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Exploring Argument Writing With Visual Tools

Teachers can have students use graphic organizers and timelines to clarify their thinking during the writing process.

Illustration of person writing with thought bubble made of pieces of wadded paper

As a teacher who loves to write and engage students with writing, I’ve experienced many challenges in attempting to bring composition into the classroom. While some students readily fill up blank pages with words inspired by their lives and stories they love, others are seemingly always in search of the best words.

More challenging still are those moments when I’ve led students through the steps necessary for expository and research-based argument writing. I’ve found that my students who are comfortable with the narrative mode are now thrust into compositing in a way that is unfamiliar ground.

This article explores some ways I’ve applied graphic organizers and visual planning strategies to the work of argument writing—which is perhaps the mode I consider the most challenging in the classroom.

Sifting Content

First among the challenges for argument is the way that debate and disagreement are often portrayed in popular culture—shouting matches and interruption rounds where it seems that the loudest voice wins out. In my classroom, the approach that I attempt to foster for argument is one of thoughtful intention and wisely applied rhetorical strategies.

As with much of the secondary curriculum I have worked with from middle-grades English to advanced composition, sorting information into categories (ethos/ethics, logos/logic, and emotion/pathos) is a helpful step once a topic is shared and resources are gathered.

But sorting through multiple paragraphs and pages in search of the “just right” evidence can be challenging and is a critical reading practice all on its own. To support these steps in criticality, I suggest that students create a simple three-column chart in which they can begin to sort the emotional, logical, and ethics-driven elements of their argument. Using a visual scaffold to support exploration of a complex reading is an essential step for me—and I used a similar strategy just this past week in my junior-level English class to sort out ideas and compare the writings of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.

By sorting ideas in this way, students can physically see how balanced their argument actually is, and they can begin thinking about what they need to ramp up for the eventual presentation of the case. 

Gathering Further Ideas

Another challenge in composing arguments is not only sorting and interpreting information, but also applying it in a way that includes informative and persuasive techniques.

As students consider the ways to apply these skills, they can begin to think through additional sources that they can use to build their foundation for thinking about the issues they’re presenting and noting the sources that help them build the strongest case. This type of exploring and writing is especially important when practicing synthesizing ideas across multiple sources.

On the surface, this process sounds like reading and rereading multiple sources (and it is). However, I apply a visual scaffold to this process to help students think about how their resources are linked and support or contradict each other. I illustrate the claim, counterclaim, and rebuttal aspects of argument structure through a visual outline, but the work of fleshing out these sections of the discussion takes place best in a mind map structure.

A simple three-circle Venn diagram can help students begin placing ideas into the claim section, and they can explore how authors overlap ideas with one another through this graphic organizer format. Ideally, they reach a point where the strongest ideas are in the center “target” point of the argument structure. They can think about best placement of these strongest ideas as leading points or final rebuttals—depending on what they want to leave their audience with. This approach is also helpful for relieving some of the stress that can surround framing what might be a challenging and less comfortable form of writing.

The additional details they gather can then be sorted further into areas of the argument structure that make sense.

Establishing Timelines

Further adapting the outline style, I encourage students to think about the argument as a timeline wherein their audience is most likely to connect with information early and remember information late. Outlining is almost always a building block of what I ask students to engage with when composing. For debates and discussions in our class, writing a timeline is an effective process.

From this timeline (prompting discussion and exploration of evidence and argument), students can practice writing their own arguments and responses by modifying it and including aspects of evidence and ideas they want to share (in whatever particular order they'd like to present their research).

Crafting Closing Arguments

By approaching an argument step-by-step, as discussion and collaboration that improves through a process, I have the goal of making what might seem complicated and overwhelming much more attainable and inviting—even, dare I say, active and interesting.

I recognize that many of my students might not have had vast experiences with all of the modes of writing and composing, and I take into account that some will be more naturally inclined to some ways of writing and sharing than others. Some students eagerly take the lead in an oral debate process, while others more readily engage in the research roles and independent writing components of the work.

As with much of my work in literacy, I attempt to make an invisible process clear and visual—in this case, through graphic organizers. I am aware that teachers might find other graphic organizer options that work more effectively at particular aspects of the argument process. For example, the Venn diagram might not communicate in the ways that a teacher may want, and so a flow chart/mind map or T-chart might work as a better substitute.

I encourage teachers to modify any steps in order to better support their students and focus on the importance of critical thinking and composing for all students.

  • Grades 6-12
  • School Leaders

Creative Ways to Use Graphic Novels in the Classroom! 🎥

Graphic Organizers 101: Why and How To Use Them

An incredibly valuable tool for every student, every subject.

Collage of Graphic Organizers

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?

A variety of graphic organizers with pens and a clipboard

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?

Graphic organizer used to help a student solve a story problem

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.

Story Map with illustrations of the parts of the book I Wish I Were a Butterfly

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

Sequencing organizer laying out the steps to build a snowman

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

Story mountain graphic organizer for Wild

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.

Know, Want to Know, and Learn chart about trees

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.

Web graphic organizer for an alligator

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

Concept map graphic organizer of the solar system

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.

Circle Maps for ways to make the numbers 4, 5, and 6

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.

OREO Writing graphic organizer

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)

Frayer model graphic organizer for vocabulary word Metamorphosis

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

Cause and Effect graphic organizer for Alexander's Very Bad Day

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.

T Chart for renewable and non-renewable energy sources (Graphic Organizers)

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

Venn diagram in the shape of two overlapping apples (Graphic Organizers)

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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Graphic Organizers 101: Why and How To Use Them

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graphic organizers for writing

How to Use Graphic Organizers to Write Better Essays

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Reading time: about 6 min

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.

research paper graphic organizer

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.

essay planning and writing

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.

essay sequence plan

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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Free Editable Essay Graphic Organizer Examples

Essays are complex and large write-ups that are not easy to intercept. That’s why it is better to use an essay graphic organizer to visualize your complex structured outline in a simple manner. In fact, there is nothing better than some free graphic organizer examples that save both your time and effort. So, let’s have an overview of this essay organizers and free example templates.

1. What is Essay Graphic Organizer

An essay graphic organizer enhances your research with visual elements. It helps the writer to correlate facts, observations, and notions. On top of that, it outlines the essay and provides an organized strategy for the writer.

