Graphic Organizers, Outlines, and Connected Discourse

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering graphic organizers, outlines, brainstorming, argumentative texts, and connected discourse from the lecture notes.

What does a Problem-Solution Map show?

It displays the nature of a problem—its definition, causes, effects—and how it can be solved.

Which four key elements typically appear in a Problem-Solution Map?

Problem definition, causes, effects, and solution.

Which graphic organizer arranges events chronologically along a bar with dates?

A Timeline.

What does a Linear Timeline illustrate?

How events happen within one period.

What does a Comparative Timeline illustrate?

Two sets of events occurring during the same time period.

What is the purpose of a Plot Diagram?

To map story events and analyze the major points of a plot.

List the six basic parts of a Plot Diagram in order.

Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution.

Define a Graphic Organizer.

A visual representation that structures information into an organizational pattern and coherent framework.

What does a Venn Diagram do?

Compares and contrasts items using overlapping circles.

What relationships does a Network Tree show?

Hierarchy, classification, and branching relationships or connections.

What is another name for a Spider Map?

Semantic Map.

Where is the central idea placed in a Spider Map?

At the center of the diagram.

In a Spider Map, where are main ideas and details located?

Main ideas along the diagonal line; details on the sides of that line.

What is the key purpose of an outline?

It serves as the framework of writing, categorizing major and minor ideas.

How does a Decimal Outline label its entries?

With numbers such as 1., 1.1, 1.2, etc.

How does an Alphanumeric Outline label its entries?

With both numbers and letters (e.g., 1, a, b, c).

What distinguishes a Topic Outline from a Sentence Outline?

Topic Outline uses words/phrases, while Sentence Outline uses complete sentences.

When is a Sentence Outline especially useful?

When the topic is complicated and requires detailed explanation.

Name the four principles of outlining.

Parallelism, Coordination, Subordination, Division.

What is Parallelism in outlining?

Using the same grammatical structure for each element.

What is Coordination in outlining?

Placing ideas of equal relevance at the same level.

What does Subordination require in an outline?

Minor ideas must be placed under major ideas.

What does Division state about outline clusters?

Each cluster must contain at least two subdivisions.

What is the objective of argumentative (persuasive) text?

To convince readers to believe the writer's views.

Which three elements must an argumentative text include?

A debatable topic, a clear position, and supporting evidence.

How do argumentative texts usually conclude?

With a call to action.

Give two common examples of argumentative texts.

Editorials and opinion columns (also valid: position papers, book reviews).

Define brainstorming.

A process of gathering ideas from every group member to generate ideas, establish patterns, and overcome mental blocks.

Describe the Idea List method of brainstorming.

Write the main topic and list related concepts using words rather than visuals.

Describe the Idea Map method of brainstorming.

Create a visual map showing ideas and their hierarchical connections.

Beyond drafting, how can an outline be used in organizing information?

As both a pre-writing strategy and a post-reading activity to ensure each point has adequate support.

How are texts characterized in the notes?

As non-interactive physical products made up of words, sentences, numbers, and symbols focused on cohesion.

How is discourse defined in the notes?

Larger language units (paragraphs, conversations, interviews) conveying meaning, prompting action, and seeking feedback; interpretation can be culture- and context-dependent.

On which property does discourse analysis primarily focus?

Coherence.

What is meant by “text as connected discourse”?

A combination of structure (text) and meaning (discourse) that has purpose and coherent ideas.

Name the three forms of written text as discourse discussed.

Narration, Description, and Expository writing.

What is narration?

Writing that tells a story with action, characters, and a theme.

What is the goal of descriptive writing?

To paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind using sensory details.

What characterizes expository writing?

Formal presentation of information about a topic using precise language.