Creating a Concept Map

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Learn how to create a concept map to visualize the main ideas in a text.

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Concept Map

0:00	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.
0:13	A simple way to analyze a text is to break down important information, such as main ideas and key details, with a concept map.
0:22	Creating a concept map for a text is a great way to make the information available in a visual and easy to read manner.
0:29	You can also use this technique to map out ideas for something you want to write.
0:34	Mapping a text is easy.
0:36	Start by writing down the name of the text (or concept) you want to map.
0:41	Then, draw a box for the main idea.
0:45	Next, draw boxes for supporting ideas.
0:48	After that, draw more boxes for supporting details.
0:53	Finally, draw arrows connecting the boxes.
0:58	You can draw your concept map any way you like.
1:01	In this case, we organized our concept map vertically with the main idea on top and supporting details at the bottom.
1:09	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.
1:19	Make your concept map as large as you need it to be in order to map out the text you’re reading.
1:25	In this example, we’ll map out a chapter on muscle tissue.
1:30	First, write out the title and summarize the main idea.
1:35	Then, summarize the supporting ideas.
1:38	If the text has sub-headings or sections, refer to them to identify the supporting ideas.
1:44	If not, look for supporting ideas by identifying the main idea of each body paragraph.
1:51	Finally, pull out and list key supporting details.
1:55	This might consist of key facts, names, dates, concepts, arguments, or examples.
2:03	When you’re done, you’ll have a complete map of a text’s argument.
2:07	That’ll come in handy the next time you need to write or talk about it!
2:12	You can download a Concept Map template here.
2:19	Thanks for listening to this instructional video on How to Make a Concept Map!
2:24	Visit the Excelsior University Online Writing Lab for more support with reading and writing skills.