Thinking Maps for Thinking Maps for Reading Reading

ComprehensionComprehension

Thinking MapsThinking Maps

• There are eight thinking processes that the brain performs when answering questions.

• Each thinking process translates into a thinking map.

• Cognitive indicators, or signal words, are located within a text or question and tells the reader which thought process is being utilized or tested.

Color Coding for Thinking MapsColor Coding for Thinking Maps• Circle Map- orange• Tree Map- green• Bubble Map- pink• Flow Map- blue• Double Bubble Map- purple• Multi-Flow Map- red• Bridge Map- brown• Brace Map- black

Defining in ContextDefining in Context• AKA circle map• The map is used to tell

what something means.• Cognitive indicators:

context, context clues, list, define, tell, everything you know, brainstorm, identify, relate prior knowledge, tell, about, explore the meaning, discuss, means

ClassifyingClassifying• AKA tree map• The map categorizes

information.• Cognitive indicators:

classify, sort, group, categorize, give sufficient and related details, types of, kinds of, list and elaborate, taxonomy, which, what

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3

Topic

DescribingDescribing• AKA Bubble Map• Used to describe a noun

with adjectives• Cognitive indicators:

describe, use vivid language, observe using the 5 senses, describe feelings, attributes, characteristics, properties, adjectives, qualities

Noun

Adj.Adj.

Adj.Adj.

Adj.

Adj.

Adj.

Adj.

SequenceSequence• AKA flow map• Used to put things in

order• Cognitive indicators:

sequence, put in order, order, recount, retell, what happens next, cycles, patterns, processes, change, beginning, end

Compare and ContrastCompare and Contrast• AKA double bubble map• This map gives

similarities and differences between two nouns.

• Cognitive indicators: compare/contrast, discuss similarities/differences, distinguish between, differentiate, alike, in common, both, share, same,

#1 #2

Cause and EffectCause and Effect• AKA multi-flow map• Used to explain what

caused and event and/or the effects of that event.

• Cognitive indicators: causes and effects, discuss consequences, what would happen if, predict, change, identify motives, why, results, outcomes, benefits, because, reason, impact of, influence

Event

Seeing AnalogiesSeeing Analogies• AKA bridge map• Used to show

relationships• Cognitive indicators:

identify the common relationship, guess the rule, interpret symbols, simile, metaphor, allegory, ratio

as

relating

factor

Part to Whole RelationshipsPart to Whole Relationships• AKA brace map• Used to show concepts

and their parts• Cognitive indicators: parts

of, take apart, show structure, physical components, anatomy, types of, kinds of, label, plus, one, has

Patterns of OrganizationPatterns of Organization• All writers brainstorm before writing.• We want our writing to be logical and organized.• There are several ways we can organize our

writing. We will focus on:– Compare and Contrast– Cause and Effect– Problem/ Solution– Description/ List

• These organizational patterns can be determined by finding cognitive indicators within the text.

Author’s PurposeAuthor’s Purpose

• Author’s purpose is more than to explain, to inform, to entertain, to persuade, etc.

• The author’s purpose should be more specific and address the complete reason for writing the piece.

• Hint: This is more similar to the P in PAC we’ve been using to analyze our writing prompts.

Steps for Using Thinking Maps to Steps for Using Thinking Maps to Visualize Multiple Choice QuestionsVisualize Multiple Choice Questions

1. Find the signal word in the question stem.

2. Identify the thinking process and thinking map.

3. Draw the thinking map.

4. Set up the map using information from the question stem and the answer choices.

5. Identify the source within the frame of reference.

6. Search the text for evidence.

7. Include textual evidence in the frame of reference.

8. Evaluate the answer choices and the evidence.