process essay graphic organizer

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

5-Paragraph Essay

Expository Essay Graphic Organizer

Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer

Essay Graphic Organzier

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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How to Use Graphic Organizers to Write Better Essays

Lucid Content

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.

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

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

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

5-paragraph essay graphic organizer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources for teachers

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

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

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

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

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The Ultimate List of Graphic Organizers for Teachers and Students

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

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

1. What are Graphic Organizers

1.1. Benefits of graphic organizers

2. Types of Graphic Organizers

2.1. Graphic Organizers for Writing

2.1.1. 1. Persuasion map

2.1.2. 2. Sequence Chart

2.2. Graphic Organizers for Reading

2.2.1. 3. Story map

2.2.2. 4. Biography graphic organizer

2.2.3. 5. KWL chart

2.3. Graphic Organizers for Teaching

2.3.1. 6. Learning map

2.3.2. 7. Analogy graphic organizer

2.3.3. 8. Vocabulary graphic organizer

2.3.4. 9. Problem-solving organizer

2.3.5. 10. Math Graphic Organizer

2.4. Graphic Organizers for Learning

2.4.1. 11. Timeline graphic organizer

2.4.2. 12. T chart

2.4.3. 13. Hierarchy chart

2.4.4. 14. Star diagram

2.5. Graphic Organizers for Brainstorming

2.5.1. 15. Cluster diagram

2.5.2. 16. Lotus diagram

2.5.3. 17. Cause and effect graphic organizer

2.5.4. 18. Mind map

2.6. Graphic Organizers for Compare and Contrast

2.6.1. 19. Double bubble map

2.6.2. 20. Venn diagram

2.6.2.1. Add to Our List of Graphic Organizers for Teachers and Students

What are Graphic Organizers

A graphic organizer is a teaching and learning tool that is used to organize information and ideas in a way that is easy to comprehend and internalize. By integrating text and visuals, graphic organizers show relationships and connections between concepts, terms, and facts.

Graphic organizers can be used in all grade levels, and have proven to be effective learning tools for gifted children and students with special needs. And with adult learners, graphic organizers can help enable the connection between what they already know and newly acquired knowledge.

Benefits of graphic organizers

Different types of graphic organizers can be used across the curriculum for teaching, learning, and note-taking. They are easy to create and impactful in simplifying information.

• Help visualize or present information in a way that is easier to comprehend, by breaking down larger or complex concepts or ideas into smaller and simpler parts.
• Provide students the opportunity to actively contribute and participate in the learning process through the creation of graphic organizers.  
• Help develop cognitive skills such as brainstorming, critical and, categorizing and prioritizing content, reflection, etc.
• Help recall prior knowledge about a subject and quickly connect it to new information
• Promotes self-learning. By using graphic organizers for note-taking, analyzing, studying, etc. students can familiarize themselves with a lesson far more easily.

Types of Graphic Organizers

Here we have listed 19 types of graphic organizers for teaching and learning. Based on their varied purposes, you can utilize them in reading, writing, researching, brainstorming, and analyzing.

Graphic Organizers for Writing

1. persuasion map.

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

How to use it

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

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

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

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

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

2. Sequence Chart

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

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

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

Graphic Organizers for Reading

3. story map.

A story map can be used to identify the different elements such as characters, character plots, themes, techniques, etc. in a book students are reading. It’s a useful tool that teachers can integrate into the lesson to improve students’ comprehension.

Step 1: Read the book and understand it well.

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

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

4. Biography graphic organizer

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

How to create it

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

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

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

5. KWL chart

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

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

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

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

Graphic Organizers for Teaching

6. learning map.

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

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

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

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

7. Analogy graphic organizer

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Vocabulary graphic organizer

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

9. Problem-solving organizer

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Math Graphic Organizer

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

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

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

Graphic Organizers for Learning

11. timeline graphic organizer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. T  chart

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

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

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

13. Hierarchy chart

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

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

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

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

14. Star diagram

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

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

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

Graphic Organizers for Brainstorming

15. cluster diagram.

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

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

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

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

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

16. Lotus diagram

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

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

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

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

17. Cause and effect graphic organizer

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

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

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

18. Mind map

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

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

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

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

Graphic Organizers for Compare and Contrast

Here we have listed 19 types of graphic organizers for teaching and learning. Based on their varied purposes, you can utilize them in reading, writing, researching, brainstorming, and analyzing. Best of all you can use our Compare and Contrast Chart Maker to draw them.

19. Double bubble map

The double bubble map is one of the popular thinking maps. It is much like a Venn diagram and is used to identify similar and different qualities between two things.

How to use it?

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

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

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

20. Venn diagram

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

It works similar to the double bubble map.

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

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

Step 3: List the similarities in the common area.

Add to Our List of Graphic Organizers for Teachers and Students

Although we have covered 19 types of graphic organizers in this post, there are plenty more that can be useful to our users. Know more? Mention in the comments section below to keep expanding the list of ultimate graphic organizers.

FAQs About list of Graphic Organizer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to make a graphic organizer on microsoft word.

Graphic organizers are powerful tools to help people understand complex concepts. Here, we’ll explore how to make one in Microsoft Word.

To start, find the “Insert” tab. Choose shapes from the “Shapes” menu. Drag your desired shape onto your document and customize it. Add text to represent different categories or ideas.

