected the right graphic organizer for your essay, it's time to populate it with essential elements that form the backbone of your composition. Begin by crafting a compelling thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument or claim you intend to explore in your essay. This serves as the guiding beacon that directs the flow of your writing towards a cohesive conclusion.

As Mrs. Lindquist aptly notes, filling out a graphic organizer while conducting research not only aids in organizing ideas but also serves as a roadmap during the writing process. By outlining key points from thesis to conclusion within your graphic organizer, you establish a clear trajectory for developing each section cohesively.

Organizing Your Supporting Points

Just as constructing a building requires sturdy pillars to uphold its structure, organizing supporting points in your essay is crucial for reinforcing your main argument. Utilize the sections within your graphic organizer to delineate supporting evidence, examples, and analysis that bolster each aspect of your thesis statement.

Hello Tennessee Teacher emphasizes how argument writing graphic organizers empower students to structure their thoughts systematically while incorporating evidence effectively. By populating each section of your graphic organizer with relevant supporting points, you create a robust foundation upon which to build persuasive arguments within your essay.

Translating Your Organizer into an Essay

As you fill out each section of your graphic organizer with meticulous detail and precision, you pave the way for seamlessly translating these organized thoughts into a coherent essay. Remember that every element within your graphic organizer—from introductory hooks to concluding summaries—plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative flow of your writing.

Despite initial perceptions that using graphic organizers may consume additional time, empirical evidence suggests that investing effort in this prewriting stage ultimately saves time during actual composition. Personal narrative graphic organizers serve as invaluable tools for guiding students through narrative writing tasks by breaking down complex narratives into manageable segments without overwhelming them.

By translating insights gleaned from interactive worksheets and argumentative essay planners into tangible written content, students hone their ability to articulate ideas logically and persuasively. The transition from filling out structured diagrams to drafting comprehensive essays marks a significant milestone in developing proficient writing skills efficiently.

In essence, leveraging graphic organizers throughout the essay-writing process not only enhances organizational skills but also fosters critical thinking abilities essential for effective communication through written discourse.

Reflecting on the Essay Writing Process

As an educator deeply invested in enhancing students' writing skills, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of incorporating graphic organizers into the essay-writing process. These visual tools serve as invaluable assets that not only streamline the composition journey but also empower students to articulate their thoughts with clarity and precision.

The Benefits of Using a Graphic Organizer

In the words of Hello Tennessee Teacher , these argument writing graphic organizers provide students with a structured approach to organizing their ideas, opinions, and evidence findings. By breaking down complex essay tasks into manageable components, these tools enable students to navigate the intricacies of academic writing effectively. As students engage with graphic organizers, they develop essential skills in brainstorming, organizing information logically, and crafting coherent arguments—a testament to the educational benefits these tools offer.

Similarly, Mrs. Lindquist underscores the significance of graphic organizers in guiding students through expository and persuasive essays. By filling out these visual aids while conducting research, students gain a roadmap that directs them through each stage of the writing process. This hands-on approach not only fosters organization skills but also instills confidence in students as they transform their ideas into well-structured compositions.

The utilization of graphic organizers transcends mere academic support; it serves as a catalyst for fostering critical thinking and analytical skills among students. By encouraging learners to dissect complex topics into digestible components, graphic organizers prompt deeper engagement with content and facilitate a more profound understanding of key concepts.

In essence, integrating graphic organizers into essay writing cultivates a culture of strategic thinking and meticulous planning—a foundation upon which students can build their proficiency in written communication.

Tips for Effective Essay Writing

Start with a Strong Thesis : A compelling thesis statement serves as the cornerstone of your essay, guiding your arguments and shaping the narrative flow. Ensure your thesis is specific, debatable, and reflective of your main argument to captivate readers from the outset.

Organize Your Thoughts : Before diving into writing, take time to outline your ideas using a graphic organizer or structured framework. By mapping out key points and supporting evidence beforehand, you establish a cohesive structure that enhances readability and coherence.

Craft Cohesive Body Paragraphs : Each body paragraph should focus on a single idea or argument supported by relevant evidence. Ensure seamless transitions between paragraphs to maintain a logical progression of thought throughout your essay.

Utilize Transitional Phrases : Transition words and phrases act as signposts that guide readers through your essay's progression. Incorporate transitions like "furthermore," "however," or "in contrast" to connect ideas smoothly and enhance overall cohesion.

Revise and Edit Diligently : Once you've drafted your essay, allocate time for thorough revision and editing. Check for grammar errors, clarity of expression, consistency in argumentation, and adherence to formatting guidelines before finalizing your work.

Seek Feedback : Don't hesitate to seek feedback from peers or instructors on your essay drafts. External perspectives can offer valuable insights into areas for improvement and help refine your arguments for greater impact.

Embrace Revision as Growth : View revision not as a chore but as an opportunity for growth and refinement. Embrace constructive criticism as a means to enhance your writing skills and elevate the quality of your essays over time.

By incorporating these tips into your essay-writing practice alongside graphic organizer utilization, you equip yourself with essential tools for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers effectively.

Conclusion and Next Steps

As we conclude this comprehensive guide on efficient essay writing using a Graphic Organizer Bundle , it's essential to recap the key points that underscore the significance of incorporating visual tools in the essay composition process. Throughout our exploration, we have delved into the transformative impact of graphic organizers in simplifying complex tasks, organizing thoughts cohesively, and fostering critical thinking skills among students.

Recap of Key Points

Graphic Organizers Enhance Organization : By breaking down essay components into manageable sections, graphic organizers serve as navigational aids that guide students through the writing process effectively.

Thesis Statement Importance : Crafting a strong thesis statement is paramount in articulating the main argument concisely and setting the tone for the entire essay.

Structured Essay Components : Understanding the structure of an essay—introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion—provides a framework for conveying ideas logically and persuasively.

Educational Benefits : Research underscores the educational benefits of integrating graphic organizers into writing instruction, enhancing brainstorming capabilities and organization skills crucial for developing coherent essays.

Moving forward, it is imperative to encourage students to practice and explore diverse forms of essay writing with the aid of graphic organizers. The lack of practice in middle and high school settings often hinders students from honing their writing skills effectively. Experts emphasize that students must dedicate more time to crafting evidence-based essays to overcome proficiency struggles commonly observed in academic writing.

Encouragement to Practice and Explore

Incorporating expert insights into essay writing not only enriches content but also enhances the quality of written work significantly. Writers and scientists stress the importance of interviewing experts to gain valuable information that may not be readily available through traditional research methods. By seeking guidance from professionals in various fields, writers can elevate their essays by incorporating unique perspectives and nuanced arguments.

As students embark on their writing journeys, it is crucial to embrace practice as a means of refining their skills continually. Regular engagement with diverse forms of writing—from analytical essays to narrative compositions—fosters versatility and adaptability in expressing ideas effectively. Moreover, exploring different genres and styles broadens students' creative horizons while strengthening their ability to communicate persuasively through written discourse.

In essence, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and exploration in essay writing empowers students to transcend proficiency barriers and unlock their full potential as proficient writers. By embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and refinement, individuals can navigate complex writing tasks with confidence while honing essential skills essential for academic success.

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Graphic Organizers 101: Why and How To Use Them

An incredibly valuable tool for every student, every subject.

Even if you’ve never heard of graphic organizers, chances are good you’ve been using them in one form or another all your life. That pros and cons list you made before making a big purchase? The family tree you’re working on? Your school’s org chart? They’re all graphic organizers. Here’s what you need to know about using this powerful tool with students of all ages.

What are graphic organizers?

Source: @thecomfortableclassroom

Put simply, graphic organizers are a way of organizing information visually to help students understand and remember it. They’re tools that let kids make connections, create a plan, and communicate effectively. A good organizer simplifies complex information and lays it out in a way that makes it easier for a learner to digest. Graphic organizers may include text and images, depending on the purpose and student’s learning style.

