1. Thinking Maps for Reading Comprehension

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Classifying 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

6. 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.
Noun
Adj.
Adj.
Adj.
Adj.
Adj.

7. 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

8. 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

9. Cause and Effect 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
Event

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Steps for Using Thinking Maps to Visualize Multiple Choice Questions
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.