How To Create A Semantic Map

Put simply, a semantic map is a visual representation of what a word means. More specifically, a semantic map shows in an organized fashion the relationship of a broad concept to narrower concepts and the attributes associated with each of those narrower concepts. Semantic maps are a valuable learning tool. According to Michigan State University, the ability to create semantic maps can help increase reading comprehension and boost the skills necessary to make connections between what's being learned and the real world,

Step 1

Draw a circle in the middle of a piece of paper.

Step 2

Write one word that represents a thing or concept you wish to learn more about in the middle of the circle. Write, for example, the word "rocks" in the circle.

Step 3

Draw three lines branching off from the circle. Pencil in a circle at the end of each line, which will provided spaces to fill in information that directly relates to the central concept "rocks."

Step 4

Write a term that names or describes the different classes of the word in the center circle in each of the three branching circles. Write, for this example,"igneous" in one circle and "sedimentary" and "metamorphic" in each of the two other circles.

Step 5

Draw more lines extending from each of these three circles now holding a class name. Add a circle to the end of each new line. Write some types that fall into each class of rocks in the appropriate circles. Write, for example, "granite" in one of the circles branching off "igneous."

Step 6

Draw more lines branching off from each circle containing a type. Add circles at the end of the lines. Write identifying characteristics for each type in these newest circles. Write, for the type "granite," for example, "coarse grained" and "dark speckled" in two of the circles.