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How do I use them?

Source: @yourteacherbestie

You can provide students with pre-printed organizers or encourage them to draw their own. Either way, teach students how to use them by modeling the behavior first. Consider making anchor charts for commonly used types so students can refer back to them as they work.

With younger students, work to help them understand how to choose certain types of organizers depending on their goals. For instance, students taking notes while they study may find a concept map most helpful. When comparing two topics, a Venn diagram or T chart is probably the best choice. Here are some ways to use graphic organizers in various subjects (and explanations of them below).

Language Arts

• Use a story map or story mountain to diagram the characters, setting, and key plot points.
• Try a web organizer to keep track of character relations and connections.
• Learn vocabulary words with a Frayer model that lays out meaning, synonyms, examples, and illustrations.
• Map out the topic, main ideas, and supporting facts of an essay before you start writing.
• Use a story map or mountain to plan creative writing.

Math and Science

• Use a Frayer model to define and understand terms and formulas.
• Compare two or more concepts with a Venn diagram (like area and perimeter).
• Create a visual representation to solve a story problem.
• Plan an experiment with a sequence organizer.
• Start the exploration of a new topic with a KWL organizer to understand what students already know, what they want to learn, and what they do learn.
• Draw a timeline to understand the order of events in history.
• Use idea webs or concept maps to keep track of information as you read and help you study.
• Dig deeper into a topic with a cause and effect organizer.

What types of graphic organizers should I use in my classroom?

Graphic organizers come in a wide array of styles. Here are some of the most common types to try with your students.

Source: Mrs. Byrd’s Learning Tree

This is one of the first organizers many kids learn to use. For little ones, story maps are simple, laying out the setting, characters, and beginning, middle, and end. Older students can expand the map to take in more details.

Timeline and Sequence of Events

Source: Growing Kinders

Here are two more common organizers kids will recognize. Timelines are generally used in history and social studies classes, though they can be helpful when reading books too. Use sequencing organizers to lay out the steps of a procedure or science experiment.

Story Mountain

Source: @goodmorningmissbagge

A story mountain is helpful both when reading and preparing to write. Students map out a story from start to finish, building up to a climax and back down to the conclusion.

Source: Mrs. Kurt’s All Star Kindergarten Blog

KWL (What I K now, What I W onder, What I L earned) charts are a terrific way to help kids think about what they want to learn about a topic and hold them responsible for actually finding out that information. The first column is a list of everything they already know. The second column lists what they’d like to learn, and the third one provides new information acquired along the way.

Source: Krazy for Kindergarten Goes to Third Grade

When there’s a lot of information to remember about a subject, idea webs are a terrific way to organize it all. It’s a more interesting way to explore a subject than just making a list or taking notes and one that’s more likely to help kids actually remember the information.

Concept Map

Source: Evidence-Based Teaching

A concept map takes an idea web to the next level. It’s really a series of idea webs, with connections drawn between. These can get very large, so encourage older students to explore online programs that can help them create useful diagrams.

Source: Joyful Learning in KC

Circle maps are terrific for brainstorming or thoroughly understanding a specific concept. In some cases, circles can continue to expand outward. For instance, a circle map could begin with your hometown in the middle, with a larger circle for your state, another for your country, then your continent, and so on. Inside each circle, students write info relevant to that subject.

Source: A Learning Journey

Graphic organizers are especially useful when planning any kind of writing. OREO and Hamburger models are common, but you’ll find a lot of other options out there too. The key is to make sure the organizer helps students define their main idea, gather supporting evidence, and draw a conclusion supported by the facts.

Frayer Model (Vocabulary)

Source: What I Have Learned

The Frayer model has a lot of uses but is most often applied to vocabulary. The term goes in the middle, with four sections surrounding it for definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples. Another version has sections for definition, synonym, an illustration, and using the term in a sentence.

Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer

Source: Around the Kampfire

When you want students to dig deeper into the material, try a cause and effect organizer. You can use it in pretty much any subject to make connections between actions and results.

Source: @ducksntigers13

A T chart is a very simple way to compare two related subjects. Many people use these all the time, especially when writing pros and cons lists.

Venn Diagram

Source: Teach With Me

A Venn diagram is another way to compare and contrast material, looking for similarities and differences. The simplest version has two overlapping circles, with more overlapping circles added for more complex subjects.

Where can I find free graphic organizer printables?

While you don’t need to use a pre-printed organizer every time, they can be especially helpful with younger students as they learn how this valuable tool works. The internet is full of graphic organizer printables, both free and for purchase on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers. Here are some free options we’ve created for teachers to try.

• Summary Graphic Organizer
• Summarizing Graphic Organizers (Grades 2-4)
• Predictions and Inferences Organizer
• Scientific Method Graphic Organizer
• Continents Graphic Organizer

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Plus, anchor charts 101: why and how to use them ..

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Blog Graphs and Charts 19 Graphic Organizer Examples to Simplify Complex Concepts

19 Graphic Organizer Examples to Simplify Complex Concepts

Written by: Danesh Ramuthi Nov 28, 2023

Graphic organizers serve as essential visual aids that assist students in structuring and displaying information in a clear, accessible manner. These tools are particularly effective in simplifying and demystifying complex topics, ensuring that intricate concepts are easier to understand and remember.

From Venn diagrams to concept maps, these organizers play a pivotal role in enhancing comprehension and retention of the main idea, especially in educational settings.

Each type of graphic organizer offers a unique approach to organize information, making it easier to grasp complex concepts and brainstorm ideas. These organizers are not just tools for visual representation, but also catalysts for deeper understanding and creative thinking.

Discover these engaging tools on Venngage and sign up today to start creating your own effective graphic organizers for enhanced learning.

By signing up , you gain access to a diverse array of graphic organizer templates, enabling you to create your own effective graphic organizers. 

Click to jump ahead:

Venn diagram

Concept map, double bubble map, hierarchy chart, cluster diagram, sequence chart, idea web graphic organizer, spider map graphic organizer, circle map graphic organizer, hexagon organizer, idea wheel graphic organizer, tree chart graphic organizer, sequence of events chain graphic organizer, cause and effect map graphic organizer, problem-solving chart, organizational chart graphic organizer.

• Bottom line 

A venn diagram is a highly versatile tool used to visually represent the relationships between different sets of items. Typically composed of overlapping circles, each circle represents a distinct set of items or ideas, with the overlapping areas indicating commonalities. 

Venn diagram is particularly effective in comparing and contrasting concepts, highlighting similarities and differences in a straightforward, easily comprehensible manner. Venn diagrams are widely used in various fields ranging from education to business, aiding in problem-solving, data analysis and brainstorming sessions. 

They offer a clear and concise way to visualize the connections and distinctions among multiple groups or concepts, making them an invaluable tool for organizing complex information.

Mind maps are dynamic tools used for brainstorming, planning and organizing thoughts in a visually appealing and structured manner. Centered around a single, central idea, they branch out into various related sub-topics, creating a spider-web-like structure. 

A mind map helps in visualizing the relationships between different ideas, fostering creative thinking and memory retention. Mind maps are commonly used in educational settings for note-taking, essay planning and studying, as well as in business for project planning and strategy development. 

Their flexible nature allows for the integration of words, images and colors, making them an engaging and effective way to explore and expand upon ideas, both simple and complex.

Concept maps are graphical tools used for organizing and representing knowledge. They consist of concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes, connected by labeled arrows in a downward-branching hierarchical structure. 

These maps are designed to illustrate the relationships among various concepts, often capturing complex structures of understanding or knowledge. 

Concept maps are particularly useful in educational settings for learning, teaching and assessment, as they encourage deep understanding and integration of new information with existing knowledge. 

