7.5 Mind-maps

Mind-mapping can be a particularly powerful visual tool for shaping thought. The basic principle here is to note down the central topic or idea in the centre of a piece of paper and work outwards adding the points which flow from and connect to it. It is particularly helpful for seeing the different levels of thought discussed above. Figure 2 is a mind-map drawn by someone planning to write an essay on memory.

Maximise

(Based on a mind-map by C. Barrett)

Figure 2: Mind-map for memory essay

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This image shows a newspaper article headed ‘The truth about caffeine’. The sub heading reads ‘Is your favourite cuppa a health hazard? Nutritionist Angela Dowden reveals the good and bad news about caffeine’. There is a photograph of a woman drinking a cup of coffee on the right hand side of the article. A box beneath the picture is headed ‘Are you caffeine sensitive?’

Figure 2: Mind-map for memory essay