expository essay graphic organizer example

Let’s face it.  Teaching students how to write an effective expository paragraph or essay is not for the faint of heart.  As with any difficult lesson, I tend to rely heavily on graphic organizers. There is something magical about organizing content visually.  The material becomes more accessible, which leads to an increase in understanding and successful results. Utilizing graphic organizers for expository writing is no exception.  The structure and format of the graphic organizers explained below will work wonders for student confidence and abilities in the expository writing arena.

Explanatory

Whether working with paper and pencil or digitally, it’s important that students have a place to organize their thoughts before diving into their rough drafts.  A graphic organizer can do just that. It will get the ball rolling in the right direction. When it comes to expository writing, students need an outline that will allow them to identify the topic with supporting details and concrete examples.  It is a simple, yet powerful start to any expository writing assignment.

Informative

The informative graphic organizer works well for responding to informational text.  Students are required to identify the main idea, support their choice with several reasons, and follow up with evidence or examples from the written work.  In most cases, identifying the main idea will be the hardest part. Once students have pinpointed the main idea, plugging in the rest of the information becomes much easier.  

Problem/Solution

When explained or represented visually, expressing a problem and solution becomes relatively easy to accomplish.  First, have students identify and clearly explain the problem. After explaining the problem, students should record several steps that can be taken to solve the problem.  Stating the problem and next steps will organically lead to a succinct solution. Requiring students to organize the information ahead of time ensures that their writing remains cohesive and easy to follow.   

Compare and Contrast

Comparing and contrasting two concepts or items can be done in several different ways.  Using a graphic organizer will assist students in figuring out how they will present the information in an orderly and concise format.  Students should be required to begin by identifying each item being compared. Following a brief introduction of the items or concepts, students will explain the similarities.  After thoroughly explaining the similarities, students move on to discuss the differences between the two items or concepts.

Cause and Effect

The initial step in writing about cause and effect is determining the order of presentation.  Will students be presenting several causes and the ultimate effect of those causes, or will students be identifying one cause that led to several different effects?  Once that has been determined, students can begin filling in their graphic organizer. The visual aspect of a cause and effect graphic organizer works extremely well for setting up an expository paragraph or essay.  

Descriptive

Describing a topic or text is no different than writing a summary.  There are many ways to tackle summary writing , but as with all of the graphic organizers mentioned above, clarity is essential.  The graphic organizer should assist students in identifying critical information and avoiding extraneous details. It is vital that students understand the importance of each detail leading back to the overarching topic.

Sequence of Events

Chronicling a sequence of events can serve as a great starting point for expository writing.  Embedding signal words within the graphic organizer will keep students on track and moving through the events in sequential order.  Students begin by identifying the general topic, and follow up with a detailed description of each subsequent step.

Starting the expository writing process with a graphic organizer will provide your students with a road map to their final destination.  It will set them up for success while stressing the importance of paragraph structure and organization.

Why reinvent the wheel? Click here to download all of the graphic organizers detailed above in printable, editable, and digital formats from Literacy in Focus on TpT.

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Expository Text Activities

Learning to navigate instructional and expository texts can be a challenge for beginner readers. What is expository text? Expository text is the communication of information with the primary purpose of education. Thus, the text is efficient, but not always effective at communicating concepts in ways that are easy to grasp. Students with limited exposure to formal education, students with learning disabilities, English Language Learners, and even average students may have a difficult time identifying the structure of the text and comprehending material with content-specific vocabulary.

Providing students with direct instruction, as well as scaffolded instruction in these skills, will increase comprehension, improve recall of material, prepare students for note-taking, and aid in the development of research skills. Storyboard That makes the characteristics of expository text less of an obstacle for students seeking to absorb the information. The following article explains the different structures used in this type of writing, as well as how to identify and understand these structures.

Expository Text Structures

Expository texts typically follow one of five formats: cause and effect, compare and contrast, description, problem and solution, and sequence. Students can learn to recognize the text structure by analyzing the signal words contained within the text. After properly identifying the types of expository text, it will be easier for readers to ascertain the key points of an expository text and know what it is they are supposed to be taking away from the passage. There are helpful charts and note-taking tactics that can be used for each type to best organize readings and create summaries.