In professional contexts, they aid in problem-solving, decision-making and explaining intricate processes or systems. 

Concept maps are a powerful tool for making sense of complex topics by visually breaking them down into more manageable components.

Story maps are specialized graphic organizers used for dissecting and understanding the elements of a story or narrative. They typically focus on identifying key components such as the setting, characters, plot, conflict and resolution. 

By breaking down a story into its fundamental elements, these maps provide a clear framework for analyzing and comprehending narratives. They are particularly useful in educational environments for teaching literary analysis, improving reading comprehension and assisting in creative writing. 

Story maps not only aid students in summarizing and understanding literature but also provide a structured approach for planning and outlining their own stories, ensuring a coherent and well-structured narrative flow.

The double bubble map is an effective graphic organizer used for comparing and contrasting two items, concepts or events. It features two central bubbles representing the items being compared, surrounded by outer bubbles that contain attributes or characteristics of each item. 

The unique aspect of this map is the inclusion of additional bubbles in the overlapping area, highlighting the similarities between the two central items.

A double bubble map provides a clear visual representation of how two entities are alike and different, making it a valuable tool in educational settings for critical thinking exercises, literary analysis and enhancing comprehension of complex topics.

The double bubble map helps students organize information systematically, encouraging them to explore and understand the nuances of comparison and contrast.

A hierarchy chart, also known as an organizational chart, is a graphic organizer that illustrates the structure of an organization or a system. It is structured in a top-down manner, with the highest level at the top (like a CEO or the main concept) and subsequent levels representing different ranks or sub-categories.

This type of chart is crucial for visualizing the chain of command within an organization or the breakdown of complex systems into smaller, more manageable parts.

Hierarchy charts are widely used in business for depicting organizational structures, in education for breaking down concepts and in project management for outlining the structure of a project. They offer a clear, easy-to-understand representation of relationships and roles within any hierarchical system.

The T-chart is a simple yet versatile graphic organizer that helps in comparing two aspects of a single topic. It consists of a large ‘T’ shape, with the vertical line dividing the page into two columns. Each column represents a different aspect, viewpoint or characteristic, allowing for a clear, side-by-side comparison.

T-charts are widely used in educational settings for analyzing texts, comparing historical events, or weighing pros and cons in decision-making processes. They are particularly helpful in enhancing students’ analytical skills, as they encourage them to organize their thoughts and view topics from multiple perspectives.

The simplicity of the T-chart makes it an accessible tool for students of all ages, fostering critical thinking and structured analysis.

Cluster diagrams, also known as cloud diagrams, are graphic organizers that help in brainstorming and organizing ideas around a central concept. The main idea is placed in the center, usually within a circle, and related ideas or subtopics branch out from it, forming a cluster-like structure.

This diagram is particularly useful for visualizing the relationships between a main concept and its various components or aspects. Cluster diagrams are widely used in brainstorming sessions, idea generation and planning phases of projects.

They encourage creative thinking and help in the exploration of complex topics by breaking them down into smaller, interconnected parts. This organizer is an effective tool for both individual and group activities, aiding in the visual representation and organization of thoughts and ideas.

Sequence charts are essential graphic organizers for outlining the chronological order of events or steps in a process. They are particularly effective in helping students understand the time-based progression of events in history, literature or scientific processes. 

Sequence charts typically consist of boxes or arrows that guide the viewer through a series of steps or events, emphasizing the order and interconnectivity of each part. 

In educational settings, they assist in simplifying complex sequences and timelines, making them more accessible and easier to remember. 

They are also used in project planning and workflow management, providing a clear visual representation of stages in a process or project.

Idea web graphic organizers are designed to visually map out the connections between a central idea and related concepts. 

At the heart of the web is the main topic, from which various lines or branches extend to link to secondary and tertiary ideas or details. This spider-web-like structure is ideal for brainstorming sessions, where it helps in organizing thoughts and fostering creative associations. 

Idea webs are widely used in educational contexts for essay planning, story writing and exploring complex concepts. They encourage students to think divergently, making connections between different ideas and expanding upon the central theme in a visually coherent way.

Spider map graphic organizers, resembling a spider’s web, are used for detailing the attributes or components of a central idea or theme. The main concept sits at the center, with lines extending outward to secondary nodes that represent related information or subtopics.

Spider maps are versatile tools in education for note-taking, studying and brainstorming, enabling students to visually organize and interconnect ideas. 

They also serve as valuable tools in project planning and conceptual mapping in various professional fields.

Circle map graphic organizers are utilized for brainstorming and defining concepts in a clear, concise manner. They consist of two concentric circles: the inner circle hosts the main idea or topic, while the outer circle contains information, attributes or related ideas. 

This map is particularly effective for initiating thought processes around a new topic, gathering prior knowledge or brainstorming ideas before delving into more detailed study or analysis. 

Circle maps are popular in educational settings for introducing new concepts, encouraging students to explore and connect their existing knowledge with new information, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Hexagon organizers are dynamic graphic tools used for exploring connections and relationships between various ideas or concepts. Each hexagon represents a unique idea or piece of information, and these hexagons are arranged next to each other to demonstrate how they interconnect.

Hexagon organizers are popular in brainstorming sessions, for mapping out systems or processes, and in educational settings to help students understand the interdependent nature of certain concepts or events.

Idea wheel graphic organizers are circular tools that help in brainstorming and organizing ideas around a central theme or question. The central hub of the wheel represents the main idea, and spokes radiate out to smaller circles or sections where related ideas or details are noted.

This organizer is effective for visualizing the components of a topic, planning essays or projects, and encouraging creative thinking. 

In educational settings, idea wheels assist students in exploring topics thoroughly, ensuring that all aspects are considered and helping them to see how different ideas connect to the central theme.

Tree chart graphic organizers are hierarchical tools used to represent the structure of ideas or concepts. Resembling a tree, the main idea forms the trunk and branches represent subtopics or related information. 

It is particularly effective for breaking down complex information into manageable parts, making it easier to understand and analyze.

Tree charts are widely used in educational environments for studying biology, corporate structures or family genealogies, as well as in business for mapping organizational hierarchies or decision trees. 

They provide a clear, visual method of showing relationships and hierarchies within a topic.

Read Also: What is a Decision Tree and How to Make One [Templates + Examples]

Sequence of events chain graphic organizers are linear tools designed to help visualize the order of events or steps in a process. Each link in the chain represents a sequential event or action, clearly illustrating the progression from one stage to the next.

It is invaluable in teaching narrative structure, historical timelines or scientific processes, as it helps students understand the temporal relationships between events. 

Sequence chains are also beneficial in project planning and workflow management, offering a straightforward method to track the progression of tasks or stages.

Cause and effect map graphic organizers are used to visually display the relationships between various causes and their effects. 

Each cause is linked to its direct effect, often using arrows or lines, allowing for a clear representation of the impact of various factors.

These organizers are particularly useful in scientific studies, history and literature analysis, as they aid students in understanding the interplay between different elements and their consequences. 

Cause and effect maps are also beneficial in problem-solving and decision-making processes, helping to identify potential outcomes of various actions.

Problem-solving charts are effective tools used for breaking down and analyzing complex problems into more manageable components. They typically involve identifying the problem, exploring possible causes, brainstorming potential solutions and then evaluating and selecting the most feasible options.

These charts are instrumental in both educational and professional contexts, aiding in critical thinking, decision-making and creative problem-solving processes.

By providing a structured approach to tackling challenges, problem-solving charts help individuals and teams to systematically address issues, ensuring that all aspects of a problem are considered before arriving at a solution.

Organizational chart graphic organizers are used to depict the structure of an organization or a group, illustrating the hierarchy and relationships between different roles and departments.

These charts typically represent higher-level positions at the top, with lines branching down to subordinate roles, clearly showing the chain of command and communication pathways.

