TECHNIQUES IN SELECTING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION

Brainstorming

A strategy used to generate ideas about a specific problem or topic, originally developed by Alex Osborn.

Cubing

A brainstorming strategy involving examining different viewpoints of a topic.

Freewriting

Writing without restriction to express unlimited ideas about a topic.

Listing

The action of creating a list of things associated with a specific topic.

Mapping

A technique for writing down ideas and connecting them visually to show relationships.

Graphic Organizers

Visual representations that arrange discourse elements to express knowledge and concepts.

Outline

An organized list of information, structured in a hierarchical format.

Alphanumeric Format

A default outline structure using Roman numerals, letters, and numbers.

Decimal Format

An outline that displays the direct hierarchy of ideas and facts with decimal points.

Topic Outline

An outline using keywords/phrases to organize important information.

Sentence Outline

An outline made up of complete sentences that prepare ideas for essay writing.

Researching

The process of discovering facts through investigation.

Cause and Effect

A graphic organizer that displays causes associated with a specific effect.

Venn Diagram

A graphic organizer used to compare and contrast ideas.

Plot Diagram

A diagram that maps events in a story and analyzes major plot parts.