Expository Text Examples of Signal Words

The chart below can be used by students to help them determine the text structure they are looking at. Students can highlight, circle, or cross off words in the chart as they read expository texts. Help children build a foundation for this skill by first working as a group with them on the board.

Once students are comfortable with the process, have them work in small groups or in pairs until they are ready to work independently. If some students are excelling where others are falling behind, encourage those who understand to aid in teaching text structure to those who are struggling.

Once students have determined the text structure, they can use one of five graphic organizers created on Storyboard That to organize the information presented in the chapter. First, the comprehension of readers will dramatically improve. The Storyboard That graphic organizers will also help students recognize the focus of a chapter and make connections. The activities can even help improve recall.

Types of Text Structures

1. cause and effect.

In the cause and effect structure, students identify the cause of events, actions, or ideas presented in a chapter or section.

The goal of cause-and-effect text structures is to explain events that happen as a direct result of other events. Some examples include the effect of water evaporating as a result of hot sunlight, or being out of breath after running a mile. Cause and effect can be very straightforward in some informational texts , while in others, the expository text meaning is more implicit. This creates more work for students, as they have to tease out the information.

The cause and effect of events such as war, described in a history text may be more linear than the cause and effect of scientific discoveries, such as vaccinations described in a science text. Although the content and organization will vary, the text structure remains the same and can be broken down and organized into its most basic and therefore, more easily understood, components.

The cause and effect structure and the next structure, compare and contrast, are two of the most commonly-seen categories in expository essay examples for standardized testing of reading comprehension. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that students are equipped with the proper tools for being able to tackle them with competence and success.

2. Compare and Contrast

In the compare and contrast format, students spot the similarities and differences between two or more events or concepts.

In history class, for example, students are often expected to be able to identify the differences between two time periods, the similarities and differences between two cultures, wars, political leaders—even artwork! When teachers present information from two different categories in this manner, they do so in a way that makes the information accessible and relevant. It is much easier to digest for youths than just teaching one category and following up the lesson with another one that on the surface, seems unrelated.

When texts engage in this latter process, without a teacher’s verbal explanations, the words may seem even more muddled. Providing students with a way to organize the data will increase recall and retention while also increasing their ability to identify the text structure in future instances.

This same strategy can be applied to comparing events or procedures in science and math. For example, a student may be more likely to remember what Christianity and Catholicism are if they can remember what is the same and what is different between the two.

3. Description

In description expository text structures, students describe a topic by identifying and explaining its characteristics, features, and attributes, and by providing examples.

When a text spends time describing a particular person, event, time period, or object, students can lose the facts in the words. Organizing the key details will provide students with a visual aid and quick reference, and increase their ability to retain the information presented in the text.

For example, an expository text may go into extensive detail about how water moves through the water cycle, taking several paragraphs to do so, even though the water cycle only has five steps that could just as easily be listed in a sentence.

The extra information will enable students to gain a deeper understanding, but they still need to be able to pick out the five key steps in the cycle and organize the descriptive information beneath these steps. Descriptive graphic organizers assist eager readers with the aforementioned process.

4. Problem and Solution

In the problem and solution structure, students pinpoint the problem and one or more solutions to the problem as described in chapters or sections of expository texts.

Texts that are framed around a problem and its solutions come in all forms. History texts will often identify a problem that occurred, and then outline or describe the various efforts that were made to solve the problem. Science texts can define specific problems and their solutions. The arts and humanities will also define problems and outline potential solutions.

A concrete example would be a passage describing the problem of climate change, and then outlining several possible solutions, such as recycling, reducing fossil fuel usage, and turning off the water while brushing teeth. Then, it would discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the solutions, equipping the reader with tools to decide how they think the problem should be solved, even if the text offers its opinion on the best solution.

Because the problems and solutions may be less explicit in some texts, it is beneficial for students to organize the information in this way so that they have a clearer understanding of the concept as a whole. It is good for readers to get into this habit, as the complexity of problems and solutions will increase with age and level of education. The textual organizer can be used by kindergarteners and Ph.D. students alike.

5. Sequence

In the sequence structure, students identify and describe items or events in sequences.