A graphic organizer for writing helps the writers to tackle hard and long essay formats. A writer can use its visual aid to complete the write-up step by step. A graphic organizer for essays has different types based on primary functions.

  • An Outline Based Essay Organizer

These types of essay organizers have at least 3 thesis. The whole story revolves around these. Moreover, the organizer includes specific supporting details and subtopic names that make the way crystal clear for writers. However, these organizers do not need much essay explanation. Most indications are worldly phrases that direct the attention toward thoughts and observations.

  • A Contrasting Essay Organizer :

As the name indicates, it helps the writer to organize varying thoughts about topics and compare them. Moreover, it helps the writer to collect, conceive and portray the information ahead of time. The writer can use it for two collective primary topics or a single point from both topics. In both cases, the essay organizer will help them take visual notes and use them to their advantage while writing.

  • Organizer For A Persuasive Essay :

The persuasive essay organizer helps the writer to persuade an audience toward a single topic. It includes three or more supporting details for the topic. Furthermore, the organizer includes written evidence for those details that help prove the point.

2. The Essay Graphic Organizer Examples

Using an essay graphic organizer for writing brings credibility and flexibility to your essays with extensive research. Essay writing is a tough job, especially if it has more than one subtopic.

Essays require tons of details. All that quality is up to no good if it is not organized and well structured. An essay organizer for writing helps you understand how the minor details contribute to overall concepts. With thorough research and long formats, essay writing may become dull. However, an organizer helps you to perfectly structure your thoughts with appealing visuals that make them engaging and far less challenging.

Basic 5-Paragraph Essay Graphic Organzier

Basic 5-Paragraph Essay Graphic Organzier

5-Paragraph Essay

5-Paragraph Essay

Expository Essay Graphic Organizer

Expository Essay Graphic Organizer

Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer

Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer

Essay Graphic Organzier

Essay Graphic Organzier

Narrative Essay Graphic Organizer

Narrative Essay Graphic Organizer

Example 1: 5 Paragraph Essay Graphic Organzier

The most common type of essay writing format is a 5-paragraph essay. Essay graphic organizer for writing helps organize all those 5 paragraphs and insert valuable information inside them. It includes the first paragraph section in which the writer inserts the topic sentence and at least three thesis statements. The upcoming three paragraphs briefly summarize those statements and provide at least three pieces of evidence for each thesis. Finally, the last paragraph repeats the main statement and includes an overall concluding statement. Moreover, every thesis detail includes a conclusion statement that conceives the entire concept.

5 Paragraph Essay Graphic Organzier

Example 2: Printable 5 Paragraph Essay Graphic Organizer

It is also the type of essay organizer writers use to organize the outline of a 5-paragraph essay format. Its first paragraph is of introduction which includes with a thesis statement instead of a topic sentence. The statement inside the paragraph includes three supporting examples with itself. Moreover, the second paragraph has a topic sentence that the previous thesis supports. Plus, it has individual evidence details that prove the topic sentence true. The third paragraph includes a thesis statement that correlates with the previous and upcoming topic sentence. Finally, the last paragraph has the essay's main idea and a concluding statement that proves the point.

Printable 5 Paragraph Essay Graphic Organizer

Example 3: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer

This template solemnly deals with the expository template of the essay. It focuses on the essay's three most basic parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Moreover, the writer evaluates the selected topic in it with examples and evidence and closes the argument clearly and concisely. The exemplary diagram includes 2 separate boxes in the introduction sections. One of them is for the hook that engages the audience, whereas the other depicts the essay's main idea. Inside the body section, the writer briefly lists three examples, each with individual supporting details. Finally, the conclusion includes two sections; one for reviewing and rewriting the central concept and the other to input the closing details of the essay.

Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer

Example 4: Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer

This example diagram of the essay graphic organizer for writing helps to persuade a general or specific audience toward your point of view. The primary purpose is to enlist your opinion and evaluate it with the help of numerous supporting details. As for the organizer, it is for a 5 paragraph format. The first one has an engaging beginning, a summary of the issue, and your opinion. Furthermore, the next 3 provide different reasons that support your opinion. Moreover, the section also includes evidence in the form of examples and textual details that support every reason individually. The last paragraph is a conclusive one that restates the opinion, summarizes all three reasons again, and gives a CTA (call to action) at the end. However, you can ditch the CTA and add a simple closing statement that supports your opinion.

Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer

Example 5: Informational Essay Graphic Organizer

This type of organizer is for essays having more than one main idea. The organizer's interface has several colors that make it engaging and appealing. Due to the color, it is referred to as a Rainbow essay organizer. A big individual box includes the whole organized outline of the essay. The writer has to briefly write all three ideas in it and support their point of view. Moreover, the organizer includes an introduction and conclusion description. At last, there is a final draft section that concludes the whole essay and supports either all three or one suitable main idea.

Informational Essay Graphic Organizer

Example 6: Narrative Essay Graphic Organizer

The expository essay is a genre that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea clearly and concisely. The below expository essay web diagram is created using EdrawMax Online and shows blank spaces for Thesis Statement, Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Details about all the examples, and argumentative points. Expository writing gives facts and information about a topic, and as the web diagram suggests, a good expository essay introduces the main idea and develops it with facts and supporting details.

Narrative Essay Graphic Organizer

3. How to Make an Essay Graphic Organizer

Graphic organizers are the modern way of learning. With passing time, people are using them in every type of write-up. Therefore, it is better to understand its production process so that you can make one specifically for your essay. The online production software uses four simple steps to generate a graphic organizer for essays.

Step 1 - Head on to EdrawMax Online or download EdrawMax . Make an account and log in to it.

Step 2 - Once inside, you can start creating the graphic organizer on a blank edit sheet or readymade essay organizers, such as mindmaps and spider maps. However, this process is time-consuming. If you want an easy solution, head to the main menu on the left, look for Templates Community , and click on it.

Step 3 - Clicking on the Template Community option will take you to a social network of designers and a general audience like you that post templates daily for public use. You can search for your very own template and duplicate it onto your sheet using the button Duplicate.

Step 4 - Finally, start customizing it as you like. You can change the font, color, and components. Moreover, you can add new ones if you like. Once you are done and satisfied, export and share your template with others using the Button Publish present on the top right corner.

4. Online Graphic Organizer Maker

Traditional ways are gone when you had to work extensively for a simple diagram in lining software. Online graphic organizers like EdrawMax made graphic organizer designing much easier and less time-consuming. All thanks to its easy-to-use interface and basic yet helpful tool kits, designing a diagram is possible for every individual with basic knowledge.

Moreover, EdrawMax saves a lot of effort and time with the help of readymade templates. This online graphic organizer maker is suitable for any type of consumer to generate any variation of the graphic organizer. Its biggest pro is the Templates Community , with thousands of readymade templates for users. In this social biome, you can not only pick the one that suits you well but share your ideas with the community as well.

5. Key Takeaways

The visual aid of essay graphic organizers helps the writers to organize their researched facts and general thoughts according to references. Moreover, it gives a direction to the audience and the writer for the essay. As for its usage, the writers are helping themselves with it in their professional careers. Moreover, it proves exponentially efficient in the academic field for students. When it comes to essay writing, it helps in both of these by establishing a relevant and valid connection. Plus, communicating our thoughts with visual sketches and doodles is less boring and more engaging.

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Using Graphic Organizers for Writing Essays, Summaries and Research

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Ask any student – essay writing is one of the most despised tasks of their educational career. Perhaps there is so much displeasure associated with the task because it’s perceived as too linear – there isn’t enough visual and creative appeal. But if you use graphic organizer for writing essays then you can make writing enjoyable – or at least less terrible.

Not only enjoyable but graphic organizers (or diagrams) can make the writing process a snap. They’ll help you think outside the box, draw conclusions you wouldn’t normally observe, and make the entire process faster and more efficient.

Why Use Graphic Organizers for Writing

The phrase “graphic organizer” is just a fancy way of saying “diagram” or “visual aid.” Basically, they are a visual representation of the information you’ve acquired in the research process. There are quite a few reasons why you should use them when writing essays or summaries.

  • Helps you visualize your research and how elements connect with each other
  • Enhance your essays, summaries and research papers with visual elements
  • Track correlations between your thoughts, observations, facts or general ideas

When it comes to essay writing, the most common graphic organizers are webs, mind maps, and concept maps .

Using Webs for Brainstorming

Webbing is a great way to see how various topics are interrelated. This graphic organizer is particularly useful during the brainstorming step of the writing process.

A web can sometimes get a bit messy. Usually, there are lots of arrows to connect overlapping ideas. However, even with lines crisscrossing every which way, it is still a great way to visualize your thoughts. If you’re using an online diagramming software like Creately you can overcome some of this because we automatically arrange the object for you.

Once you’ve created a map to document all your ideas and establish connections, you can easily transition to other forms of diagramming to better organize the information.

For example if you’re writing a research paper about the food web of the Australian bushes you can start creating a food web diagram similar to the one below. This way you can easily visualize the web while writing the paper. This is a simple example but graphic organizers become even more important when the subject gets complex.

Food Web - Graphic Organizers for Writing

Although simple this example shows the importance of using graphic organizers for writing summaries. A comprehensive diagram pretty much does the summation for you.

Using Mind Maps as Graphic Organizers

Mind maps are a great way to depict a hierarchy. What is hierarchical organization ? The concept is simple: a singular topic dominates with each subsequent idea decreasing in importance.

Usually, the mind map starts with the thesis (or main idea) at the center.  From there, you can branch out with your supporting evidence.

Use this process to replace your traditional note taking technique – note cards, outlines, whatever. You’ll quickly realize a mind map is a great way to formulate the structure of your essay. The thing to note here is that the nature of the mind maps force you think about sub topics and how to organize your ideas. And once the ideas are organized writing the essay become very easy.

A mind map is a useful graphic organizer for writing - Graphic Organizers for Writing

Above is a mind map of a research proposal. Click on it to see the full image or you can see the fully editable template via this link . As you can see in this mind map the difference areas of the research proposal is highlighted. Similarly when your writing the research paper you can use a mind map to break it down to sub topics. We have more mind map templates for you to get started.

Concept Maps

A concept map will help you visualize the connection between ideas. You can easily see cause and effect – how one concept leads to another. Often times, concept mapping includes the use of short words or phrases to depict the budding relationship between these concepts.

If you look closely you can see that its very similar to a mind map. But a concept maps gives more of a free reign compares to the rigid topic structure of a mind map. I’d say it’s the perfect graphic organizer for writing research papers where you have the license to explore.

By creating a concept map , you can also see how a broad subject can be narrowed down into specific ideas.  This is a great way to counter writers block.  Often, we look at the big picture and fail to see the specifics that lead to it.  Identifying contributing factors and supporting evidence is difficult. But with a concept map, you can easily see how the smaller parts add up to the whole.

Concept map as a graphic organizer - Graphic Organizers for Writing

Why Bother With Graphic Organizers?

If you already detest the writing process, adding another step might seem insane. However, there really are several advantages of using them.  If you haven’t already accepted the benefits of each individual diagram style, here are some more perks of graphic organizers in general:

  • Quality essays are based on detail. No one is going to accept your opinions and reasoning just because you say so. You’ll need proof. And organizing that proof will require attention to detail. Graphic organizers can help you see that detail and how it contributes to the overall concept.
  • Graphic organizers are flexible. You don’t need one of those giant pink erasers. You don’t need to restructure your outline. All you have to do is draw a few arrows and bam – the relationship has totally changed.
  • No matter what you are writing about, a graphic organizer can help. They can be used to structure an essay on the Great Wall, theoretical physics, or Spanish speaking countries.
  • If you write an outline, can you easily see how point A influences point X? Probably not. But if little thought bubble A is sitting out there all by itself, you can visualize the way it ties into point R, T and X.
  • Some of us find it difficult to put our opinions, thoughts, and ideas into writing. However, communicating our feelings with little doodles and sketches is far less threatening.
  • As a writer, our brain often feels like a 2-year-old’s toy box – a big jumbled mess. Taking that mess and putting it onto paper with some semblance of organization is challenging. Rather than trying to take your thoughts from total chaos to a perfectly structured list, just try to get them out of your brain and onto paper in the form of a diagram.
  • A graphic organizer helps you establish validity and relevance. You can easily nix the ideas that don’t support or enhance your thesis.

The next time you are faced with a writing project, take a few minutes to explore the efficiency of graphic organizers. You can find a wealth of templates here.

Have you ever used a graphic organizer to structure an essay? How did it go? Do you have a diagram suggestion for the writing process that wasn’t mentioned here? Let us know!

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12 Graphic Organizer Examples for Teachers and Students

graphic organizer examples featured image

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 . 

example of a mind map

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. 

example of a venn diagram showing the overlap between meiosis and mitosis

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. 

infographic on the timeline of queen elizabeth ii

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. 

flow chart example

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.

fishbone diagram from noria corporation

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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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 Organizer Examples

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.

3 Venn Diagram

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.

Problem-Promise-Proof-Proposal Copywriting Mind Map

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.

Dark Protein Biology Concept Map Template

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.

Character Mind Map Template

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.

Red Sports Bubbles Map

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.

Netflix Culture Organizational Flow Chart

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.

Brown Minimalist Vintage Classic Online Education T-Chart Diagram

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.

Animal Comparison Chart

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.

UML Sequence Diagram

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.

Ideas Mind Map Template

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.

Spider Mind Map Uses Diagram

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.

Green Modern Minimalist Illustration Tree Circle Map Diagram

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.

Cyber Security Framework Mind Map Template

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.

Colorful Comparison Infographic

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.

Blank Family Tree Chart

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.

Future Leadership Program

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.

dare essay graphic organizer

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.

dare essay graphic organizer

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.

Corporate Healthcare Organizational Chart Template

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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Initial Thoughts

Perspectives & resources, what should ms. lin know in order to provide effective writing instruction.

  • Page 1: Understanding Difficulties with Written Expression
  • Page 2: Prerequisites for Written Expression

What could Ms. Lin do to help her students learn to write persuasive essays?

  • Page 3: Elements of the Writing Process

Page 4: POW+TREE Writing Strategy

  • Page 5: POW+TREE Applications
  • Page 6: References & Additional Resources
  • Page 7: Credits

pow_04_a_MsLin

A research-validated strategy , POW is a mnemonic device designed to help students structure any kind of writing. TREE is also a mnemonic device students can use to organize their ideas. As is demonstrated in the table below, students can combine the POW and TREE strategies to address the first three elements of the writing process in order to create persuasive essays.

Research-validated strategy

A strategy or practice that has been proven to work through experimental research studies or large-scale research field studies.

Strategy Activity

Formulate an opinion and state that opinion clearly.

rganize and generate notes and ideas for each part of the TREE.

Organize notes by completing a graphic organizer:

opic Sentence Formulate a topic sentence expressing an opinion.
eason Give at least three reasons to support the topic sentence.
xplanation Explain your reasons.
nding Formulate a statement to summarize the topic sentence.

rite and say more.

Write a complete paragraph. Follow the plan developed using the TREE strategy.

After completing the POW+TREE strategy, students will still need to address the fourth element of the writing process: editing and revising. These skills should be taught as part of any comprehensive writing program. The bulletin board below displays the editing marks that Ms. Lin has taught her students. She uses these marks when providing editing and revising feedback to her students, and she requires her students to use them during the peer-editing process.

Graphic displaying Editing Marks.

(Really Good Stuff [Online], 2007)

Essay Papers Writing Online

Effective graphic organizers to help you write an outstanding essay.

Graphic organizers for writing an essay

In the realm of academic writing, there is a constant need to effectively convey ideas and present arguments in a coherent and logical manner. This becomes particularly challenging when faced with the daunting task of crafting an essay. However, fear not, for there exists a remarkable tool that can revolutionize your writing process: the strategic deployment of visual aids known as graphic organizers. These invaluable tools empower you to organize your thoughts, enhance the overall structure of your essay, and effortlessly guide your readers through your compelling narrative.

Unlocking the Potential of Visual Representation

Imagine a map that leads you on a journey through your essay, connecting ideas and concepts with clear and concise pathways. Graphic organizers act as this map, providing visual representations of your ideas and helping you create a well-structured and cohesive piece of writing. By utilizing various forms of graphic organizers, such as concept maps, Venn diagrams, and flowcharts, you can transform your essay into a compelling and logical narrative that captivates your readers.

Navigating the Writing Process with Ease

Writing an essay can often feel like navigating through a labyrinth of ideas, arguments, and evidence. Without a clear path to follow, you may find yourself lost in a sea of information and unsure of how to proceed. This is where graphic organizers come to the rescue. These visual tools enable you to break down complex ideas into manageable sections, identify key points, and establish connections between them. By visually representing the structure of your essay, graphic organizers provide a roadmap that guides you through the writing process with ease.

A brief overview of graphic organizers and their importance in essay writing

A brief overview of graphic organizers and their importance in essay writing

Essay writing is a complex task that requires careful organization of ideas and thoughts. One effective way to achieve this is by using graphic organizers. These visual tools assist writers in brainstorming ideas, organizing information, and structuring their essays.

Graphic organizers serve as a framework for writers to arrange their thoughts in a logical and coherent manner. They provide a visual representation of the essay’s structure and help writers to see how different ideas and supporting details are connected. By utilizing graphic organizers, writers can easily identify the main points they want to convey and ensure that all supporting information aligns with the essay’s central theme.

One of the key benefits of using graphic organizers is that they promote clarity and coherence in essay writing. They help writers to keep their thoughts organized and prevent them from getting lost in a sea of disorganized ideas. By using visual tools such as flowcharts, mind maps, or Venn diagrams, writers can visually map out their arguments, supporting evidence, and counterarguments, ensuring a clear and concise presentation of their ideas.

In addition to enhancing clarity, graphic organizers also facilitate the writing process by saving time and reducing the risk of missing important points. With a well-structured graphic organizer, writers can easily outline their essays and have a clear roadmap to follow. This not only helps them to stay focused and avoid digressions but also ensures that they cover all the necessary points when constructing their arguments.

Furthermore, graphic organizers can be particularly beneficial for visual learners or individuals who struggle with traditional outlining methods. The visual representation of information provided by graphic organizers allows these individuals to better understand and retain the content. By employing graphic organizers, writers can cater to different learning styles and create a more inclusive and accessible essay.