They are essential in business and institutional settings for providing a clear overview of the organizational structure, facilitating better understanding and communication within the organization.

In educational settings, organizational charts aid in teaching concepts of management and organizational behavior, helping students visualize and understand complex organizational dynamics.

Related: 40+ Charts & Graphs Examples To Unlock Insights

Bottom line

Graphic organizers play a crucial role in learning and information processing due to their ability to visually structure and simplify complex information.

By leveraging the power of graphic organizers, you can transform the way information is absorbed and presented.

With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, the creation of your own custom graphic organizers is just a few clicks away.

Sign up on Venngage today and gain access to a treasure trove of graphic organizer templates, ready to be tailored to your educational needs. 

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What is a Graphic Organizer and How to Use it Effectively

Janelle cox.

• September 16, 2020

As educators, we’re always looking for new ways to help students classify and communicate their ideas more effectively. A visual guide, such as a graphic organizer, can do just that, as well as help students plan and structure their ideas in an organized manner. Here we will take a brief look at what a graphic organizer is, the different types of graphic organizers that you can use, as well as how you can use them effectively in the classroom.

What is a Graphic Organizer?

A graphic organizer is a powerful, visual learning tool that teachers like to use to help students organize their ideas. They can also be used to clarify or simplify complex concepts, help with problem solving or decision making , or be used to plan research or brainstorm ideas.

What are the Different Types of Graphic Organizers?

While there are several types of graphic organizers, each with a specific purpose, we will briefly go over the top five most popular used in the classroom.

Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram is a graphic organizer that has two interlocking circles. This type of organizer is used to identify differences and similarities. Students write details about how the topics are different in the outer parts of the circles and how they are the same in the shared inner space of circles.

Venn diagrams can be used to compare and contrast two characters. For example, students would write how each character is different in the outer spaces and how they are the same in the overlapping space in the middle. Then, students can use this graphic organizer to help them write an essay about each character.

Concept Map

A concept map is a graphic organizer that looks like a web with arrows connecting each circle. This type of map helps students identify a main concept as well as sub-concepts. It can be used to help visually organize thoughts as well as illustrate hierarchical information.

There are a variety of ways this type of organizer can be used in the classroom. Students can show relationships between specific concepts, characters in a story, or even vocabulary words. Many teachers like to use it to assess students’ prior knowledge on a topic.

A T-chart is a graphic organizer that is used to compare and contrast two different things. Students can use a T-chart to make comparisons related to a variety of topics or subjects; they can also be used in any content area or genre. For example, in social studies students can compare two different political candidates, then use the chart to help them in a class debate.

An idea web is a graphic organizer that is used for brainstorming and helps students organize ideas or concepts. Much like a concept map, an idea web is comprised of circles that are connected. This type of organizer is mainly used to help students brainstorm story ideas. For example, a topic is written in the center circle and students write in the details in the surrounding smaller circles.

A KWL chart is another popular graphic organizer, especially in the elementary classroom. This visual learning tool consists of three questions, each in their own column (‘what I K now’, ‘what I W ant to know’, and ‘what I L earned’). This is a great graphic organizer for activating prior knowledge.

This organizer is used both before and after learning a concept. Before learning, students write down “what they want to know” and “what they already know” about the topic. Then, after the concept is learned, students write down “what they learned” in the third column of the chart. This three-step process is great for developing a sense of purpose and helps students become more engaged in the topic they are learning.

How to Use Graphic Organizers Effectively

Graphic organizers can be a helpful learning tool, especially when they can guide students to a deeper understanding of what they are learning. To effectively support student learning, it’s important to always model how to use the organizer, as well as instruct students on why you choose the graphic organizer that you did for that specific topic.

For example, explain to students that you choose a Venn diagram as a starting point for an essay they will be writing because it will help them compare two characters in an organized manner before they begin writing their essay. When students understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, it will give them a sense of purpose.

Graphic organizers are great tools to meet the needs of all learners . By presenting information in a graphic format, you can easily make a lesson accessible to all students. To increase the effectiveness of a graphic organizer, always make sure to model beforehand and explain why you are using it and what you are using it for. Also, make sure that each graphic organizer that you choose is aligned with your learning goal; this will ensure that students will apply the information learned and develop a deeper understanding of the concept.

• #GraphicOrganizer

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What is Graphic Organizer & Types of Graphic Organizers for Teachers and Students

Graphic organizers integrate both text and visuals. This has been scientifically proven to be an effective way of teaching and learning. Using them can be extremely useful for both teachers and students as they will make lessons more engaging as well as easily comprehensible.

We have listed below multiple types of graphic organizers you can use during various scenarios, whether you are reading, writing, doing research or studying for exams. Each tool is accompanied by a template that you can use right away.

What is a Graphic Organizer?

A graphic organizer is a powerful teaching and learning tool designed to organize information and ideas visually, making them easier to comprehend and internalize. By integrating text and visuals, graphic organizers illustrate relationships and connections between concepts, terms, and facts, providing a clear and structured way to present complex information. This visual representation aids in simplifying intricate ideas, enhancing understanding and retention for learners of all ages and abilities.

Graphic organizers can be used across all grade levels, serving as effective learning tools for both gifted children and students with special needs. For gifted students, these tools offer a way to explore complex concepts more deeply and independently, encouraging advanced thinking and creativity. For students with special needs, graphic organizers break down information into smaller, more manageable parts, facilitating comprehension and aiding in the retention of new material. By catering to diverse learning styles, graphic organizers provide an inclusive approach to education that can be tailored to meet individual needs.

In the context of adult learners, graphic organizers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between existing knowledge and new information. Adults often enter the learning environment with a rich background of experiences and prior understanding. Graphic organizers help them connect this existing knowledge with newly acquired concepts, fostering a deeper and more integrated learning experience. By visually mapping out information, adult learners can better organize their thoughts, identify areas that require further exploration, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Benefits of graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are valuable tools for several reasons. They offer numerous benefits that enhance learning and teaching experiences for students and educators alike. Here are some key reasons why you need to use graphic organizers.

1. Simplify complex information

Graphic organizers provide visual clarity by presenting complex information in a way that is easy to understand and process. They break down intricate ideas into smaller, more manageable parts, allowing students to see the relationships between concepts clearly and facilitating comprehension of the big picture.

2. Improve comprehension and retention

The combination of text and visuals in graphic organizers improves memory retention by offering visual cues that reinforce learning. They help students connect new information to prior knowledge, fostering deeper understanding and aiding long-term retention of material.

3. Support diverse learning styles

Graphic organizers cater to different learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, by providing a structured format that can be customized to meet diverse needs. They are particularly beneficial for students with special needs, offering an inclusive approach that accommodates various learning challenges.

4. Encourage critical thinking and problem solving

By encouraging students to analyze and evaluate relationships between ideas, graphic organizers foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They help learners organize their thoughts systematically, enabling them to approach problems strategically and develop effective solutions.

5. Facilitate active learning and engagement

Graphic organizers actively engage students in the learning process, making lessons more interactive and enjoyable. They promote collaborative learning by allowing students to work together to fill in or create organizers, encouraging teamwork and communication in the classroom.

6. Versatile and adaptable

Graphic organizers can be adapted for use in any subject or discipline, making them versatile tools in education. They come in various formats, such as mind maps, Venn diagrams, and flowcharts, providing flexibility to suit different educational needs and learning objectives.

7. Improve instruction and assessment

Teachers can use graphic organizers to present information clearly and assess student understanding efficiently. They serve as valuable tools for formative assessment, allowing educators to gauge student comprehension and identify areas that need further attention, ultimately improving educational outcomes.

Types of Graphic Organizers

Here we have listed 20 types of graphic organizers for teaching and learning. Based on their varied purposes, you can utilize them in reading, writing, researching, brainstorming, and analyzing.