In sequence text structures, passages will typically follow a timeline of events as it takes the reader through a story. Students can spot them by committing certain chronological signal words to memory, such as:

• Before and after
• First, second, third
• Periodically, from time to time
• Formerly, previously
• Subsequently
• Today, yesterday, next week

Sequences can be implicit or explicit. Step-by-step procedures, math, and science texts will typically state a sequence explicitly. Recall the water cycle example from above: the text would begin its story at any point in the water cycle, and walk students through what happens chronologically to the water as it gets evaporated, stored in clouds, and rained back down.

Other texts, such as history or literature, may have an implicit sequence. For example, the school-to-prison pipeline in low-income American neighborhoods requires the ability to understand and connect nuances in order to fully paint the sequence picture.

Helping students to identify the sequences contained within a text will increase comprehension and retention of the information. One of the best ways to organize sequence expository text is to write the events or items down in order using Storyboard That’s vertical column organization method.

6. Bonus Structure: Persuasion

A sixth type of structure, persuasion, is recognized by some academic institutions. In persuasive passages, there is typically an introduction of a thesis argument for why an idea about an idea is correct, or action should or should not be taken. Then, the passage outlines supporting arguments for the argument it is trying to “persuade” its readers of, followed by a counterargument, a rebuttal of the counterargument, and a conclusion.

Examples of persuasive text are most commonly found in academic or scientific journals, where researchers are trying to persuade readers that their thesis statement is correct, or that their experiment uncovered certain results. This type of structure can also be found in more modern textbooks arguing ideas, such as why a certain law might be overturned in the coming years, or why an old scientific concept is looking for traction as discoveries are made in the field.

Storyboard That’s storyboard creator can be used to edit some of the templates above to best help students to dissect this type of format.

• First, readers should have somewhere at the top of their worksheet to write the overarching thesis, or argument, of the work.
• Then, there should be a place where readers can write 3-5 of the author’s offered supporting pieces of evidence as to why their argument is correct.
• Third, there should be a space where students can write down the counterargument of the work, meaning the argument against the thesis of the author.
• Lastly, there should be a place for readers to record whether they think the author is correct, and if so, why.

Content Exploration

While the above information outlines how students can identify and comprehend expository text structure, this is only the first step. In addition to teaching expository text structure, instructors must also teach students how to interpret the content and text features. Merely being able to identify these skeletons means nothing if you don’t know the bones they are made up of.

There are multiple categories of analyzation that can be done to help readers grasp what a passage is actually saying. Mastering content-specific vocabulary, learning how to identify the main idea of a text, summarizing a text, and interpreting the images and figures contained in the text are critical to comprehending the material.

There are several methods used to teach readers comprehension after they have mastered the identification of different text structures. One of the most effective and efficient methods is semantic feature analysis.

Expository Text Features: Semantic Analysis

The semantic feature analysis uses a grid to help students organize information, make connections, and clarify concepts. This activity improves comprehension, vocabulary skills, and content retention. The semantic feature analysis can be used before, during, or after reading. Typically, however, it is recommended that students create the chart before reading, fill it in during reading, and then review it upon completion of the informational text.

The instructor may choose to provide the features and categories or terms. Or, instructors can make their expository text lesson plan more challenging by leaving some or all of the categories in the table blank. Using Storyboard That, this semantic feature analysis chart can easily be edited to meet the needs of any classroom or text. It provides the flexibility necessary for instructors to scaffold instruction of learners at any age or education level.

Examples of text features include:

• Subheadings
• Bold Print / Key Terms
• Text Excerpts

Some of the most popular table variables to include are titles, headings, and key terms, as these terms make information more easily transferred into students’ notes for the purpose of studying for a related quiz or exam.

Identifying Primary Points in Expository Text

The following graphic organizer is one of the most fruitful ways to summarize a passage that has been read for educational gain. It consists of three sections: a summary space; main idea spaces; and supporting details spaces. These can be filled in with direct quotes from passages, drawn diagrams explaining concepts, or paraphrasing of concepts in a reader’s own words.

This worksheet is helpful for students and teachers alike. It can be used by teachers as a checklist to make sure they do not forget anything during a passage review in class. Likewise, it can be filled out by students during their reading of the passage or during review classes to ensure they have ascertained the key points in their reading.

