Alternatively, you can use one single map where you list all your sources and create branches for every page/paragraph/quote you want to use in your paper. How to collect research in a mind mapĬreate a new mind map for each source (book, article, essay) you read and take notes in this mind map while you work through the text. What you need, therefore, is a system to collect and structure all this information in one central place, so you can easily review the materials while you write. Many students get frustrated and waste time just trying to figure out how to make all the different pieces of information fit together into a coherent text. While working through both primary and secondary sources, it’s quite easy to get confused about the numerous arguments and counterarguments mentioned by the different authors. You’ll see various famous writers of this time mentioned in the map, as well as various aspects of their work that could be examined in a paper, such as the symbolism, dramatic conflicts or themes. In the example below, the only requirement that had been given was to write a paper about literature from the English Renaissance. Eliminate topics until you’re left with only one. Once you have a few good ideas for the subject of your paper, you can start weighing them against each other, noting down pros and cons. Next, note down your own areas of interest and see where they intersect with the former. These can be things your professor suggested, related subjects you discussed in class, or anything else relevant to get you started. How to brainstorm topic ideas in a mind mapĬreate a new mind map and simply write “My Essay” or “My Paper” in the center of the map. Now, start adding ideas around the center. The best way to find such a topic is a brainstorming session. This will make the whole task of writing your essay a little less dreadful. Ideally, the topic should be something you are also personally interested in, or at least something you can relate to in some way. If you choose a topic that has already been explored in depth by a gazillion other researchers, you might be hard-pressed to develop a unique perspective. If you have the opportunity to choose the topic for your paper yourself, try to find one that’s been covered by other researchers before but still gives you a chance to come up with new findings and conclusions. Step 1: Using a Mind Map to Find a Good Topic for Your Essay Now that you know how to create a basic mind map, let’s go over how you can use mind maps for essay writing. These function as mental triggers and can help spark new ideas in you, which is important during brainstorming sessions. There is no limit to the number of hierarchical levels in a map.Ĥ) Use colors, icons and images whenever possible. Use meaningful keywords to write these ideas onto the branches.ģ) From each branch more ideas can branch off. Each branch symbolizes one thought or idea related to the subject. ![]() Whatever you use, the rules for creating a mind map are simple:ġ) Write the subject in the center of your paper / canvas.Ģ) Draw branches that point away from the center. You can create mind maps using pen and paper, or you can use an online mind mapping tool such as MindMeister. What Is a Mind Map?Ī mind map is a diagram that displays information visually. Looking for even more ways to use mind maps? Get inspired with these 13 mind map examples.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |