This document discusses different types of graphic organizers that can be used to organize information in writing. Graphic organizers provide a visual representation of relationships between ideas that allows patterns to emerge. They help writers logically structure their material and present ideas in a coherent manner. The document describes several specific graphic organizers like concept maps, flow diagrams, Venn diagrams, and main idea charts. It explains what each organizer looks like and what types of information they are best suited to display.

1. GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS
A powerful visual picture of information
that allows the mind to see undiscovered
patterns and relationships.
A tool that allows organization of these
patterns and relationships in writing.

2. Using graphic organizers
• Graphic organizers enable the writer to
organize material logically and to see
relationships between and among ideas.
• Effective use of graphic organizers can
help the writer to present his or her ideas
in an effective and persuasive manner,
resulting in a focused and coherent text.

3. Types of Graphic Organizers
• Graphic organizers come in many different forms,
each one best suited to organizing a particular
type of information.
• The following examples are merely a sampling of
the different types and uses of graphic
organizers.

4. Concept Map
A concept map is a general organizer that shows a central idea with its
corresponding characteristics. Concept maps can take many different
shapes and can be used to show any type of relationship that can be
labeled.

5. Flow Diagram
or
Sequence Chart
A flow diagram or sequence
chart shows a series of steps
or events in the order in
which they take place. Any
concept that has a distinct
order can be displayed in this
type of organizer. It is an
excellent tool for teaching
students the steps necessary
to reach a final point.

6. Compare/Contrast or Venn Diagram
A compare/contrast or Venn diagram is used to identify the similarities
and differences between two or more concepts. The most commonly
used organizer, this instructional tool is found in textbooks, on
standardized tests, and in teacher resource materials

7. Cause-and-Effect Diagram
A cause-and-effect diagram highlights the direct relationship
between different events or concepts. This tool is one of the
most beneficial organizers because of its many applications in
all subject areas.

8. Main Idea
and
Details Chart
A main idea and details chart
shows the hierarchical
relationship between major
concepts and their subordinate
elements. This organizer is
extremely beneficial in helping
students distinguish central ideas
and their corresponding details
from less important information.
When using the type of graphic
organizer, clearly label the main
idea and the details as such. Use
a different shape or area for the
main idea and the details.

9. Network Tree
Used to show causal
information (causes of
poverty), a hierarchy
(types of insects), or
branching procedures (the
circulatory system). Key
frame questions: What is
the superordinate
category? What are the
subordinate categories?
How are they related? How
many levels are there?

10. Cycle
Used to show how a series
of events interact to
produce a set of results
again and again (weather
phenomena, cycles of
achievement and failure,
the life cycle). Key frame
questions: What are the
critical events in the cycle?
How are they related? In
what ways are they self-
reinforcing?

11. Pie Chart
Pie chart diagrams (also called
circle graphs) are a type
of graphic organizer that are
useful for displaying
information about the
percentages or parts of a
whole.
Imagine you just did a
survey of your friends to
find which kind of movie
they liked best.