A slight tweak of this worksheet also makes it valuable for use in a professional business setting. As is, it is intended for a more juvenile audience. However, by changing the headings to ones like “Key Takeaway,” and “Evidence,” it can be used as a handout when proposing ideas to management.

For example, individuals that are making a presentation to the board of their company about why it should invest in clean energy can fill in this sheet with the primary points of their argument, and hand it out to the board to accompany their presentation. Then, it will be easier for members to follow along, and they will have a way of remembering what was said during the presentation, even if they did not take notes or pay well-enough attention.

Figure Review for Types of Expository Text

Some passages of informational text contain figures. Figures are most common in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) classes, such as physics, biology, and geometry. Interpreting the images, charts, graphs, and other figures contained within a text can improve a learner’s ability to comprehend a concept. This is especially true for those who are stronger visual learners than they are textual learners. The figure review is a great way to preview a text or it can be completed while students read.

Most text structures, such as scholarly articles, chapters, and books, label figures in an organized manner using numbers, letters, or a combination of both—Figure 1.2; Figure A; Figure 1(c), etc. The following Storyboard That worksheet template can be edited to represent the figures that are in the assigned reading for a class. Readers can then fill in the space below the figures with a brief blurb of what they have understood the figure to convey.

Most of the time, when reading academic works, students skip over figures altogether. In fact, it might be a better use of their time to only view the figures! Storyboard That’s mapping of figures is a highly effective method of forcing students to pay more attention to them, increasing their comprehension.

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How to Teach Inference with Expository Texts

Define inference.

Before you begin, make sure your students understand what inference is and why it's important in reading comprehension. Explain that inference is the process of drawing conclusions or making educated guesses based on evidence in the text.

Choose Expository Texts

Select expository texts that contain implicit information that requires inference to understand. Choose texts that are age-appropriate and relevant to your students' interests. You might select texts from a published collection or find articles online.

Introduce the Text

Introduce the text to your students and preview it together. Explain the purpose of the text and identify any unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts.

Read the Text

Read the text together as a class, either aloud or silently. Encourage students to identify and underline evidence in the text that supports their inferences.

Make Inferences

Guide students through the process of making inferences based on the evidence in the text. Model the process by thinking aloud and explaining your reasoning. Then, have students work in small groups or pairs to make their own inferences and discuss them with their peers.

Check for Understanding

Check for understanding by asking students to share their inferences with the class and provide evidence from the text to support their conclusions. Encourage students to respectfully debate and challenge each other's inferences.

Extend the Learning

Extend the learning by having students write their own expository texts that require inference to understand. Encourage them to include implicit information and evidence that supports their inferences.

Assess Understanding

Finally, assess students' understanding of inference through quizzes, writing assignments, or other assessments. Make sure that your assessments reflect the skills and knowledge you want students to acquire, such as identifying evidence to support inferences and explaining their reasoning. Use the results of your assessments to guide further instruction and support for students who may need it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Expository Texts

What is expository text and why does it need to be taught.

Expository text is the opposite of narrative fiction; it means passages of writing that exist for the purpose of conveying information for the readers’ education, with the end goal of having taught the reader the material in the words. It is important to assist readers in navigating these texts, as not everyone is a verbal learner; some require visuals, writing, and/or audio.

What is the best way to teach expository text structure to students?

Storybook That’s organization and analysis sheets harbor some of the best tools out there for helping students of all ages and academic levels to improve their reading comprehension skills of academic text.

How are the ideas in a text organized?

There are five primary structures as detailed above: cause and effect, compare and contrast, description, problem and solution, and sequence.

What is the best way to use Storyboard That’s organizers?

There is no best way! A teacher’s creativity is the limit when it comes to incorporating these handy organizers into lesson plans. They can be used for teachers and students of any age and academic level.

What else can I use Storyboard That for?

Explore our website and uncover the large variety of digital storytelling techniques for personal, business, or educational use. We have tons of premade lesson plans , worksheet templates , and poster templates for you to use right now! The opportunities are endless.

