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Owl: Welcome to How to Make a Concept Map, an instructional video on reading comprehension brought to you by the Excelsior University Online Writing Lab. |
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A simple way to analyze a text is to break down important information, such as main ideas and key details, with a concept map. |
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Creating a concept map for a text is a great way to make the information available in a visual and easy to read manner. |
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You can also use this technique to map out ideas for something you want to write. |
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Mapping a text is easy. |
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Start by writing down the name of the text (or concept) you want to map. |
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Then, draw a box for the main idea. |
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Next, draw boxes for supporting ideas. |
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After that, draw more boxes for supporting details. |
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Finally, draw arrows connecting the boxes. |
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You can draw your concept map any way you like. |
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In this case, we organized our concept map vertically with the main idea on top and supporting details at the bottom. |
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However, you can draw your concept map horizontally, or even place your main idea in the center and surround it with boxes for supporting ideas and details. |
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Make your concept map as large as you need it to be in order to map out the text you’re reading. |
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In this example, we’ll map out a chapter on muscle tissue. |
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First, write out the title and summarize the main idea. |
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Then, summarize the supporting ideas. |
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If the text has sub-headings or sections, refer to them to identify the supporting ideas. |
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If not, look for supporting ideas by identifying the main idea of each body paragraph. |
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Finally, pull out and list key supporting details. |
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This might consist of key facts, names, dates, concepts, arguments, or examples. |
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When you’re done, you’ll have a complete map of a text’s argument. |
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That’ll come in handy the next time you need to write or talk about it! |
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You can download a Concept Map template here. |
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Thanks for listening to this instructional video on How to Make a Concept Map! |
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Visit the Excelsior University Online Writing Lab for more support with reading and writing skills. |