Also try the SmartArt feature. Go to the “Insert” tab and select “SmartArt” . Pick a suitable layout, like a flowchart or hierarchy. Input your information into the text boxes – Word will create an aesthetically pleasing graphic organizer.

Tables are a great way to organize info visually. Click on the “Insert” tab. Select “Table” and choose the number of rows and columns. Enter text or additional elements like images or symbols.

Remember the purpose and audience of your graphic organizer. Use colors strategically. Pay attention to font sizes and styles for legibility.

By using these tips, you can create effective graphic organizers with Microsoft Word. Get creative and watch your ideas come to life in a captivating way!

Overview of Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are helpful tools to help with visualizing and organizing ideas. They give a structured way to organize concepts, data, and thoughts, so it’s much easier to remember complex relationships. With these visuals, you can create a representation of your ideas to easily see patterns and connections that are not noticeable.

Graphic organizers come in various forms like diagrams, maps, matrices, and charts. Each one serves a specific purpose and can be used for different scenarios. For instance, flowcharts are great for displaying processes or decision-making steps, while Venn diagrams are great for comparing two or more things.

Microsoft Word is a versatile and user-friendly way to create graphic organizers. You can use pre-made templates, or start from scratch with shapes, text boxes, images, and lines. Also, you can customize the colors, font styles, and layout.

Word has other features that make your graphic organizers better. You can resize or move items around the page. Plus, you can add links to external resources or navigate between sections.

Microsoft Word offers lots of tools and options to make a professional graphic organizer that can be used for education or presentations. Whether you’re making an essay idea or outlining a plan with team members, using graphic organizers on Microsoft Word will simplify the thought process and help communication.

Did you know? A 2020 survey done by Microsoft Corporation among educators worldwide* found that 85% said using graphic organizers resulted in better student involvement and comprehension.

Benefits of Using Graphic Organizers in Microsoft Word

Graphic organizers in Microsoft Word boast fantastic advantages to enhance productivity and organization. These tools let users create eye-catching diagrams and charts to illustrate ideas. Here are the key benefits of utilizing graphic organizers in Microsoft Word:

• Enhanced visual presentation: Graphic organizers offer a succinct way to display info, simplifying comprehension of complex notions.
• Boosted organization: Put thoughts and ideas into diagrams, allowing users to perceive connections between elements.
• Fostered collaboration: Microsoft Word’s graphic organizers provide a common platform for sharing and editing documents.
• Sparked creativity: Users can customize the look of graphic organizers in Microsoft Word to express unique ideas and thought processes.
• Strengthened memory retention: Visual aids, like graphic organizers, engage both the visual and analytical parts of the brain to aid memory.

Also, graphic organizers in Microsoft Word permit users to quickly make alterations or updates without recreating the entire diagram. This flexibility saves time and effort while preserving accuracy in conveying messages.

Pro Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Shift+= to rapidly insert shapes or lines into your graphic organizer for more efficient workflow.

Step-by-Step Guide on Creating a Graphic Organizer in Microsoft Word

Creating a Graphic Organizer in Microsoft Word? No problem! Here’s how:

• Open up a new doc in MS Word.
• Click the ‘Insert’ tab.
• Select ‘Shapes’ from the drop-down menu.
• Choose a shape and drag it onto the document.
• Resize, change color, or add text to customize.

Repeat steps 2-4 to add more shapes. Connect them with lines or arrows.

For extra flair:

• Use different colors for each shape.
• Add icons or images.
• Utilize font styles and sizes.

These suggestions will make your graphic organizer more captivating and easier to understand.

Ready to start creating? Experiment with shapes, colors, and design elements to make it fit your needs and style. With these steps and tips, you’ll be able to organize info in an eye-catching way.

Tips and Tricks for Creating Effective Graphic Organizers

Make your documents stand out! Crafting effective graphic organizers on Microsoft Word can enhance organization and clarity. Here are 4 tips to create impactful visuals:

• Use headings and subheadings. Formatting tools in Microsoft Word help users understand the hierarchy of information.
• Choose symbols and icons that represent different concepts. Visual representations make it easier to understand connections between elements.
• Keep it simple. Use concise phrases, keywords, or short sentences that convey the main points.
• Customize colors and fonts. Select colors and fonts that complement each other to draw attention to important elements.
• Utilize tables. Microsoft Word offers table functions to organize info into rows and columns.

With these tips, make impressive graphic organizers on Microsoft Word and capture readers’ attention with organized brilliance!

It’s time to end our exploration on how to make a graphic organizer in Microsoft Word. We’ve gone over the basics and how to create documents that look nice and organized. Now, let’s dive into some special details you may not have thought of.

One idea is to use the shapes and lines available in Microsoft Word’s drawing tools. These can help you craft custom layouts and link ideas in your graphic organizer. You could also use SmartArt, a feature that lets you quickly put in pre-made diagrams and charts into your document.

Also, don’t forget about the strength of colors and fonts. By using distinct font styles and sizes, and color schemes, you can make certain sections pop out or organize info quickly. Simplicity is key when it comes to making a graphic organizer that is easy to understand.