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Expository writing is an increasingly important skill for elementary, middle, and high school students to master. This interactive graphic organizer helps students develop an outline that includes an introductory statement, main ideas they want to discuss or describe, supporting details, and a conclusion that summarizes the main ideas. The tool offers multiple ways to navigate information including a graphic in the upper right-hand corner that allows students to move around the map without having to work in a linear fashion. The finished map can be saved, e-mailed, or printed.

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How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

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Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 19, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/expository-essay/

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Blog Graphs and Charts 19 Graphic Organizer Examples to Simplify Complex Concepts

19 Graphic Organizer Examples to Simplify Complex Concepts

Written by: Danesh Ramuthi Nov 28, 2023

Graphic organizers serve as essential visual aids that assist students in structuring and displaying information in a clear, accessible manner. These tools are particularly effective in simplifying and demystifying complex topics, ensuring that intricate concepts are easier to understand and remember.

From Venn diagrams to concept maps, these organizers play a pivotal role in enhancing comprehension and retention of the main idea, especially in educational settings.

Each type of graphic organizer offers a unique approach to organize information, making it easier to grasp complex concepts and brainstorm ideas. These organizers are not just tools for visual representation, but also catalysts for deeper understanding and creative thinking.

Discover these engaging tools on Venngage and sign up today to start creating your own effective graphic organizers for enhanced learning.

By signing up , you gain access to a diverse array of graphic organizer templates, enabling you to create your own effective graphic organizers. 

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Venn diagram

Concept map, double bubble map, hierarchy chart, cluster diagram, sequence chart, idea web graphic organizer, spider map graphic organizer, circle map graphic organizer, hexagon organizer, idea wheel graphic organizer, tree chart graphic organizer, sequence of events chain graphic organizer, cause and effect map graphic organizer, problem-solving chart, organizational chart graphic organizer.

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A venn diagram is a highly versatile tool used to visually represent the relationships between different sets of items. Typically composed of overlapping circles, each circle represents a distinct set of items or ideas, with the overlapping areas indicating commonalities. 

Venn diagram is particularly effective in comparing and contrasting concepts, highlighting similarities and differences in a straightforward, easily comprehensible manner. Venn diagrams are widely used in various fields ranging from education to business, aiding in problem-solving, data analysis and brainstorming sessions. 

They offer a clear and concise way to visualize the connections and distinctions among multiple groups or concepts, making them an invaluable tool for organizing complex information.

Mind maps are dynamic tools used for brainstorming, planning and organizing thoughts in a visually appealing and structured manner. Centered around a single, central idea, they branch out into various related sub-topics, creating a spider-web-like structure. 

A mind map helps in visualizing the relationships between different ideas, fostering creative thinking and memory retention. Mind maps are commonly used in educational settings for note-taking, essay planning and studying, as well as in business for project planning and strategy development. 

Their flexible nature allows for the integration of words, images and colors, making them an engaging and effective way to explore and expand upon ideas, both simple and complex.

Concept maps are graphical tools used for organizing and representing knowledge. They consist of concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes, connected by labeled arrows in a downward-branching hierarchical structure. 

These maps are designed to illustrate the relationships among various concepts, often capturing complex structures of understanding or knowledge. 

Concept maps are particularly useful in educational settings for learning, teaching and assessment, as they encourage deep understanding and integration of new information with existing knowledge. 

In professional contexts, they aid in problem-solving, decision-making and explaining intricate processes or systems. 

Concept maps are a powerful tool for making sense of complex topics by visually breaking them down into more manageable components.

Story maps are specialized graphic organizers used for dissecting and understanding the elements of a story or narrative. They typically focus on identifying key components such as the setting, characters, plot, conflict and resolution. 

By breaking down a story into its fundamental elements, these maps provide a clear framework for analyzing and comprehending narratives. They are particularly useful in educational environments for teaching literary analysis, improving reading comprehension and assisting in creative writing. 

Story maps not only aid students in summarizing and understanding literature but also provide a structured approach for planning and outlining their own stories, ensuring a coherent and well-structured narrative flow.

The double bubble map is an effective graphic organizer used for comparing and contrasting two items, concepts or events. It features two central bubbles representing the items being compared, surrounded by outer bubbles that contain attributes or characteristics of each item. 

The unique aspect of this map is the inclusion of additional bubbles in the overlapping area, highlighting the similarities between the two central items.