Graphic Organizers for Compare and Contrast

Graphic organizers for comparing and contrasting are a type of graphic organizer that help students visually map out similarities and differences between two or more items, concepts, or ideas. These compare and contrast graphic organizers are designed to clarify and simplify the process of comparison by providing a structured format that highlights the key attributes of each item being examined.

1. Double bubble map

The double bubble map is one of the popular thinking maps and used as a type of graphic organizer. It is much like a Venn diagram and is used to identify similar and different qualities between two things. Students can use bubble map maker to create double bubble map.

How to use it?

Step 1: Write down the two ideas/ topics you are comparing in the two bubbles in the center.

Step 2: As you brainstorm and analyze the topic, write down the differences in the bubbles radiating from the center.

Step 3: Write down the similarities in the bubbles that are common to both topics.

2. Venn diagram

Another graphic organizer that helps you visually represent a comparison of differences and similarities between two subjects, is the Venn diagram. What makes it different from the is that it can include more than two topics and one common area. Using differnt venn diagram templates , student can represent comparions visually.

How to use it

It works similar to the double bubble map.

Step 1: Write down the topics being compared on the top of each circle.

Step 2: Writ down the differences or unique characteristics inside its own sector avoiding the overlapping area.

Step 3: List the similarities in the common area.

Graphic Organizers for Writing

​Graphic organizers for writing are a type of graphic organizer that help students plan and organize their ideas before they start writing. These writing graphic organizers provide a visual structure for organizing thoughts, which makes the writing process clearer and more manageable.

3. Persuasion map

The persuasion map is an interactive graphic organizer that helps students familiarize themselves with the process of persuasive writing .  It assists them with outlining and preparing arguments for their essays, speeches, debates, etc.

Step 1: Choose a topic of interest for your essay/debate. Do proper research around it to collect enough information.

Step 2: Define the claim that you want to make with your essay. Persuasive writing by writing this down first.

Step 3: Next to it, write down the reasons for making that claim.

Step 4: Then write down facts, examples, and information to back up your reasoning.

Step 5: End your persuasion map with the conclusion of your essay.

4. Sequence Chart

A sequence graphic organizer is a tool that helps visualize the order of steps of a process or a timeline of events, etc. It can also be used for note-taking, lesson planning, and essay writing.

Step 1: Identify the steps in the process or event.

Step 2: Using a sequence chart arrange these steps in sequential order.

Graphic Organizers for Reading

Graphic organizers for reading are a type of graphic organizers that help students understand and analyze texts more effectively. Reading graphic organizer provides visual ways to organize information from a reading passage, making it easier to grasp key ideas and details. Graphic orgnizer for reading provides visual structures to help students break down information, see relationships, and remember key ideas, ultimately enhancing their reading comprehension.

5. Story map

A story map can be used to identify the different elements such as characters, character plots, themes, techniques, etc. in a book students are reading. It’s a useful graphic organizer that teachers can integrate into the lesson to improve students’ comprehension.Teachers can use Storyboard maker to create appealing story maps.

Step 1: Read the book and understand it well.

Step 2: Discuss the different significant elements that were involved in the story. These could be the characters, setting, problem and solution, etc. You can fill the story map during the discussion.

Step 3: Once the map is complete you can discuss each element individually.

6. Biography graphic organizer

This is a tool that assists with understanding a character from a novel, autobiography or movie or a historical figure more in-depth. It brings attention to various important factors about a person’s life.

How to create it

Step 1: Gather as much information you can about the character you are studying. You can also refer to online resources, or ask from teachers or experts.

Step 2: As you analyze the information you have gathered, isolate the facts that stand out or you think are important.

Step 3: Use your biography graphic organizer to lay out the information in a presentable way. You can add images to make it more comprehensible as well.

7. KWL chart

KWL chart is used for gathering information from student’s prior knowledge or experience. This 3 column chart captures the before (what the reader already knows), during (what the reader wants to learn) and after (what the reader learned) stages of reading. Using KWL templates , students can easily create KWL charts.

Step 1: Get students to brainstorm around the selected topic and write down everything they know about it in the K column.

Step 2: Ask them to generate a list of questions about what they want to know in the W column of the chart.

Step 3: During or after reading the book/ lesson get them to answer these questions in the L column.

Graphic Organizers for Teaching

Graphic organizers for teaching are a type of graphic organizers that help educators plan and present lessons more effectively. Teaching graphic organizer provides a structured way to organize information, making it easier for teachers to convey concepts clearly and for students to understand and engage with the material.

8. Learning map

Learning maps visually depict the key takeaways – skills, ideas, knowledge – students should get from a lesson. It usually provides a high-level view of the lesson/ unit/ course that is to be studied and the connection between its different components. Students can also use learning map template in the classroom for note-taking.

Step 1: At the center of the map, write down the topic (i.e. name of the lesson or unit)

Step 2: Brainstorm ideas and information related to it. Write these down on branches emerging from the center. Make sure that you place them in a way that makes sense to teach or in a logical sequence around the center.

Step 3: Add connectors between these elements and add labels to highlight the kind of relationship between them.

9. Analogy graphic organizer

The analogy graphic organizer uses analogy to help students identify similarities and differences between a new topic and a topic that they are already familiar with.

Step 1: Select a topic/ concept that the students already know and is analogous in certain aspects to the new topic

Step 2:  Introduce the new concept and get the students to read and discuss it

Step 3: Using an analogy graphic organizer, ask the students to brainstorm and write similarities and differences between the two topics.

Step 4: Based on the completed graphic organizer, ask the students to write a brief description of  the new topic

Analogy Graphic Organizer (Click on the template to edit it online)

10. Vocabulary graphic organizer

This tool can be used to assess the vocabulary knowledge of students. You can create graphic organizers including various elements to help students learn new words, and learn antonyms and synonyms.

Step 1: Write the new vocabulary word at the top of the template. This is the focus of your study

Step 2: Ask students to write down the definition of the Vocabulary in the Definition box

Step 3: List synonyms (words with similar meanings) of the word. This helps you see the word in relation to others

Step 4: Group the students and ask them to use the vocabulary in new sentences

Step 5: Ask students to draw or find an image or symbol that represents the word

11. Problem-solving organizer

Problem-solving graphic organizers can be used to improve the problem-solving skills of the students. It helps students identify and evaluate solutions to problems.

Step 1: Identify the problem and write it in the problem box

Step 2: Ask students to then write down why they think it is a problem in the first place

Step 3: Get them to brainstorm all possible solutions along with the pros and cons relates to them.

Step 4: Once they select the best possible solution, ask them to list down all its possible consequences

Step 5: Students can then make suggestions to improve the selected solution further

12. Math Graphic Organizer

Math graphic organizers are used to describe math concepts graphically to students. It helps with simplifying and solving complex math problems.

Step 1: Select the math problem you want to identify and a relevant math graphic organizer that you can use to solve it.

Step 2: Invite your students or colleagues to collaborate as you wish.

Graphic Organizers for Learning

Graphic organizers for learning are a type of graphic organizers that help students understand, organize, and remember information more effectively. Learning graphic organizer helps break down complex material into manageable parts, illustrate relationships between ideas, and enhance memory retention. By using these tools, students can improve their comprehension, organize their thoughts, and engage more effectively with their learning material.

13. Timeline graphic organizer

Timeline diagrams are a type of graphic organizer that shows a sequence of events in chronological order.

They come in handy when studying history as you can use it to display major historical events that occurred during a period of time along with important details such as dates and locations in which they took place. Timeline maker helps to create historical event timleine graphic organizer easily.

In addition, timeline charts can also be used to show the progress of something (i.e. growth of a business) or changes.

Step 1: Identify the different events and the sequence of order in which they took place.

Step 2: Use a research on your target audience to arrange them chronologically

Step 3: Include significant details such as dates, locations and other additional information as needed.