To make sure your graphic organizer looks balanced, try alignment tools such as grids or rulers found in Word. You can also experiment with changing the size and position of elements until you get the design you want.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make awesome graphic organizers in Microsoft Word that enhance clarity and understanding. So go ahead, try out your new knowledge and start organizing information better than ever!

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13 Different Types of Graphic Organizers and How to Use Them to Improve Student Writing

In addition to using graphic organizers to increase reading comprehension , they are great for improving students’ writing skills. In this post, I’ll share my love for these handy visual displays by discussing the different types of graphic organizers and how to use them to improve student writing. Learn all about it below!

Why are Graphic Organizers Important for Writing Instruction?

Graphic organizers are the most important step in the writing process because of the following reasons:

• Graphic organizers help students get their thoughts in order before they begin to compose a written piece.  
• During the pre-writing stage of the writing process, they can help young writers generate ideas and plan out what will be written.
• They allow students to organize information into logical patterns such as sequence, cause and effect, and problem – solution.  
• Many children become frustrated when they make errors in their writing and need to erase their work. It makes the task feel overwhelming. Graphic organizers decrease the need to erase because writers approach the task with a plan.
• When students use a graphic organizer as a prewriting activity they are able to produce a more coherent and focused text.

13 Different Types of Graphic Organizers

Below are 13 different types of graphic organizers, which are all included in my elementary writing graphic organizer resource .

• Word choice charts
• Visualizing organizers
• Sequencing organizers
• Summarizing organizers
• Character webs

Main Idea and Details

Fact and opinion charts.

• Two-column notes

Can, Have, Are Charts

• Venn diagrams

How to Use Graphic Organizers to Improve Student Writing

Graphic organizers are tools for writing and just like the tools in a hardware store each serves a different purpose. Below are the 13 different types of graphic organizers I’ve used most often with my students and a brief explanation of how to use each graphic organizer to improve your students writing in specific areas.

Word Choices Charts

These charts help writers brainstorm strong vocabulary specific to the subject of their story or report.

Visualizing Organizers

These graphic organizers enable the students to gather and plan sensory details which makes their writing more descriptive.

These are the perfect tool for planning the key elements of their writing. It reminds them to think through the story and determine who will be their characters, where the story will take place, and identify the problem and the solution.

Sequencing Organizers

These help children to put the events of their story in a logical order. They can be structured as beginning, middle and end or as first, next, then, and finally. These organizers are typically used for narrative writing, but are also great for process writing as well.

Summarizing Organizers

These work much like the sequencing organizers. Teachers and students can determine which best meets their needs.

Character Webs

These help writers organize details about the character in a narrative writing piece. It focuses on character traits which describe a character based on his words and actions. These are great for helping the students to not only develop their characters on a deeper level, but also for teaching them how to strengthen their writing with “show don’t tell” details.

One of my favorite types of graphic organizers is the one for main idea and details. These helps writers to identify the most important idea about a topic and then support that idea with key details.

These allow writers to think about the most important ideas related to a topic. They usually begin as a brainstorm of all ideas and students can then narrow down their thinking from there.

These are key for supporting writers when they are composing persuasive or opinion pieces. They can use them to form their opinion and identify and organize the facts that support their thinking.

Two Column Notes

These are an effective, researched-based method of taking notes and organizing information as a student reads book or views videos on a topic. The notes can then be used to draft their own informative pieces.

These are the perfect tool for younger or struggling writers who need support in their writing. After categorizing facts about a topic into three columns, the child can then use the chart in sequence to form complete sentences (i.e. Bats can fly. They have wings. Bats are nocturnal.) or even write complete paragraphs by adding a topic and closing sentence.

Venn Diagrams

These help when writing compare and contrast essays. The students first use critical thinking skills to sort the information they have gathered. They then use the diagram as a guide to organize their writing.

These are also used to compare to topics. They are much like the Venn Diagram, but do not require the student to note similarities. They are a good starting point for writers to use prior to introducing the Venn Diagram.

To save teachers time and help them easily meet their students’ needs, I have designed a Graphic Organizer to Improve Student Writing resource . It includes each of the organizers listed above.

I have also created a collection of  graphic organizers for reading .   The themed topics increase student interest and motivation. Best of all they can be used with ANY book so you can use the same organizer multiple times. Students may complete the same organizer, but with different books at their own reading level for simple modify learning. 

I hope you found this information about the different types of graphic organizers and how to use them to improve writing helpful. If you did, then you may also be interested in the following posts:

• The Best Monthly Writing Prompts for Elementary Teachers
• How to Teach the Writing Process at the Elementary Level
• 15 Elementary Math Journal Ideas that get Students Writing in Math
• Read more about: ELEMENTARY TEACHING , LITERACY

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Common Essay Structures / Patterns of Development

Process analysis.

An essay using a process pattern is often straightforward, as it usually presents a series of steps in chronological order.

However, a college essay that uses a process pattern needs to offer more than a list of steps. College writing about a process needs to make a point about that process (e.g., Baking bread, while relatively simple, still involves a number of complexities, variables, and just plain things that can go wrong.).

Ideally, a college essay that uses process analysis should emphasize “analysis” as well as “process” by explaining the importance of the steps, their relationship to one another, and/or their use in solving a problem. Process analysis in college essays should involve some depth of thought.

View the following short video that explains some important aspects of writing an essay of process analysis.

