16 Creating a Map

Mind mapping is a way of organizing your ideas in a visual way. It is very similar to an outline, except a mind map using images that connect to a central idea. You can make a mind map on paper, using PowerPoint or Word, or even with an online tool like Canva.

Notice the following in the mind map below. First, you can use whatever design elements or colors that you and your teacher wish. I’m not a design teacher and I don’t care as long as I can read it and it makes sense. I used a variety of different colors and shape types to demonstrate that in Canva you have a ton of options.

Most importantly, the center of your mind map must contain your main idea. This is the main point you want to prove in your essay. Then, you put the major supporting details, the points that are going to prove that main idea, in bubbles out to the side. Tell us what those supporting details are.

The minor details give more information, such as statistics and examples, about the major details. They are given to go more in depth about that major detail.

Now let’s use some imaginary topic in this mind map. Imagine you are writing an essay about your favorite animal. I am going to use Golden Retrievers as an example.

Here is my main idea, also known as my thesis:

Golden Retrievers make great pets because they are friendly, enjoy playing outside, and like to be with family.

The center of my mind map will contain my main idea, the thesis.

Each major supporting detail will cover one of the ideas in my thesis.

The minor details will provide more information about the major details.

See the example below:

Notice that I only have 3 supporting details. In a basic, 5-paragraph essay, you will probably only have 3 body paragraphs. Of course this is up to your assignment. The great thing about mind maps is that you can add to them easily if you need to write a longer essay.

You are probably thinking, well this is a reading class, why are you teaching us about mapping and essays? Well, reading and writing are best of friends. As you are reading, you should be writing notes. Mapping is a way of taking notes. Writing an outline, or a mind map such as this one, of the author’s main points is an excellent way to remember what you read and organize the ideas. Most assignments in college are writing based. So, after you read something, you will most likely have a writing assignment to go with it. A mind map is a great way to organize the author’s thoughts, and your thoughts too!