Have you ever started riding your bike or driving your car and had absolutely no idea where you were going? Sometimes the adventure is exciting and you can enjoy the ride. Sometimes it’s worrisome and frustrating because you have absolutely no idea where you are going – you are lost!
That same worry and frustration sometimes strikes when writing. A lot of great ideas might be trapped in your head, others might be zooming around so quickly that you forget them before you can write them in a sentence. Graphic organizers and mind maps were designed to help with this problem.
Graphic organizers and mind maps are types of diagrams designed to help you focus and expand on one central idea. These visual tools are available in books, software and are on-line. Some may help you create a timeline before writing a history paper where the discussion of events leading up to WWII is crucial. Some may help you sort information so you can write a succinct position paper on the pros and cons of biofuel.
There are hundreds of resources available. Start with these Web sites and a map will help you find your way!