You may want to consult the following graphic organizer when writing a process analysis essay. Remember that process analysis should include all major, and appropriate minor, steps or stages in process that requires some depth of thought.

Process Analysis in Action:

Make sure to read sample Process Analysis essays in the Sample Essays section of this text.

• Process Analysis. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY OER Services. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
• video Process Paragraph and Process Essay. Authored by : Shaun Macleod. Provided by : Smrt English. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32R30EYIW-U . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

About this Interactive

Related resources.

Expository writing is an increasingly important skill for elementary, middle, and high school students to master. This interactive graphic organizer helps students develop an outline that includes an introductory statement, main ideas they want to discuss or describe, supporting details, and a conclusion that summarizes the main ideas. The tool offers multiple ways to navigate information including a graphic in the upper right-hand corner that allows students to move around the map without having to work in a linear fashion. The finished map can be saved, e-mailed, or printed.

• Student Interactives
• Strategy Guides
• Lesson Plans
• Calendar Activities

The Persuasion Map is an interactive graphic organizer that enables students to map out their arguments for a persuasive essay or debate.

This Strategy Guide describes the processes involved in composing and producing audio files that are published online as podcasts.

This strategy guide explains the writing process and offers practical methods for applying it in your classroom to help students become proficient writers.

This strategy guide clarifies the difference between persuasion and argumentation, stressing the connection between close reading of text to gather evidence and formation of a strong argumentative claim about text.

Students will identify how Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of nonviolent conflict-resolution is reinterpreted in modern texts. Homework is differentiated to prompt discussion on how nonviolence is portrayed through characterization and conflict. Students will be formally assessed on a thesis essay that addresses the Six Kingian Principles of Nonviolence.

Students develop their reading, writing, research, and technology skills using graphic novels. As a final activity, students create their own graphic novels using comic software.

Students are encouraged to understand a book that the teacher reads aloud to create a new ending for it using the writing process.

While drafting a literary analysis essay (or another type of argument) of their own, students work in pairs to investigate advice for writing conclusions and to analyze conclusions of sample essays. They then draft two conclusions for their essay, select one, and reflect on what they have learned through the process.

Students analyze rhetorical strategies in online editorials, building knowledge of strategies and awareness of local and national issues. This lesson teaches students connections between subject, writer, and audience and how rhetorical strategies are used in everyday writing.

It's not easy surviving fourth grade (or third or fifth)! In this lesson, students brainstorm survival tips for future fourth graders and incorporate those tips into an essay.

Students explore the nature and structure of expository texts that focus on cause and effect and apply what they learned using graphic organizers and writing paragraphs to outline cause-and-effect relationships.

Students prepare an already published scholarly article for presentation, with an emphasis on identification of the author's thesis and argument structure.

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Writing an Essay: A Graphic Organizer

Use this graphic organizer to plan your analytical/persuasive essay. 

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19 Graphic Organizer Examples to Simplify Complex Concepts

By Danesh Ramuthi , Nov 28, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Click to jump ahead:

Venn diagram

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

• Bottom line 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: 40+ Charts & Graphs Examples To Unlock Insights

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

10 Free Graphic Organizer Templates for Any Subject

Different lessons require different types of content to help students learn. Here are 10 free graphic organizer templates to use for any subject.

Most students are returning to the classroom in Fall 2021, but everyone’s learning methods have had to change over the past two years. It’s important to adapt as an educator with new techniques , digital materials, and fresh content to keep students engaged .

For any subject, graphic organizers provide effective ways to introduce, teach, develop, and test new material. But different lessons require different types of content to help students learn best. I’m going to give you 10 free graphic organizer templates to use for any subject – just use the Make It button to customize, label, and download your graphic organizer.

• Venn Diagram
• Plot Pyramid
• Brainstorm Chart
• Concept Map
• 5-Paragraph Essay Outline
• 4 Square Writing Chart

1. Flowchart

The Flowchart is one of the most versatile and recognizable forms of graphic organizer out there, ideal for project planning and science experiments. A goes to B goes to C goes to D . With this version, you can copy and paste sections of the chart to make it as long or as short as you need, label each section with specific details, and add a title and other information for your assignment.

2. Timeline

The Timeline is similar to the flowchart , with events spaced out along a single path . In a Timeline, however, the intervals between the events is important to the graphic organizer as a whole. Using this template, you can drag events from one point of the Timeline to another, and add text labels for years and events.

3. Venn Diagram

One of the most widely-used graphic organizers, the Venn Diagram provides a simple way for students to compare and contrast 2 or more distinct ideas. With this template, you can copy and recolor the Venn Diagram circles to compare any number of items with each other.

4. Plot Pyramid

This graphic organizer is most commonly used in elementary and middle school English, language arts, and literature classes. It’s used to identify and map the various stages of a plot arc , from exposition to conclusion. Use this template to title the Plot Pyramid and add any other relevant information you need.

5. Brainstorm Chart

The Brainstorm Chart is a far more freeform type of graphic organizer than most others on this list, and can be arranged almost any way you like. All it requires is a central idea or “problem” to solve, along with an array of other ideas and concepts that are connected to it, and supporting details for these connected points. The freeform nature of the Brainstorm Chart allows students to think creatively and originally on any subject.

