How To Make A Circle Map

A circle map is a type of thinking map that involves the concept of brainstorming. The design of a circle map consists of a large square, with two concentric circles. The smallest circle contains the main idea, the large circle possesses information regarding that idea, and the outer square shows where such information can be found. In order to make a circle map, find a central idea, draw the design of the circle map, write down all of the information you know regarding the main idea, and then draw conclusions based on the words in the circle map.

Step 1

Find a central idea. In order to make a circle map, you must have a main idea that you want to brainstorm with. For example, you may choose to focus on the digestive system.

Step 2

Draw the design of the circle map. You can either draw the circle map on a piece of regular paper, or a piece of poster paper. On the paper, draw one large circle, and a smaller circle that fits inside the larger circle.

Step 3

Write the main idea in the smaller circle. For example, you would write the words "Digestive System" in the smaller circle.

Step 4

Write down all of the information you know about the main idea in the larger circle. In order to make a circle map, you have to brainstorm about the main idea. For example, in the larger circle, you may choose to write "mouth," "epiglottis," "esophagus," "stomach," "small intestine," "large intestine," "rectum" and "anus."

Step 5

Write down the general concepts that relate to the main idea outside of the large circle. Part of the process of making a circle map is the ability to relate the specific to the general. For example, outside the large circle, you may choose to write "science book," "internet" and "medical journal."

Step 6

Draw conclusions based on the words in the circle map. Brainstorming and going from specific to general will allow you to draw conclusions about the information you have organized in the circle map. For example, The digestive system incorporates the organs of the mouth, epiglottis, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Information regarding the digestive system can be found in science books, the internet and medical journals.