14. T  chart

T charts allow students to study two facets of a topic. For example, disadvantages and advantages, pros and cons, differences and similarities, etc.

Step 1: Draw a T chart using a T chart maker and write down the two areas you want to brainstorm around on each column head.

Step 2: Write down facts on each column as you carry out your brainstorming.

15. Hierarchy chart graphic organizer

Hierarchy charts visualize the elements of a system, organization or concept from its highest position to the lowest. Students can use this tool to understand the superordinate and subordinate categories of a topic and the relationship between them.

Step 1: Identify the most important element under the topic you are studying. Write this down at the top of the hierarchy chart.

Step 2: List down the second layer of sub-elements stemming from the first component you have identified. Add a third and fourth as necessary.

Step 3: Connect these with lines to show how they are connected to each other.  

16. Star diagram graphic organizer

Star diagrams are used to organize the characteristics of a chosen topic. It can also be used to brainstorm around new topics.

Step 1:  Select the topic you want to study and write it down in the center of the star diagram template .

Step 2: Write down the characteristics or attributes related to the central topics on each point of the star. Adjust the points of the star depending on how many traits you write down.

Graphic Organizers for Brainstorming

Graphic organizers for brainstorming are a type of graphic organizers that help students and teams generate, organize, and explore ideas. They help individuals and teams generate and organize ideas more effectively. Brainstorming graphic organizers provide a clear visual structure for exploring various aspects of a topic, making it easier to capture and evaluate creative thoughts. By using these tools, users can improve creativity, streamline idea generation, and better organize their brainstorming sessions.

17. Cluster diagram

Cluster diagrams can be used to facilitate a brainstorming session or structure idea generation and even to help with exploring new topics.

Step 1: Pick your topic of interest to explore. This should be placed in the middle of the diagram.

Step 2: Brainstorm around this main idea and come up with sub-topics related to it. Place them around the center.

Step 3: Brainstorm around each of the sub-topics and write down related ideas around them.

Step 4: Add as many layers as you want. However, use color-coding to emphasize each branch of thought. This will make it easier for you to read and understand the cluster diagram.

18. Lotus diagram

Lotus diagram is an analytical tool that can be used to breakdown broader and more complex topics into smaller components for easy understanding. It can be used for brainstorming and studying new topics.

Step 1: Draw a 3×3 grid in the center. On the square in the center, write down the main topic to be explored.

Step 2: Write down the related sub-topics around it as you brainstorm.

Step 3: Draw 8 more 3×3 grids around the one in the center. Each of these can be used to write down facts that you brainstorm around each subtopic.

19. Cause and effect graphic organizer

This type of graphic organizer shows the causes and effects of an event. The cause is the reason why something has happened, and effect is the result of what has happened. Visualization helps clearly understand the different cause and effect relationships.  

Using a cause and effect graphic organizer, identify the causes and effects related to the problem you are studying or writing about. There could be several models of cause and effect events, such as one cause leading to one effect or multiple effects, or multiple causes leading to one effect or multiple effects.

• One cause leading to several effects
• Several causes leading to one effect (You can use a fishbone diagram templates here)
• Each cause having one related effect
• One cause triggering another cause that leads to another

20. Mind map

A mind map is a tool that helps capture the free flow of thought and is widely used for brainstorming around topics. Additionally, it can also be used to organize and group information about a topic.

Step 1: Write down the topic you are brainstorming around in the center.

Step 2: On branches emerging from the middle, write down brainstormed ideas/ thoughts.

Step 3: Expand each sub idea with more facts. You can keep on adding more information to your mind map until you have enough.

How to Visualize a Graphic Organizer

​​To visualize a graphic organizer, follow these easy simple steps. You can use Creately to simplify the process of visualizing a graphic organizer.

1. Decide what you need

Start by determining the purpose of your graphic organizer. Are you organizing ideas for a project, comparing concepts, or planning a story? Understanding what you need will guide the design of your organizer. Decide what information or ideas you need to include. This might involve brainstorming or gathering data from your notes or research to ensure you cover all necessary points.

Use Creately’s graphic organizer maker , templates and brainstorming tools to identify and outline your needs. Explore different graphic organizer templates available in Creately to determine which fits your purpose, whether it’s for organizing ideas, comparing concepts, or planning projects.

2. Pick a type

Choose a graphic organizer type that best suits your purpose. For example:

• Mind maps are great for brainstorming and showing connections between ideas.
• Venn diagrams are useful for comparing and contrasting two or more items.
• Flowcharts help illustrate processes or sequences of steps. Think about who will use the graphic organizer. Choose a type that will be easy for them to understand and interact with. Creately offers a wide range of graphic organizer templates, such as mind maps, Venn diagrams, flowcharts, and T-charts. Choose a template that suits your purpose from its collection.

3. Start with the main idea

Begin by placing the main idea or central topic in a prominent position, such as the center of a mind map or the top of a flowchart. This will be the focal point of your organizer. Use Creately’s formatting tools to make the main idea stand out with colors, fonts, or different shapes. This ensures that it is immediately noticeable and serves as the anchor for other information.

4. Add details

Include supporting information: Add related ideas, details, or subtopics around the main idea. For a mind map, these will branch out from the central topic. In a Venn diagram, they will be placed in the appropriate circles.

Use connections: Draw lines or arrows to connect related details. This helps to show how different pieces of information are linked to each other and to the main idea.

Be clear and concise: Use brief phrases or keywords rather than long sentences to keep the organizer easy to read and understand.

5. Organize and arrange

Arrange logically: Position the elements in a logical order. For instance, in a flowchart, arrange steps sequentially. In a mind map, place related ideas close to each other.

Ensure clarity: Make sure the connections between elements are clear and not overlapping. Arrange the elements in a way that avoids clutter and makes the organizer easy to follow.

Use visual aids: Incorporate colors, shapes, or symbols to differentiate between types of information or to highlight important points.

6. Review and adjust

Check for completeness: Review the organizer to ensure that it includes all relevant information and that nothing important is missing.

Simplify if needed: If the organizer looks too crowded or confusing, simplify by removing unnecessary details or reorganizing elements.

Seek feedback: If possible, ask someone else to review the graphic organizer. They can provide insights on clarity and suggest improvements. Creately allows for real-time collaboration and feedback, making it easy to review and adjust your graphic organizer. You can also use version history to track changes.

Limitations of Graphic Organizer

While graphic organizers are valuable for organizing and understanding information, they have limitations. It’s important to use them thoughtfully and consider other methods when needed.

1. Oversimplification

Graphic organizers can sometimes oversimplify complex information. By breaking down ideas into visual formats, they might leave out important details or nuances, which can lead to incomplete understanding.

2. Limited scope

They often focus on specific aspects of information and might not capture the full scope of a topic. This can limit their effectiveness if you need a more comprehensive view or in-depth analysis.

3. Reliance on visuals

Graphic organizers rely heavily on visual representation, which might not suit all learners. Some people may find it challenging to translate visual information into a coherent understanding or prefer different methods of organization.

4. Time-consuming

Creating and filling out graphic organizers can be time-consuming, especially if they are complex. This can be a drawback if time is limited or if a simpler approach would be more efficient.

5. May not fit all subjects

Not all subjects or topics are well-suited for graphic organizers. Some areas of study may require different methods or tools to effectively convey information and facilitate learning.

6. Potential for confusion

If not designed clearly, graphic organizers can become cluttered or confusing, which may hinder rather than help the learning process. It’s important to ensure that the organizer is well-structured and easy to understand.

Add to Our List of Graphic Organizers for Teachers and Students

Although we have covered 20 types of graphic organizers in this post, there are plenty more that can be useful to our users. Know more? Mention in the comments section below to keep expanding the list of ultimate graphic organizers.