6. Concept Map

The Concept Map is similar in form to the Brainstorm Chart, but with slightly more limitations on how it’s used. It’s used to illustrate the relationships that exist between various related concepts , filling in different sections of the organizer to show how the different parts are connected. The Concept Map is perfect for introducing students to a new set of related vocabulary terms in any subject.

7. 5-Paragraph Essay Outline

While some of your students may not remember the 5-paragraph essay too fondly years later, it’s an important step in developing their persuasive writing . This classic 5-paragraph planner is perfect for helping students construct their arguments, counter-arguments, supporting data, and conclusions before they put pen to paper.

8. 4 Square Writing Chart

The 4 Square Writing Chart is similar to the 5-paragraph essay outline, it gives space for looser organizational styles and more creative types of writing structure . The central area contains the main idea or argument, and the surrounding squares are filled with supporting arguments, sections of a narrative essay, personal experiences, or several sides to the same story.

9. Story Map

The Story Map is used for a similar purpose to the Plot Pyramid, but with a broader approach to narrative plot arcs. In the Story Map, students not only recount the plot progression of a story, but detail the setting , characters , and central problems and outcomes . There are dozens of ways to organize your own Story Map, so I recommend you use this template to include whatever areas are most important for your students to identify and analyze.

10. KWL Chart

KWL Charts ask students to write on three different things before and after completing a lesson, activity, or reading: what they Know already about the topic, what they Want to learn from the lesson, and, afterward, what they Learned from the experience. It creates more of a big-picture exercise than most of the graphic organizers on this list, allowing students to identify what they gain from their lessons.

I hope these graphic organizer templates help you engage students effectively in every subject you teach. For more tips and tutorials on creating great digital content in 2021, check out the Kapwing YouTube channel or read through some related articles on education materials:

• 10 Back to School Frames for Fall 2021 • The 4 Best Ways to Learn Video Editing Online • How to Add Subtitles to a Lecture Video • How to Make a Frayer Model Online

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How To Make a Graphic Organizer? A Step-by-Step Tutorial

As the name implies, graphic organizers align your ideas into meaningful units. Leverage these valuable tools to ease the organization of your ideas.

The human mind understands organized things better. When information is structured, it is easier to remember. It is because the human mind seeks patterns, connections, and logical sequences. Organized thoughts create a mental environment that fosters clarity.

Creating graphic organizers can be a powerful cognitive exercise. Graphic organizers help create a visual structure in viewers' minds. Also, they make it easier to process complex information and improve learning. Thus, we have attempted to introduce the concept of graphic organizers . This article presents an in-depth guide on how to make a graphic organizer . Also, it will present some visual examples of this technique from a certified graphic organizer maker – EdrawMax.

1. Graphic Organiser Makers

A graphic organizer is a visual portrayal describing links between concepts. It serves as a pedagogical tool which is usually found in schools. These organizers serve to raise learning through visual aids. Mentors use graphic organizers to simplify complex concepts. Students can also find them valuable to group their data. They are commonly drawn on paper or canvas. However, with the emergence of digital drawing tools, individuals now use digital-driven solutions to craft them.

Graphic organizer makers are online tools designed to help users create custom graphic organizers. These tools offer several useful features to enable effortless organizer drawing. For example, they provide ready-to-use templates. Also, some tools offer graphic elements, images, and symbols to create expressive artwork.

2. How To Create a Graphic Organizer Easily?

When it comes to the best graphic organizer makers , EdrawMax always remains at the top. The simple reason is its performance brilliance and ease of use. The tool covers all mandatory features required to create a graphic organizer. It provides users with an unending Templates Community to choose relevant prototypes. Also, the tool will amaze you with its all-inclusive symbols library. You can develop whatever type of graphic organizer you want in its best form.

The tool has a sleek and understandable interface designed to use by every-scale user. Also, EdrawMax offers built-in themes, color combos, and diagram layouts. Another exciting feature is auto-alignment which makes your diagram assembly easy. The drag-and-drop feature, multimedia import, and export options are cherry on top./p>

How To Create a Graphic Organizer Using EdrawMax Template?

Creating your customized graphic organizer using a professional EdrawMax template is super easy. Just load your favorite template and edit it according to your needs. Here is how to create a graphic organizer using EdrawMax's templates:

Specify the type of graphic organizer you want to make. It can be a flow diagram, bubble diagram, storyboard, t-chart, timeline, concept map, or more.

Sign up to "EdrawMax" to use its web or application version.

Launch the application on your device. Click the "Templates" option in the left panel.

Type "Graphic Organizer" in the search bar and click the search icon. Choose your desired template and proceed to editing.

Select a shape or text through a double click to edit its data. Insert your custom information into the diagram. You can also remove or add elements, depending on your diagram needs.

Go to the "Design" menu to customize your diagram appearance. You can set your desired layout, theme, color combo, fonts, and shape type.

Export your diagram after completion. For this, click the "Export" icon at the top bar. Choose your preferred export format.