In conclusion, graphic organizers play a crucial role in essay writing by assisting writers in organizing their thoughts, promoting clarity and coherence, and saving time. By utilizing these visual tools, writers can enhance their essay-writing process and produce well-structured and compelling pieces of writing.

Mind maps are a powerful tool for organizing and structuring thoughts and ideas. They are visual representations that help to connect concepts and create associations. These diagrams can be used to brainstorm ideas, plan essays, and organize information.

When creating a mind map, start by writing down the main topic or idea in the center of the page. From there, branch out and add related subtopics and supporting details. Use symbols, colors, and images to make the mind map visually appealing and easier to understand.

Mind maps are particularly useful for essay writing as they allow you to see the relationships between different ideas and how they fit together. You can use them to outline the main arguments and supporting evidence for your essay, ensuring that your thoughts flow logically.

One of the benefits of using mind maps is that they encourage flexible thinking. They allow you to explore different ideas and connections, and you can easily rearrange and reorganize the information as needed. This flexibility can help you to generate new insights and perspectives for your essay.

Additionally, mind maps are a great tool for visual learners. They engage the visual sense and can make the information more memorable. By using images and colors, you can create a visually stimulating mind map that will help you to remember key points and ideas.

In conclusion, mind maps are a versatile and effective tool for organizing and structuring your thoughts when writing an essay. They allow you to brainstorm ideas, create associations, and visualize the relationships between different concepts. By using mind maps, you can enhance your essay writing process and create well-structured and cohesive essays.

How mind maps can help in brainstorming ideas and organizing thoughts for an essay

Mind maps are an effective tool to help students generate and organize ideas for an essay. By visually representing thoughts and connections, mind maps can aid in the brainstorming process and provide a structure for essay writing.

  • Mind maps allow for the exploration of various ideas and perspectives. They help in generating a wide range of ideas surrounding a central topic. By allowing the brain to make connections and associations, mind maps can stimulate creativity and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
  • Mind maps allow for the organization of thoughts and ideas. With the main topic at the center of the map, students can branch out and connect related ideas, subtopics, and supporting evidence. This visual representation helps students see the overall structure of the essay and ensures logical flow between paragraphs.
  • Mind maps can help in identifying gaps in knowledge or areas that require further research. By visually mapping out the ideas, students can identify any missing information or weak arguments. This allows for more targeted research and a more comprehensive and informed essay.
  • Mind maps can be easily modified and adjusted. As the essay writing process progresses, new ideas or connections may arise. With a mind map, students can easily add, remove, or rearrange branches and subtopics to reflect these changes. This flexibility ensures that the essay remains coherent and well-organized.
  • Mind maps can serve as a reference tool during the writing process. By having a visual representation of the essay structure, students can refer back to the mind map to ensure that they are staying on track and addressing all necessary points. This prevents the essay from becoming disjointed or off-topic.

In conclusion, mind maps are a valuable tool for brainstorming ideas and organizing thoughts for an essay. They facilitate the exploration of various ideas, provide a structure for organizing thoughts, help identify gaps in knowledge, and serve as a reference tool during the writing process. By utilizing mind maps, students can enhance their essay writing process and produce more coherent and well-structured essays.

Venn Diagrams

Venn diagrams are a powerful tool for visually organizing information and identifying relationships between different concepts. These diagrams provide a clear and concise way to compare and contrast various elements, allowing writers to effectively analyze and present their ideas in an organized manner.

One of the key features of Venn diagrams is their ability to depict overlapping areas, often referred to as intersections. This element is particularly useful when discussing similarities and differences between different topics or ideas. By using Venn diagrams, writers can easily identify commonalities and distinctions, which can strengthen their arguments and provide clarity to their readers.

Venn diagrams are frequently used in academic writing, as they can help writers structure their thoughts and create logical connections between different concepts. By representing information in a visual format, these diagrams enable writers to explore relationships between various elements and make connections that might not be immediately apparent. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and contribute to a more comprehensive and cohesive essay.

Moreover, Venn diagrams can also be utilized as a brainstorming tool, allowing writers to generate ideas and organize their thoughts before embarking on the writing process. By visually mapping out the different components of their essay, writers can see how various ideas relate to each other, identify any gaps or inconsistencies, and ensure that their arguments flow smoothly and coherently.

In conclusion, Venn diagrams are a valuable resource for essay writing. Whether used to compare and contrast different concepts, analyze relationships, or brainstorm ideas, these diagrams can enhance the effectiveness and organization of the writing process. By incorporating Venn diagrams into their essay planning and drafting, writers can create well-structured and cohesive essays that effectively convey their ideas to readers.

Using Venn diagrams to compare and contrast different concepts or ideas in an essay

When crafting an essay, it is often necessary to compare and contrast different concepts or ideas in order to provide a well-rounded analysis. One effective tool for visualizing these comparisons is the Venn diagram. By using a Venn diagram, you can easily identify the similarities and differences between two or more subjects, helping to organize your thoughts and enhance the clarity of your essay.

A Venn diagram consists of overlapping circles that represent different concepts or ideas. The areas where the circles overlap indicate similarities, while the areas outside of the overlapping circles represent differences. By visually representing the connections and distinctions between subjects, a Venn diagram provides a clear and concise way to compare and contrast different concepts within an essay.

One of the main advantages of using a Venn diagram is its ability to highlight both the similarities and differences between subjects. This allows the reader to easily understand the relationships between different concepts and provides a comprehensive view of the topic being discussed. Additionally, a Venn diagram can help you identify any gaps in your analysis and prompt further exploration.

When using a Venn diagram to compare and contrast different concepts or ideas within an essay, it is important to provide clear and concise explanations for each point. This will help the reader understand the connections and distinctions being made. Additionally, it is important to use accurate and relevant information to support your comparisons and contrasts.

In conclusion, utilizing Venn diagrams can be an effective strategy for comparing and contrasting different concepts or ideas within an essay. By visually representing the similarities and differences, a Venn diagram enhances the clarity and organization of your writing. Furthermore, it prompts further exploration and insight, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the chosen topic.

Flowcharts are visual representations of processes or systems that can be used to organize and present information in a clear and concise manner. They offer a unique way to illustrate the flow or sequence of steps in a process, making it easier for the reader to understand, follow, and analyze the information presented.