FAQs About list of Graphic Organizer

What are the 6 types of graphic organizers.

Graphic organizers are designed to help with various tasks, from comparing and contrasting to planning writing and enhancing learning. Each organizer offers a visual method for structuring and understanding information effectively. Here are the 6 types of graphic organizers;

• Graphic organizers for compare and contrast
• Graphic organizers for writing
• Graphic organizers for reading
• Graphic organizers for teaching
• Graphic organizers for learning
• Graphic organizers for brainstorming

What is the easiest graphic organizer?

What is a 5 w’s graphic organizer, how to select the right graphic organizer for a specific project.

When selecting a graphic organizer for a specific project, you should consider the type of information you need to organize and the purpose of the project. Here are some tips on how to select the right graphic organizer:

Identify the type of information: Before selecting a graphic organizer, consider the type of information you need to organize.

Determine the purpose of the project: Consider the purpose of the project and what you want to achieve.

Consider the audience: Think about who the audience is for the project. If the audience is young children, a simpler graphic organizer like a picture web might be more appropriate. If the audience is adults, a more complex graphic organizer like a timeline or a chart could be suitable.

Evaluate the effectiveness of different graphic organizers: Try out different graphic organizers and see which ones work best for you. Creately has different graphic organizer editable templates that you could use to create your graphic organizer based on the purpose.

Be creative: Don’t be afraid to create your own graphic organizer or adapt an existing one to meet your needs. Graphic organizers are flexible tools that can be customized to fit different projects and purposes.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when creating a graphic organizer?

Avoid these common mistakes that you make to ensure that your organizer is effective in conveying information.

Avoid overcomplicating the design of your graphic organizer: It should be easy to read and understand, therefore avoid using too many colors, fonts, or shapes which make the organizer confusing and difficult to read.

Consistency is important in creating a graphic organizer. Use the same formatting, color scheme, and font throughout the organizer to ensure that it is easy to follow and understand.

The purpose of a graphic organizer is to simplify and organize information. Including too much information can defeat the purpose and make the organizer overwhelming. Stick to the most important information and use the organizer to highlight key concepts and relationships.

Use clear and appropriate labels for each section of the organizer. Avoid using labels that are too vague or unclear, as this can cause confusion and make it difficult to understand the relationships between the different elements.

Consider who the audience is for the graphic organizer and use appropriate language and images. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the audience.

Test your graphic organizer to ensure that it effectively conveys the intended information. Ask for feedback from others and make revisions as needed.

What software can be used to create graphic organizers?

Join over thousands of organizations that use Creately to brainstorm, plan, analyze, and execute their projects successfully.

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Amanda Athuraliya is the communication specialist/content writer at Creately, online diagramming and collaboration tool. She is an avid reader, a budding writer and a passionate researcher who loves to write about all kinds of topics.

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Graphic Organizers 101: Why and How To Use Them

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Introduction:

Visual learning has gained significant attention over the past few years, especially in the education sector. One such visual learning tool is a “graphic organizer.” This article will explore what graphic organizers are, why they are an essential learning tool, and how to use them effectively.

What are Graphic Organizers?

Simply put, graphic organizers are visual aids that help learners organize and present information visibly. They make use of diagrams, charts, mind maps, or other graphical elements to represent concepts and ideas in a structured manner. By doing so, graphic organizers enable learners to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter by uncovering connections and relationships between various pieces of information.

Why Use Graphic Organizers?

1. Enhance Understanding: The human brain can process visual content more efficiently than textual data. Graphic organizers capitalize on this by visually representing complex ideas or concepts that might be difficult to understand through text alone.

2. Foster Critical Thinking: By breaking down complex ideas into smaller components, graphic organizers encourage learners to analyze each aspect individually and identify connections between them.

3. Improve Memory Retention: Studies show that information presented visually is retained better than verbal-only material. Thus, using graphic organizers can significantly improve memory retention and recall.

4. Aid in Organization and Planning: Graphic organizers offer an excellent way for students to structure their thoughts and ideas as they plan out essays, projects, or presentations.

5. Facilitate Differentiated Instruction: Since students learn at different paces and with varied styles, graphic organizers serve as a versatile learning tool that can be adapted to suit individual needs.

How To Use Graphic Organizers:

1. Choose the Right Organizer: Begin by selecting a graphic organizer suitable for your specific learning objectives. Some common types include Venn diagrams for comparing/contrasting ideas, timelines for chronological events, or flowcharts for processes.

2. Gather Your Material: Collect the necessary information related to your topic. This might include relevant facts, figures, quotes, or other critical pieces of data.

3. Break Down the Information: Analyze the gathered material and divide it into smaller components or subtopics. These will correspond to individual sections or elements of your graphic organizer.

4. Organize and Represent: Start building your graphic organizer by placing key ideas within their designated sections or boxes. Next, create connections and relationships using arrows, lines, or other visual aids.

5. Simplify and Refine: Finally, review your graphic organizer and simplify or refine the content wherever possible. Ensure that your final result is visually appealing and easy to read.

Conclusion:

Graphic organizers are a powerful tool that can enhance both teaching and learning. By incorporating these aids into classrooms, students can efficiently process information, improve critical thinking skills, memory retention, organizational skills, and cater to different learning styles. Start harnessing the power of these versatile tools today, and witness the positive impact they can have on your educational journey.

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12 Graphic Organizer Examples for Teachers and Students

Every teacher wants their students to fully understand the concepts taught in class. However, you may encounter topics that are difficult to teach and understand. It is necessary to employ an innovative approach in order to assist students in comprehending a challenging subject.

Graphic organizers are powerful tools that make complex concepts easier to teach and understand. They also help students develop visual literacy skills . Teachers find graphic organizers helpful for explaining difficult concepts, and students find them engaging. Graphic organizers are also great for presenting research data if, for example, the teacher wants to share a case study with students.

Now, what if you could quickly find and customize graphic organizers without spending hours brainstorming from scratch?Because there is a sea of engaging templates to choose from, you can create compelling visuals with just a few clicks. These graphics can be used for a number of different purposes, including teaching. With Piktochart, you can access and customize engaging graphic organizer templates in minutes – no design skills required. Simply create a free account to get started.

In this article, we will look at the 12 graphic organizer examples that greatly assist teachers and help students retain information for a longer period of time. 

What is a Graphic Organizer?

Graphic organizers are tools that help visually organize information and complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand and memorize. Graphic organizers effectively organize and visualize information by creating links between concepts or facts. By visually illustrating the relationships between concepts, graphic organizers make it easier to analyze and internalize information. 

We know that every mind works differently. Presenting information in a systematic, visual format enables students to follow along at their own pace and grasp relationships more easily than via verbal explanation alone. They can also be an invaluable tool for visual learners.

12 Graphic Organizer Examples for Different Learning Objectives

There are countless types of graphic organizers out there, as information can be organized and visualized in many different ways. We’ll focus on 12 of the most helpful types of graphic organizers for teachers and students, organized by the primary purpose each one serves.

Graphic Organizers for Brainstorming and Organizing Ideas

Some graphic organizers are specifically great for organizing ideas for brainstorming. Here are three examples. 

Mind maps are graphic organizers that organize information in a structured and visually attractive fashion. When a mind map is finished, you will get a structure that looks like a spider web. An example of the graphic organizer is the following mind map on Piktochart . It shows the values of a company, with different values branching out from the central idea, that is, company values . 

We all know that information retention can become quite difficult, especially when a number of different subtopics link to one main topic. A student could use a mind map to break down the taxonomy of living things, with ‘Organisms’ in the center, ‘Kingdoms’ branching out one level, ‘Phyla’ branching out from each ‘Kingdom’ and so on.  

Concept Map

Concept maps are another type of graphic organizer that excels at representing hierarchical information. They use boxes or circles to represent different concepts, with lines or arrows labeled to illustrate the relationships between them.

Concept maps have many uses in educational settings. They help in the sequential understanding of different concepts for students. For example, if a teacher has to break down a country’s government structure, he or she will most likely use a concept map to show the branches and subbranches of different government institutions systematically. 

Cluster Diagram

Cluster or cloud diagrams help brainstorm different ideas around a main concept. This type of graphic organizer is called a cluster because the topic or ideas related to the main idea form a cluster around it. For example, a cluster diagram can assist students determine how much they know about a topic and what areas need further research.

 This type of graphic organizer is very useful when generating ideas for a project or planning its different phases. Cluster diagrams break down a complex subject into smaller parts, both for individuals and for groups, for example, during defining scope of a project in its early stage.  

Graphic Organizers for Comparing and Contrasting

 The next type of graphic organizer helps you to compare two or more concepts. You can use this organizer to compare and contrast ideas, people, events, and policies. For instance, say you’re teaching a unit on different forms of government. You could use a compare and contrast graphic organizer to help students parse out key similarities and differences between a democracy and a dictatorship. This type of graphic organizer will be your go-to option. 

It is important to know that when you use this type of graphic organizer to compare two concepts, you are covering both the similarities and differences between those concepts. However, with contrast, only the differences are mentioned. Some examples of this category of graphic organizers are given below.

Venn Diagram

A Venn Diagram usually comprises two to three overlapping circles. The commonalities between the concepts are written in the shared or overlapping area, whereas all the distinct or unique features are mentioned in the part of the circle that does not overlap with any other circle. 

For example, you could have your students draw Venn diagram for the fruits and vegetables that red or orange. The common area between the two circles will contain vegetables like tomatoes that come in both these categories. The Venn diagram below shows the comparison of mitosis and meiosis. 

Another brilliant graphic organizer for comparing and contrasting is the “T Chart.” A T-chart is simply a table with two columns, usually comparing two items or ideas, or sorting data into categories. This type of graphic organizer is super quick to create and easy to understand, especially for students. T charts can also be used to categorize and jot down pros and cons.

The T chart is a popular option for both teachers and students because its layout is straightforward, and it offers a wide array of functions. For example, if the students are planning to go on a field trip but are not able to choose a location, then T charts can help a great deal. 

Teachers can ask the students to make a T chart of potential places and list the advantages and disadvantages of each of the locations in their respective columns. Also, a T chart is a great graphic organizer to show upsides and downsides of a topic.

Graphic Organizers for Sequencing and Cause-Effect

Next on the list are graphic organizers, which show the sequence or timeline of events. Sequence and timeline graphic organizers are particularly useful for teachers when presenting events in chronological order is important. Some of the graphic organizers that help students visualize the relationships between steps in a process or links in a chain of events are as follows.

A timeline graphic organizer shows a sequence of events in chronological order. History subjects make great use of timelines . Because major historical events can be shown in a proper sequence using a timeline. Along with dates, timelines give the flexibility to mention locations as well. For example, a timeline of the American Revolution could chart major turning points like the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the Battle of Yorktown.

Timelines can also be used to show how a certain phenomenon has progressed over time, such as a business’s growth. The Piktochart timeline template below charts key events in the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Notice how the combination of images and concise text makes the chronology engaging and easy to follow. 

This type of graphic organizer shows the steps of a process and how all the steps combine in a sequence to make the process happen. Flowcharts systematically and clearly document and communicate how a process works and what steps are involved in it, from start to finish. When a process is mapped using a flowchart , potential areas or steps of improvement can be identified. 

Cause and Effect Diagram

As the name suggests, a cause-and-effect diagram groups those causes of a problem that either have already happened or might happen. Relationships between different contributing factors can also be shown using a cause-and-effect diagram.

Often referred to as an Ishikawa diagram, or a fishbone diagram, a cause-and-effect visual is one of the basic tools of quality . While often associated with root cause analysis in business and manufacturing, cause-and-effect diagrams are equally powerful for getting to the bottom of issues in the classroom. By mapping out all the potential contributing factors to a problem, students can start to identify patterns and actionable solution.

Source: Noria Corporation

Graphic Organizers for Main Idea and Supporting Details

This category of graphic organizers shows a main idea and its supporting ideas. It defines and visualizes a core concept and all its supporting details. It is a great tool that helps students develop an outline of a topic for better understanding. Some of the examples are given below.

Main Idea Web

This type of graphic organizer starts with a main idea and branches out into related sub-ideas. The key point behind web graphic organizers is sometimes referred to as a light bulb. It is predominantly  used to brainstorm ideas for writing purposes. For example, if a student wrote a report on photosynthesis, they could put “photosynthesis” in the center, then branch out to related subtopics like ‘chloroplasts’, ‘light-dependent reactions’, etc.

Herringbone Diagram

A herringbone diagram is used when processes are involved. This type of web organizer helps you break down variations in a process or causes that lead up to an effect. A herringbone diagram is particularly important for avoiding an event before it happens.

Graphic Organizers for Writing and Note-taking

Another group of graphic organizers we’ll explore focuses on writing and note-taking. Writing, especially essays, proves challenging for many students as they struggle with arranging ideas. Here are a couple of graphic organizers for writing, which can be of great help to you.

Essay writing is an important skill that students use throughout their lives. An essay map graphic organizer is a brilliant tool for students, as it helps them to chalk out the outline in a systematic manner without missing any detail. Once a student is done with his or her essay map, writing becomes a walk in the park.

Cornell Map

This graphic organizer is a popular technique for note-taking. Particularly during lectures and textbook reading, the Cornell Map template comes in handy as it helps students to jot down all the important ideas and information systematically. It usually has a cue column, a note-taking column, and a summary section. 

When students are taking notes, the key ideas, important dates, formulas and other such details would go into the “note-taking” column. They will add questions, cues, and headings in the “cue” column. Whereas, the “summary” section will include a summary of the notes as one or two key learning outcomes. This helps students identify important details when they revise their notes later on.  

Tips for Using Graphic Organizers Effectively

It is important for teachers to use graphic organizers in a manner that maximizes the chances of effective learning. Some of the tips to make sure a graphic organizer effective are given below.

• Simple is Always Better —Your graphic organizers must always be simple. This will help students learn quickly. For example, avoid complete sentences unless absolutely necessary.
• Offer a Variety of Graphic Organizers – Expose your students to different types of graphic organizers day-to-day. This will bring out the best in them in terms of creativity.
• Use the to Assess Student Learning – Give the students a task along with a graphic organizer focused on the skill in focus. Use their graphic organizers to assess their standing in the class. 
• Use them Frequently —Using graphic organizers frequently helps students internalize what is being taught. The more often students use these tools to engage with content, the more adept they’ll become at using them independently. 

A graphic organizer is a tool for teachers to explain complex problems to their students. Similarly, graphic organizers help students visualize the information being taught in class. 

There are different graphic organizers, each suited to a specific purpose or thinking process. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, comparing and contrasting, sequencing events, mapping out an essay, or taking structured notes, there’s a graphic organizer that can help.Teachers can encourage their students to generate ideas by using graphic organizers in their lessons. Students can use graphic organizers to enhance their writing skills.

Piktochart is a one-stop solution that lets you create your own graphic organizer within seconds. It has both one-pager templates and multi-pager templates to cater to all kinds of requirements. Sign up on Piktochart now and make learning fun!

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Create a graphic organizer that shows different methods in teaching english language arts​

Auditory: Auditory learners learn best through listening and/or conversation.

Visual: Auditory learners learn best through reading, writing, and/or visual aids.

Kinesthetic: Kinesthetic learners learn best while moving and/or touching a stimulus related to the lesson.

Engage All Learning Styles in Every Lesson

Before discussing an example, let us review the three main learning styles.

New questions in English