3. Best Editable Templates of Graphic Organisers

Graphic organizers are divided into several categories. Yet, their outlook depends on the usage. We have compiled major types of graphic organizers from EdrawMax's Templates Community. Let's dive in:

• Example 1 : T-Chart Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 2 : Storymap Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 3 : Timeline Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 4 : Hamburger Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 5 : Tree Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 6 : Sequencing Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 7 : Essay Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 8 : Brainstorm Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 9 : Scientific Graphic Organizer Template
• Example 10 : Essay Graphic Organizer
• Example 11 : Character Graphic Organizer Template

T-Chart Graphic Organizer Template

A T-chart graphic organizer is also known as a two-column chart or comparison chart. It is a simple visual tool that helps organize information into two columns. It consists of a vertical line or "T" that divides the page into two sections. The left column typically represents one category or topic. The right column represents another category or idea.

A T-chart is commonly used in,

• Comparisons
• Pros and cons
• Data organization
• Summarizing information
• Categorization

Storymap Graphic Organizer Template

The above template is a storymap graphic organizer . Such visuals help individuals comprehend and analyze the elements of a story. They offer a structured layout for organizing the main parts of a narrative. For example, it presents characters, setting, plot, and theme.

Story maps are commonly used in educational settings. They aid students in understanding the structure and elements of a narrative. They also encourage critical thinking among students. More, they can help writers during the planning and outlining stages of their own stories.

Timeline Graphic Organizer Template

Timeline graphic organizers show the sequence of events or historical developments. They provide a linear framework with a horizontal line. The line represents time. The events are placed along this line at specific points based on their occurrence. Timelines are used to depict historical events, biographies, or project milestones. You can also highlight the sequence of events with a temporal relationship.

Hamburger Graphic Organizer Template

The above organizer template is a hamburger graphic organizer. Their name "hamburger" refers to the organizer's shape, which resembles a hamburger's layers. They help students structure their writing, mainly when composing a paragraph or essay.

A typical hamburger graphic organizer consists of three main parts:

Top Bun: This part contains the introduction of the essay. It includes the topic sentence, which is the main idea.

Meat/Filling: This section serves as the body of the essay. It may contain supporting details, evidence, or explanations. These details make the meat of the essay, just as the filling gives substance to the hamburger.

Bottom Bun: The bottom bun contains the conclusion of the essay. It restates the main idea or thesis in different words. It also summarizes the supporting points presented in the meat section.

Tree Graphic Organizer Template

A tree graphic organizer or branching diagram is a visual tool to represent hierarchical relationships. It resembles the shape of a tree, with a single main idea or concept at the top. The branches extend downward to show subcategories, details, or related ideas.

For example, a tree diagram of the essay writing process is shown in the above template. The first and highest branch contains the topic's introduction. Below the introduction lies the ideas development branch. At the very bottom is the conclusion or summarization twig.

Sequencing Graphic Organizer Template

You can use the sequencing graphic organizers to recount your story events chronologically. The events can be described in boxes, circles, or lines. Sequencing graphic organizers can be used for the following purposes:

Procedural Writing: They assist in organizing the steps of a process or procedure. For example, you can state a recipe, chemical reaction, or more.

Historical Events: These diagrams can display sequential events of the past.

Scientific Processes: You can illustrate scientific processes through these organizers, such as photosynthesis.

Essay Graphic Organizer Template

Essay writing needs planning and a logical flow of ideas. Students can use these organizers to outline the major points of their essays. Whether it's argumentative, explanatory, compare & contrast, or narrative essay, the technique proves useful.

The above essay graphic organizer is specifically designed for traditional five-paragraph essays. It includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The diagram outlines the main ideas and supporting details for each passage.

Brainstorm Graphic Organizer Template

The above template presents an example of a brainstorming graphic organizer. It helps you exude your ideas for more clarity. You can generate and link different concepts using this diagram. Such organizers inspire free thinking and foster creativity.

They can be helpful in various situations, such as:

Problem-Solving: They aid in identifying potential solutions or approaches to an issue. You can also explore the outcomes of each possible solution.

Decision-Making: Such diagrams allow you to weigh the pros and cons of different options. Thus, they facilitate making informed decisions.

Project Planning: You can define tasks, goals, and resources needed. Brainstorm organizers aid in planning and outlining projects.

Scientific Graphic Organizer Template

The above template is a scientific experiment graphic organizer. Such diagrams present the details of a scientific experiment or lab investigation. Scientific lab experiment visuals are helpful for students new to scientific experimentation.

The structure of a scientific graphic organizer can vary. But, it typically has the following sections:

• Materials and equipment required
• Observations
• Analysis and evaluation
• Discussions

This essay organizer template is straightforward, having five paragraphs. The first section contains the topic introduction. The middle three parts contain core ideas. In contrast, the last passage recaps the whole essay.

Essay graphic organizers offer several benefits, such as:

• They help students clarify their ideas.
• A visual layout assists students in arranging their thoughts.
• An organized structure can be helpful during the revision process.

Character Graphic Organizer Template

Character is the most important component of a story. Character graphic organizers align details about characters in a story. They help readers gain a deeper insight into the characters. Character graphic diagrams are widely used in literature studies.

They usually contain the following details about the character:

• Character name
• Physical appearance
• Personality
• Relationships
• Character development

4. Conclusion

Graphic organizers are helpful tools that make learning easier. They organize information in a clear and fun way. Whether you're a student or a researcher, you can take advantage of these visuals. In short, they're like helpful companions in your learning journey.