Flowcharts consist of various shapes and lines that are connected to depict the steps or actions involved in a particular process. Each shape represents a specific action or decision, and the lines indicate the direction of the flow. This visual format allows for easy identification of the different components of a process and the relationships between them.

Flowcharts can be particularly useful in essay writing as they provide a framework to organize ideas and ensure logical progression. They allow writers to map out the flow of their thoughts and arguments, helping them to identify any gaps or inconsistencies in their reasoning. By visualizing the overall structure of an essay, flowcharts help writers to analyze the effectiveness of their writing and make necessary revisions.

Furthermore, flowcharts can also be used to outline different essay structures or formats, such as the traditional five-paragraph essay or more complex argumentative essays. They can serve as a guide to help writers understand the order and flow of information within each paragraph or section, ensuring a coherent and logical presentation of ideas.

Overall, flowcharts are a valuable tool in essay writing as they offer a visual representation of the flow and structure of ideas. They can enhance the clarity and organization of an essay, making it easier for both the writer and the reader to navigate and comprehend the information presented.

How flowcharts can be used to outline the structure and flow of an essay

Flowcharts are a visual tool that can be incredibly useful in outlining the structure and flow of an essay. These diagrams provide a clear and organized representation of the main ideas and supporting details, allowing writers to quickly identify the logical progression of their arguments.

By using flowcharts, writers can visually map out the various sections and subsections of their essays, providing a framework for their thoughts and ideas. Each box in the flowchart can represent a different paragraph or section, while the arrows indicate the direction of the flow and logical connections between the different parts of the essay.

Not only do flowcharts help writers stay organized, but they also enable them to see the overall structure of their essays at a glance. This big-picture view allows writers to ensure that their arguments flow smoothly and logically from one point to the next. Writers can easily spot any gaps or inconsistencies in their logic, helping them refine and improve their essays before they even start writing.

Flowcharts also serve as a useful tool for brainstorming and generating ideas. By visually mapping out the main points and supporting evidence, writers can easily identify any missing information or weak arguments. This allows them to fill in the gaps and strengthen their overall thesis statement.

Another benefit of using flowcharts is that they can help writers experiment with different essay structures and arrangements. By rearranging the boxes and arrows, writers can explore different ways of organizing their thoughts and arguments, allowing them to find the most effective and coherent structure for their essay.

In conclusion, flowcharts are a valuable tool for outlining the structure and flow of an essay. They allow writers to organize their thoughts and ideas, ensure logical progression, and identify any weak points in their arguments. By using flowcharts, writers can streamline the writing process and ultimately create more cohesive and compelling essays.

Concept Maps

Concept maps are visual tools that help organize and represent ideas and concepts. They are powerful tools for brainstorming, planning, and understanding complex information. Concept maps allow you to visually connect different concepts and their relationships, making it easier to track the flow of ideas and identify key connections.

Concept maps facilitate the exploration and organization of ideas, serving as a roadmap for the essay writing process. They provide a structured framework for outlining main points, supporting details, and logical connections between different ideas. By visually representing the relationships between concepts, concept maps help to create a clear and cohesive argument.

Concept maps can also be used as a study tool, aiding in the comprehension and retention of information. By visually organizing and linking concepts, they enhance understanding and promote critical thinking. Concept maps can be useful for summarizing key points, identifying gaps in knowledge, and generating new ideas.

Overall, concept maps are an effective and versatile tool for essay writing and knowledge organization. Whether used for brainstorming, planning, or studying, concept maps provide a visual representation of ideas and their relationships, helping to create a coherent and persuasive essay.

Using concept maps to visually represent the relationships between different ideas in an essay

Using concept maps to visually represent the relationships between different ideas in an essay

A valuable tool in essay writing is the use of concept maps to visually represent the connections and relationships between various ideas. Concept maps provide a means of organizing and structuring information in a clear and concise manner, allowing the writer to see the overall framework of the essay and how different ideas are interconnected.

Concept maps are particularly useful when brainstorming and planning an essay, as they enable the writer to generate ideas and identify relationships between them. By visually mapping out the concepts, main points, and supporting details, a concept map can serve as a guide throughout the writing process.

Each concept in a concept map is represented by a node or box, with lines connecting the nodes to indicate the relationships between them. These connections can be labelled to show the nature of the relationship, such as cause and effect, similarities and differences, or chronological order. By visually seeing these connections, the writer can ensure that the essay is coherent and logically structured.

Furthermore, concept maps allow the writer to easily rearrange and reorganize ideas as needed. If a new connection or relationship is discovered, or if the writer decides to change the structure of the essay, the concept map can be easily modified to reflect these changes. This flexibility enables the writer to continually refine and improve the essay as they progress in the writing process.

Overall, concept maps offer a powerful visual tool for essay writing, aiding in the organization and development of ideas. By visually representing the relationships between different ideas, concept maps can enhance the clarity and coherence of an essay, making it more compelling and persuasive to the reader.

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  • Graphic Organizers

Argument: Grades 9-12

Graphic organizer: argument essay.

In this assignment, students plan and write an Argument Essay on a topic they feel strongly about. Students use an Argument Essay Planner; a graphic organizer that will help them plan their essays. Students use the Planner to create a strong introduction with an engaging hook and a clearly stated claim and come up with reasons and evidence to support their claim. Then students draft their Argument Essay, using the ideas from the Planner to develop an organized essay with a clearly stated claim.

Skills in this Assignment

  • Persuade Readers
  • Use Voice/Style/Tone
  • Consider the Reader
  • Hook the Reader
  • Use Transitions
  • Provide a Strong Conclusion
  • Consider & Refute Counterclaims
  • Plan an Argument
  • Elaborate (Arg)
  • Organize for Flow and Logic
  • Support with Reasons & Evidence

Standards in this Assignment

Graphic organizer: op-ed.

Students plan and draft an Op-Ed about an issue they feel strongly about. They fill in an Op-Ed Graphic Organizer with their claim and questions to be asked and answered. Then students draft their Op-Eds, using information from the Graphic Organizer to state their claim and describe reasons and evidence that support it. When drafting their Op-Eds, students anticipate and refute a counterargument. Students conclude by briefly restating their claims and leaving readers with call-to-action.

