Thinking Maps for
Reading
Comprehension
Thinking 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 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 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
Classifying
Topic
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
• 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
Describing
• 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
Adj.
Adj.
Adj.
Adj.
Adj.
Noun
Adj.
Adj.
Adj.
Sequence
• 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 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 Effect
Event
• 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
Seeing Analogies
• AKA bridge map
• Used to show
relationships
• Cognitive indicators:
identify the common
relationship, guess
the rule, interpret
symbols, simile,
metaphor, allegory,
ratio
relating
factor
as
Part 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 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 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
Visualize Multiple Choice Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Find the signal word in the question stem.
Identify the thinking process and thinking map.
Draw the thinking map.
Set up the map using information from the
question stem and the answer choices.
Identify the source within the frame of
reference.
Search the text for evidence.
Include textual evidence in the frame of
reference.
Evaluate the answer choices and the evidence.