We have offered various graphic organizer templates from EdrawMax. With these multifold templates at your disposal, you can tackle any task. Hence, embrace the power of visual organization!

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Process (How-to) Essay Graphic Organizer

Description

This resource consists of a two page graphic organizer to scaffold writing for a process (How-to) essay.

Students will use guidelines to create an introduction, make a list of steps for their topic including details and a transition while keeping in mind anything that their reader may need to know beforehand.

This organizer allows room for 5 steps but more steps can be added on a sheet of notebook paper if needed.

Students will list any troubleshooting ideas for their reader or problems they may run into and how to fix them. Lastly, they will write a conclusion with guidelines/prompting questions provided.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Effective graphic organizers to help you write an outstanding 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

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

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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The Writing Process | 5 Steps with Examples & Tips

Published on April 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 8, 2023.

Good academic writing requires effective planning, drafting, and revision.

The writing process looks different for everyone, but there are five basic steps that will help you structure your time when writing any kind of text.

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Table of contents

Step 1: prewriting, step 2: planning and outlining, step 3: writing a first draft, step 4: redrafting and revising, step 5: editing and proofreading, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the writing process.

Before you start writing, you need to decide exactly what you’ll write about and do the necessary research.

Coming up with a topic

If you have to come up with your own topic for an assignment, think of what you’ve covered in class— is there a particular area that intrigued, interested, or even confused you? Topics that left you with additional questions are perfect, as these are questions you can explore in your writing.

The scope depends on what type of text you’re writing—for example, an essay or a research paper will be less in-depth than a dissertation topic . Don’t pick anything too ambitious to cover within the word count, or too limited for you to find much to say.

Narrow down your idea to a specific argument or question. For example, an appropriate topic for an essay might be narrowed down like this:

Doing the research

Once you know your topic, it’s time to search for relevant sources and gather the information you need. This process varies according to your field of study and the scope of the assignment. It might involve:

• Searching for primary and secondary sources .
• Reading the relevant texts closely (e.g. for literary analysis ).
• Collecting data using relevant research methods (e.g. experiments , interviews or surveys )

From a writing perspective, the important thing is to take plenty of notes while you do the research. Keep track of the titles, authors, publication dates, and relevant quotations from your sources; the data you gathered; and your initial analysis or interpretation of the questions you’re addressing.

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Especially in academic writing , it’s important to use a logical structure to convey information effectively. It’s far better to plan this out in advance than to try to work out your structure once you’ve already begun writing.

Creating an essay outline is a useful way to plan out your structure before you start writing. This should help you work out the main ideas you want to focus on and how you’ll organize them. The outline doesn’t have to be final—it’s okay if your structure changes throughout the writing process.

Use bullet points or numbering to make your structure clear at a glance. Even for a short text that won’t use headings, it’s useful to summarize what you’ll discuss in each paragraph.

An outline for a literary analysis essay might look something like this:

• Describe the theatricality of Austen’s works
• Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
• Introduce the research question: How does Austen use theater to express the characters’ morality in Mansfield Park ?
• Discuss Austen’s depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
• Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
• Introduce Austen’s use of stage direction–like details during dialogue
• Explore how these are deployed to show the characters’ self-absorption
• Discuss Austen’s description of Maria and Julia’s relationship as polite but affectionless
• Compare Mrs. Norris’s self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
• Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
• Answer the research question
• Indicate areas for further study

Once you have a clear idea of your structure, it’s time to produce a full first draft.

This process can be quite non-linear. For example, it’s reasonable to begin writing with the main body of the text, saving the introduction for later once you have a clearer idea of the text you’re introducing.

To give structure to your writing, use your outline as a framework. Make sure that each paragraph has a clear central focus that relates to your overall argument.

Hover over the parts of the example, from a literary analysis essay on Mansfield Park , to see how a paragraph is constructed.

The character of Mrs. Norris provides another example of the performance of morals in Mansfield Park . Early in the novel, she is described in scathing terms as one who knows “how to dictate liberality to others: but her love of money was equal to her love of directing” (p. 7). This hypocrisy does not interfere with her self-conceit as “the most liberal-minded sister and aunt in the world” (p. 7). Mrs. Norris is strongly concerned with appearing charitable, but unwilling to make any personal sacrifices to accomplish this. Instead, she stage-manages the charitable actions of others, never acknowledging that her schemes do not put her own time or money on the line. In this way, Austen again shows us a character whose morally upright behavior is fundamentally a performance—for whom the goal of doing good is less important than the goal of seeming good.

When you move onto a different topic, start a new paragraph. Use appropriate transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas.

The goal at this stage is to get a draft completed, not to make everything perfect as you go along. Once you have a full draft in front of you, you’ll have a clearer idea of where improvement is needed.

Give yourself a first draft deadline that leaves you a reasonable length of time to revise, edit, and proofread before the final deadline. For a longer text like a dissertation, you and your supervisor might agree on deadlines for individual chapters.

Now it’s time to look critically at your first draft and find potential areas for improvement. Redrafting means substantially adding or removing content, while revising involves making changes to structure and reformulating arguments.

Evaluating the first draft

It can be difficult to look objectively at your own writing. Your perspective might be positively or negatively biased—especially if you try to assess your work shortly after finishing it.