  • End with an Idea
  • State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View

Informational: Grades 9-12

Graphic organizer: informative essay.

In this assignment, students plan and write an Informative Essay on a topic of their choice. Students use an Informative Essay Graphic Organizer to plan their essays. Students use the Graphic Organizer to create a strong introduction with a clear thesis statement. They develop their main idea and support it with evidence from their reading and research. Then students draft their Informative Essay, using information from the Planner to develop an organized essay with a clear thesis statement and relevant main ideas and evidence.

  • Provide Closure
  • Choose Words Carefully
  • Use Content Vocabulary
  • Connect Ending
  • Elaborate (Info)
  • Provide a Focus Statement
  • Plan a Topic

Graphic Organizer: Compare-and-Contrast Essay

Students use a Compare-and-Contrast Planner to plan a Compare-and-Contrast Argument comparing two items of their choice. Students fill in the planner with information comparing and contrasting the two items. Then students write their Arguments, following a Compare-and-Contrast format consisting of an introduction that includes their central idea, a body paragraph describing similarities, another body paragraph describing differences, and a conclusion that summarizes the comparison and leaves readers with a final thought.

  • Use a Compare/Contrast Format
  • Use Correct Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation
  • Add Meaning (Info)

Graphic Organizer: How-To Essay

In this assignment, students plan and write a How-To Essay explaining how something works or describing how to do something. Students use the How-To Essay Graphic Organizer to plan their Essay. They begin by describing the topic and audience so they can consider the reader as they plan. Students then describe the steps in order, using appropriate details. Students then draft their How-To Essay, writing in a clear voice and keeping the steps in proper order. Students conclude by discussing the results of the process or by offering possible next steps for readers to follow.

  • Vary Sentence Structure
  • Introduce Topic & Subtopics

Graphic Organizer: Literary Analysis

In this assignment, students plan and write a Literary Analysis analyzing a reading selection and explaining how the reading is a good example of its particular literary genre. Students use the Literary Analysis Planner to plan their analysis. They complete the Graphic Organizer by filling in a thesis statement, elements of the genre, key points, and evidence from the text to support their point. Then students draft their Literary Analysis, using information from the Planner to develop an organized analysis with a clear thesis statement, key points, and relevant evidence from the text.

  • Analyze Author's Craft (LR)
  • Analyze Literary Elements (LR)
  • Determine Theme
  • Write an Informational Introduction
  • Use a Literary/Text Analysis
  • Analyze Author's Purpose
  • Analyze Structure

Graphic Organizer: Newspaper Article

In this assignment, students plan and draft a newspaper article about a newsworthy event or a person of special interest. Students use the Newspaper Planner to record the 5Ws, list interview questions and answers, and write down quotes. After planning, students write a newspaper article beginning with an exciting lead and organizing information so the most important facts are up front.

  • Ask & Answer Questions (IR)
  • Use Reliable Sources
  • Consider Language and Word Choice

Graphic Organizer: Newspaper Article - Event

Students use the Newspaper Article Graphic Organizer to plan and draft a Newspaper Article about a newsworthy topic in their school or community. Students fill in the Graphic Organizer with information about the 5Ws. They develop their information with quotes about the topic. Then students draft their article using the information from the Graphic Organizer to write their article. Students begin with an engaging lead and organize their information so the most important facts and details come first.

  • Check Spelling & Punctuation
  • Inform Readers

Graphic Organizer: Research Report

In this assignment, students research, plan, and draft a Research Report on a topic of interest to them. Students use a Research Report Planner to plan their reports. Students research the topic and develop research questions to narrow down their topic. They then fill in the Research Report Planner with a clear thesis statement, key ideas and evidence, as well as citations for a variety of relevant sources. After researching and planning their topic, students draft their Research Report, including evidence from a variety of relevant sources to support their thesis statement. Students correctly cite each source and conclude by summarizing their key ideas.

  • Cite Evidence from Text (IR)
  • Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
  • Organize Paragraphs
  • Synthesize (IR)
  • Demonstrate Understanding
  • Use Correct Grammar
  • Stay on Topic
  • Use a Research Report Format
  • Correctly Cite Sources

Narrative: Grades 9-12

Graphic organizer: fictional narrative.

In this assignment, students plan and write a Fictional Narrative. Students use a Fictional Narrative Organizer to help them diagram their story. Students map their characters, plot, and setting, describe the story’s climax, and tell how the climax is resolved. Then students draft their Fictional Narrative, using their Graphic Organizer to organize their plot elements and ideas.

  • Provide Closure (Narr)
  • Develop Beginning/Middle/End
  • Introduce the Story
  • Plan a Narrative

Graphic Organizer: Personal Narrative

In this assignment, students plan and write a Personal Narrative. The narrative should be about a single important experience. Students use a Personal Narrative Planner to help them plan their narratives. Students describe their experience in detail, including a description of their thoughts and feelings. After completing their Planner, students draft their Personal Narrative, using a first-person voice and bringing their experience to life with vivid details and sensory language.

  • Ask and Answer Questions
  • Use Narrative Techniques
  • Begin a Narrative
  • Elaborate (Narr)
  • Add Meaning (Narr)
  • Establish Point of View

Graphic Organizer: Short Story

In this assignment, students plan and write a Short Story. The Short Story can be fictional or based on something that really happened. Students use a Short Story Map, a graphic organizer that will help them diagram their stories. Students map their characters, plot, and setting; describe the story’s climax; and tell how the climax is resolved. Then students draft their Short Stories, using their Story Maps to organize their plot elements and ideas.

  • Connect the Ending

Graphic Organizer: Memoir

In this assignment, students plan and draft a Memoir, a nonfiction personal account in which students describe a challenging personal event and how they overcame the challenge. Students use the Memoir Planner to plan their Memoir by establishing the situation with details about the characters, the setting, and the events that took place, Then students draft their Memoir, describing the experience, using sensory details and vivid language to describe the mood. In their conclusion, students reflect on the experience and leave readers with a final thought.

