Graphic Organizers

R. E. Howard Middle School

Graphic organizers are a helpful way to organize information.

2

Graphic organizers are helpful because…• They help you understand how things

go together. • They help you remember information

better. • They make it easier to write your final

draft. • They help organize any type of

writing. 3

• There are a lot of different kinds of graphic organizers for different kinds of writing projects. You can use our graphic organizers for your class projects – just pick the kind you want to use.

4

Venn Diagram

• Used for comparison and contrast. Write details that tell how the subjects are different in the outer circles. Write details that tell how the subjects are alike where the circles overlap.

5

Frayer Model• The Frayer Model is a

graphical organizer used for word analysis and vocabulary building.

• This four-square model prompts students to think about and describe the meaning of a word or concept by . . .

• Defining the term, • Describing its essential

characteristics, • Providing examples of the

idea, and • Offering non-examples of the

idea. 6

Bubble Map/Web

• Used for describing things with adjectives

• Usually used on the primary or elementary level

7

Cluster Diagram

• good for descriptive writing, especially when you have a lot of different ideas.

8

9

Timeline

• good for telling the order of how things happen in time.

Spider Map

• (sometimes called a semantic map) is a type of organizer that is used to investigate and enumerate various aspects of a single theme or topic, helping the student to organize their thoughts. It looks a bit like a spider's web, hence its name.

10

11

Outline

• good for big topics with lots of main ideas and details.

• Outlines are also good for persuasive writing.

RAFT (Role Audience Format Topic)

RAFT

Role

Audience

Format

Topic

12

13

• Choose a graphic organizer to help you organize your ideas for your “What is Courage?” essay contest.

14

• What does courage mean to you? Share your story for a chance to become a published author and win valuable prizes for you and your school.