How to Make a Concept Map
I want to do this! Liven up your concept map by using bold, colorful markers.
At first glance, a concept map looks like doodling or just a page with circles and lines. But a concept
map is actually a highly effective note-taking strategy. In essence, a concept map allows you to
organize information in a manner that enables you to make connections between facts and ideas,
thereby making course material easier to remember. It is easy and fun to make a concept map. The
only items you need are paper, notes and writing utensils.
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
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Index Cards
Markers
Textbook
1. 1
List the key concepts. Look over your textbook or notes and isolate a key concept.
Write the most important ideas related to the concept on a sheet of paper. Include
relevant terms, proper names, dates and details in the list. Limit each item on the list
to three words in the interest of saving space on the concept map.
2. 2
Arrange the concepts in order of importance. Write the main concept at the top of a
separate sheet of paper. Jot down specific elements across the bottom of the paper.
Write the supporting details throughout the middle of the paper.
3. 3
Frame each concept. Use a pencil to draw a circle or square around each concept.
4. 4
Connect the concepts. Draw lines between the concept circles. Add words that
explain the relationships between the concepts. Use verbs, verb phrases or
prepositions to describe how the concepts are related.
5. 5
Review the concept map. Check the concept map for accuracy Fix errors and delete
any redundancies. Add missing concepts to the map.