A double bubble map provides a clear visual representation of how two entities are alike and different, making it a valuable tool in educational settings for critical thinking exercises, literary analysis and enhancing comprehension of complex topics.

The double bubble map helps students organize information systematically, encouraging them to explore and understand the nuances of comparison and contrast.

A hierarchy chart, also known as an organizational chart, is a graphic organizer that illustrates the structure of an organization or a system. It is structured in a top-down manner, with the highest level at the top (like a CEO or the main concept) and subsequent levels representing different ranks or sub-categories.

This type of chart is crucial for visualizing the chain of command within an organization or the breakdown of complex systems into smaller, more manageable parts.

Hierarchy charts are widely used in business for depicting organizational structures, in education for breaking down concepts and in project management for outlining the structure of a project. They offer a clear, easy-to-understand representation of relationships and roles within any hierarchical system.

The T-chart is a simple yet versatile graphic organizer that helps in comparing two aspects of a single topic. It consists of a large ‘T’ shape, with the vertical line dividing the page into two columns. Each column represents a different aspect, viewpoint or characteristic, allowing for a clear, side-by-side comparison.

T-charts are widely used in educational settings for analyzing texts, comparing historical events, or weighing pros and cons in decision-making processes. They are particularly helpful in enhancing students’ analytical skills, as they encourage them to organize their thoughts and view topics from multiple perspectives.

The simplicity of the T-chart makes it an accessible tool for students of all ages, fostering critical thinking and structured analysis.

Cluster diagrams, also known as cloud diagrams, are graphic organizers that help in brainstorming and organizing ideas around a central concept. The main idea is placed in the center, usually within a circle, and related ideas or subtopics branch out from it, forming a cluster-like structure.

This diagram is particularly useful for visualizing the relationships between a main concept and its various components or aspects. Cluster diagrams are widely used in brainstorming sessions, idea generation and planning phases of projects.

They encourage creative thinking and help in the exploration of complex topics by breaking them down into smaller, interconnected parts. This organizer is an effective tool for both individual and group activities, aiding in the visual representation and organization of thoughts and ideas.

Sequence charts are essential graphic organizers for outlining the chronological order of events or steps in a process. They are particularly effective in helping students understand the time-based progression of events in history, literature or scientific processes. 

Sequence charts typically consist of boxes or arrows that guide the viewer through a series of steps or events, emphasizing the order and interconnectivity of each part. 

In educational settings, they assist in simplifying complex sequences and timelines, making them more accessible and easier to remember. 

They are also used in project planning and workflow management, providing a clear visual representation of stages in a process or project.

Idea web graphic organizers are designed to visually map out the connections between a central idea and related concepts. 

At the heart of the web is the main topic, from which various lines or branches extend to link to secondary and tertiary ideas or details. This spider-web-like structure is ideal for brainstorming sessions, where it helps in organizing thoughts and fostering creative associations. 

Idea webs are widely used in educational contexts for essay planning, story writing and exploring complex concepts. They encourage students to think divergently, making connections between different ideas and expanding upon the central theme in a visually coherent way.

Spider map graphic organizers, resembling a spider’s web, are used for detailing the attributes or components of a central idea or theme. The main concept sits at the center, with lines extending outward to secondary nodes that represent related information or subtopics.

Spider maps are versatile tools in education for note-taking, studying and brainstorming, enabling students to visually organize and interconnect ideas. 

They also serve as valuable tools in project planning and conceptual mapping in various professional fields.

Circle map graphic organizers are utilized for brainstorming and defining concepts in a clear, concise manner. They consist of two concentric circles: the inner circle hosts the main idea or topic, while the outer circle contains information, attributes or related ideas. 

This map is particularly effective for initiating thought processes around a new topic, gathering prior knowledge or brainstorming ideas before delving into more detailed study or analysis. 

Circle maps are popular in educational settings for introducing new concepts, encouraging students to explore and connect their existing knowledge with new information, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Hexagon organizers are dynamic graphic tools used for exploring connections and relationships between various ideas or concepts. Each hexagon represents a unique idea or piece of information, and these hexagons are arranged next to each other to demonstrate how they interconnect.

Hexagon organizers are popular in brainstorming sessions, for mapping out systems or processes, and in educational settings to help students understand the interdependent nature of certain concepts or events.

Idea wheel graphic organizers are circular tools that help in brainstorming and organizing ideas around a central theme or question. The central hub of the wheel represents the main idea, and spokes radiate out to smaller circles or sections where related ideas or details are noted.

This organizer is effective for visualizing the components of a topic, planning essays or projects, and encouraging creative thinking. 

In educational settings, idea wheels assist students in exploring topics thoroughly, ensuring that all aspects are considered and helping them to see how different ideas connect to the central theme.

Tree chart graphic organizers are hierarchical tools used to represent the structure of ideas or concepts. Resembling a tree, the main idea forms the trunk and branches represent subtopics or related information. 

It is particularly effective for breaking down complex information into manageable parts, making it easier to understand and analyze.

Tree charts are widely used in educational environments for studying biology, corporate structures or family genealogies, as well as in business for mapping organizational hierarchies or decision trees. 

They provide a clear, visual method of showing relationships and hierarchies within a topic.

Read Also: What is a Decision Tree and How to Make One [Templates + Examples]

Sequence of events chain graphic organizers are linear tools designed to help visualize the order of events or steps in a process. Each link in the chain represents a sequential event or action, clearly illustrating the progression from one stage to the next.

It is invaluable in teaching narrative structure, historical timelines or scientific processes, as it helps students understand the temporal relationships between events. 

Sequence chains are also beneficial in project planning and workflow management, offering a straightforward method to track the progression of tasks or stages.

Cause and effect map graphic organizers are used to visually display the relationships between various causes and their effects. 

Each cause is linked to its direct effect, often using arrows or lines, allowing for a clear representation of the impact of various factors.

These organizers are particularly useful in scientific studies, history and literature analysis, as they aid students in understanding the interplay between different elements and their consequences. 

Cause and effect maps are also beneficial in problem-solving and decision-making processes, helping to identify potential outcomes of various actions.

Problem-solving charts are effective tools used for breaking down and analyzing complex problems into more manageable components. They typically involve identifying the problem, exploring possible causes, brainstorming potential solutions and then evaluating and selecting the most feasible options.

These charts are instrumental in both educational and professional contexts, aiding in critical thinking, decision-making and creative problem-solving processes.

By providing a structured approach to tackling challenges, problem-solving charts help individuals and teams to systematically address issues, ensuring that all aspects of a problem are considered before arriving at a solution.

Organizational chart graphic organizers are used to depict the structure of an organization or a group, illustrating the hierarchy and relationships between different roles and departments.

These charts typically represent higher-level positions at the top, with lines branching down to subordinate roles, clearly showing the chain of command and communication pathways.

They are essential in business and institutional settings for providing a clear overview of the organizational structure, facilitating better understanding and communication within the organization.

In educational settings, organizational charts aid in teaching concepts of management and organizational behavior, helping students visualize and understand complex organizational dynamics.

Related: 40+ Charts & Graphs Examples To Unlock Insights

Bottom line

Graphic organizers play a crucial role in learning and information processing due to their ability to visually structure and simplify complex information.

By leveraging the power of graphic organizers, you can transform the way information is absorbed and presented.

With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, the creation of your own custom graphic organizers is just a few clicks away.

Sign up on Venngage today and gain access to a treasure trove of graphic organizer templates, ready to be tailored to your educational needs. 

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Expository Essay Graphic Organizer

Expository Essay Graphic Organizer- provide this graphic organizer to students to require a template and expectations to follow when students construct their expository essay.

This course teaches you five main types of writing prompts: narrative, creative, expository, persuasive, and reading response as well as a simple structure to follow when designing each type of writing prompt.

Learn various strategies for increasing reading and writing fluency with an emphasis on implementing varied activities tailored to specific student levels including grouping, and station activities.

Learn methods for teaching writing skills for expository essays in the 4th – 8th-grade classroom. With a well-planned and structured lesson design, you can support your students in improving their essay writing.

Learn what typical writing looks like for kindergarten through third-grade students, as well as some common writing tasks they can be expected to accomplish and learn the purpose of both holistic and analytic rubrics for writing assessment.

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Expository Essay Graphic Organizer