  • Establish a Situation
  • Entertain & Inform

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D.A.R.E. Writing Graphic Organizer

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IMAGES

  1. DARE Essay

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  2. Five Paragraph Essay Graphic Organizer

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  3. Four Paragraph Essay Graphic Organizer

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  4. DARE Essay Graphic Organizer by Diane Applegate

    dare essay graphic organizer

  5. Free Editable Essay Graphic Organizer Examples

    dare essay graphic organizer

  6. Differentiated Graphic Organizers for D.A.R.E. Essay by Core Resource

    dare essay graphic organizer

COMMENTS

  1. DARE Essay Graphic Organizer by Diane Applegate

    This pdf will help you students write their DARE essay at the end of their DARE classes. ... DARE Essay Graphic Organizer. 545 Downloads. Previous Next. Diane Applegate. 5 Followers. Follow. Grade Levels. 4 th - 6 th. Subjects. English Language Arts, Character Education, Writing-Essays. Resource Type. Printables, Graphic Organizers. Formats ...

  2. Dare Essay Graphic Organizer Teaching Resources

    Core Resource Factory. This packet contains three sets of differentiated graphic organizers to help students on different writing levels plan their D.A.R.E. essay. When purchasing you will receive: - Instructions with a checklist and a one page graphic organizer for your advance writers to plan their 5 paragraphs. A total of 2 pages.

  3. DARE Essay

    At the end of the DARE unit the students have to write a final paper. This graphic organizer helps my students outline their thoughts before typing up their final essay.

  4. STOP + DARE

    What: This writing strategy provides a mnemonic device to organize student think when creating argumentative essays. STOP + DARE is mnemonic writing strategy for argumentative essays. To the extent that it specifically reminds students to consider alternative claims and to address them it may be more specifically aligned with Common Core Learning Standards for writing.

  5. Using Graphic Organizers for Argument Writing

    Exploring Argument Writing With Visual Tools. Teachers can have students use graphic organizers and timelines to clarify their thinking during the writing process. By Jason DeHart. January 4, 2024. Keith Alexander Lee / The iSpot. As a teacher who loves to write and engage students with writing, I've experienced many challenges in attempting ...

  6. Essay Map

    Use Essay Map to plan and organize your essays with an interactive graphic organizer. Learn expository writing skills and improve your grades.

  7. PDF 11/02/18 Mrs. Wichman DARE Essay Have you ever heard of DARE? If you're

    DARE is so important. It is a life changing program. It has given me confidence to stand up for myself and my friends. DARE has fostered a positive relationship with our local police department. DARE has taught me how to make smart decisions. So if you ever need help with the things I talked about maybe you should think about DARE.

  8. Graphic Organizers 101: Why and How To Use Them

    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.

  9. PDF STAR SheetH

    • Allow students to use graphic organizers to help plan or organize their persuasive essays. • Make cue cards to help students to plan or organize their persuasive essays. Keep in Mind • Strategies such as STOP and DARE are commonly combined with self-regulation strategies. See the

  10. How to Use Graphic Organizers to Write Better Essays

    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 ...

  11. Effective Essay Writing Graphic Organizers: Boost Your Writing Skills

    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.

  12. Free Editable Essay Graphic Organizer Examples

    Example 1: 5 Paragraph Essay Graphic Organzier. The most common type of essay writing format is a 5-paragraph essay. Essay graphic organizer for writing helps organize all those 5 paragraphs and insert valuable information inside them. It includes the first paragraph section in which the writer inserts the topic sentence and at least three thesis statements.

  13. Using Graphic Organizers for Writing Essays, Summaries and ...

    The phrase "graphic organizer" is just a fancy way of saying "diagram" or "visual aid.". Basically, they are a visual representation of the information you've acquired in the research process. There are quite a few reasons why you should use them when writing essays or summaries. Helps you visualize your research and how elements ...

  14. 12 Graphic Organizer Examples for Classrooms

    Read about the 12 graphic organizer examples for teachers and students to simplify complex concepts, improve writing skills, and boost classroom engagement. ... 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 ...

  15. 19 Graphic Organizer Examples to Simplify Complex Concepts

    Explore 20 graphic organizer examples in this insightful article, designed to simplify complex ideas for learners and educators alike. ... 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.

  16. D.A.R.E. Essay Graphic Organizer by Fancy Free in Fifth

    I use this graphic organizer to help my students write their D.A.R.E. essays. ...

  17. IRIS

    Page 4: POW+TREE Writing Strategy. As Ms. Lin reflects on the trouble her students are having with writing, she realizes that many of her students need help incorporating the four elements of the writing process (i.e., planning, organizing, writing, and editing and revising) into their essays. She concludes that they need a guide or strategy to ...

  18. PDF Writing an Essay: Graphic Organizer

    Use this graphic organizer to plan your analytical/persuasive essay. The introduction should start with a broad statement and end with your thesis statement, which "zooms in" on the points you will explore in more depth. The body paragraphs must contain evidence to support your thesis. (The number of body paragraphs coincides with the ...

  19. Differentiated Graphic Organizers for D.A.R.E. Essay

    Description. This packet contains three sets of differentiated graphic organizers to help students on different writing levels plan their D.A.R.E. essay. When purchasing you will receive: - Instructions with a checklist and a one page graphic organizer for. your advance writers to plan their 5 paragraphs.

  20. Effective Graphic Organizers for Essay Writing

    By utilizing various forms of graphic organizers, such as concept maps, Venn diagrams, and flowcharts, you can transform your essay into a compelling and logical narrative that captivates your readers. Navigating the Writing Process with Ease. Writing an essay can often feel like navigating through a labyrinth of ideas, arguments, and evidence.

  21. DARE Essay Template by terne1nt

    Description. This download includes a graphic organizer, rough draft template, and peer editing prompt all to be used when writing DARE Essays. Reported resources will be reviewed by our team. Report this resource to let us know if this resource violates TPT's content guidelines. This download includes a graphic organizer, rough draft ...

  22. Writable

    Students use an Argument Essay Planner; a graphic organizer that will help them plan their essays. Students use the Planner to create a strong introduction with an engaging hook and a clearly stated claim and come up with reasons and evidence to support their claim. Then students draft their Argument Essay, using the ideas from the Planner to ...

  23. D.A.R.E. Writing Graphic Organizer by Exuberant Educator

    This is a graphic organizer that outlines questions and boxes for answers regarding DARE. This is great to use if your students graduate from DARE. They can organize their thoughts from the prompting questions.