It’s best to leave your work alone for at least a day or two after completing the first draft. Come back after a break to evaluate it with fresh eyes; you’ll spot things you wouldn’t have otherwise.

When evaluating your writing at this stage, you’re mainly looking for larger issues such as changes to your arguments or structure. Starting with bigger concerns saves you time—there’s no point perfecting the grammar of something you end up cutting out anyway.

Right now, you’re looking for:

• Arguments that are unclear or illogical.
• Areas where information would be better presented in a different order.
• Passages where additional information or explanation is needed.
• Passages that are irrelevant to your overall argument.

For example, in our paper on Mansfield Park , we might realize the argument would be stronger with more direct consideration of the protagonist Fanny Price, and decide to try to find space for this in paragraph IV.

For some assignments, you’ll receive feedback on your first draft from a supervisor or peer. Be sure to pay close attention to what they tell you, as their advice will usually give you a clearer sense of which aspects of your text need improvement.

Redrafting and revising

Once you’ve decided where changes are needed, make the big changes first, as these are likely to have knock-on effects on the rest. Depending on what your text needs, this step might involve:

• Making changes to your overall argument.
• Reordering the text.
• Cutting parts of the text.
• Adding new text.

You can go back and forth between writing, redrafting and revising several times until you have a final draft that you’re happy with.

Think about what changes you can realistically accomplish in the time you have. If you are running low on time, you don’t want to leave your text in a messy state halfway through redrafting, so make sure to prioritize the most important changes.

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Editing focuses on local concerns like clarity and sentence structure. Proofreading involves reading the text closely to remove typos and ensure stylistic consistency. You can check all your drafts and texts in minutes with an AI proofreader .

Editing for grammar and clarity

When editing, you want to ensure your text is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. You’re looking out for:

• Grammatical errors.
• Ambiguous phrasings.
• Redundancy and repetition .

In your initial draft, it’s common to end up with a lot of sentences that are poorly formulated. Look critically at where your meaning could be conveyed in a more effective way or in fewer words, and watch out for common sentence structure mistakes like run-on sentences and sentence fragments:

• Austen’s style is frequently humorous, her characters are often described as “witty.” Although this is less true of Mansfield Park .
• Austen’s style is frequently humorous. Her characters are often described as “witty,” although this is less true of Mansfield Park .

To make your sentences run smoothly, you can always use a paraphrasing tool to rewrite them in a clearer way.

Proofreading for small mistakes and typos

When proofreading, first look out for typos in your text:

• Spelling errors.
• Missing words.
• Confused word choices .
• Punctuation errors .
• Missing or excess spaces.

Use a grammar checker , but be sure to do another manual check after. Read through your text line by line, watching out for problem areas highlighted by the software but also for any other issues it might have missed.

For example, in the following phrase we notice several errors:

• Mary Crawfords character is a complicate one and her relationships with Fanny and Edmund undergoes several transformations through out the novel.
• Mary Crawford’s character is a complicated one, and her relationships with both Fanny and Edmund undergo several transformations throughout the novel.

Proofreading for stylistic consistency

There are several issues in academic writing where you can choose between multiple different standards. For example:

• Whether you use the serial comma .
• Whether you use American or British spellings and punctuation (you can use a punctuation checker for this).
• Where you use numerals vs. words for numbers.
• How you capitalize your titles and headings.

Unless you’re given specific guidance on these issues, it’s your choice which standards you follow. The important thing is to consistently follow one standard for each issue. For example, don’t use a mixture of American and British spellings in your paper.

Additionally, you will probably be provided with specific guidelines for issues related to format (how your text is presented on the page) and citations (how you acknowledge your sources). Always follow these instructions carefully.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

Revising, proofreading, and editing are different stages of the writing process .

• Revising is making structural and logical changes to your text—reformulating arguments and reordering information.
• Editing refers to making more local changes to things like sentence structure and phrasing to make sure your meaning is conveyed clearly and concisely.
• Proofreading involves looking at the text closely, line by line, to spot any typos and issues with consistency and correct them.

Whether you’re publishing a blog, submitting a research paper , or even just writing an important email, there are a few techniques you can use to make sure it’s error-free:

• Take a break : Set your work aside for at least a few hours so that you can look at it with fresh eyes.
• Proofread a printout : Staring at a screen for too long can cause fatigue – sit down with a pen and paper to check the final version.
• Use digital shortcuts : Take note of any recurring mistakes (for example, misspelling a particular word, switching between US and UK English , or inconsistently capitalizing a term), and use Find and Replace to fix it throughout the document.

If you want to be confident that an important text is error-free, it might be worth choosing a professional proofreading service instead.

If you’ve gone over the word limit set for your assignment, shorten your sentences and cut repetition and redundancy during the editing process. If you use a lot of long quotes , consider shortening them to just the essentials.

If you need to remove a lot of words, you may have to cut certain passages. Remember that everything in the text should be there to support your argument; look for any information that’s not essential to your point and remove it.

To make this process easier and faster, you can use a paraphrasing tool . With this tool, you can rewrite your text to make it simpler and shorter. If that’s not enough, you can copy-paste your paraphrased text into the summarizer . This tool will distill your text to its core message.

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Caulfield, J. (2023, December 08). The Writing Process | 5 Steps with Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/writing-process/

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