Pick which type of graphic organizer you want to create. If you are comparing differences and similarities of two or three things, you may want to use a Venn diagram or a T-Chart. A Venn diagram shows two to three overlapping circles. The areas where the circles overlap show similarities and the areas where the circles do not overlap show differences. A T-Chart is simple two-column list, where you can list the similarities and differences or advantages and disadvantages of your ideas. Sequential organizers and flowcharts highlight the order or process of something. They typically list the main idea at the top, with cause-and-effect boxes below. An idea web is similar, and starts with a bubble that gives the main idea then branches out in three different directions to highlight supporting arguments, each with their own detail or and opinion bubbles as well.
Draw out your blank graphic organizer. You can also make one easily in Microsoft Word, but it will take significantly longer than the few moments it takes to sketch out the few lines or shapes of whatever graphic organizer you are trying to make. Blank graphic organizers made on a computer can be useful for teachers who want to provide ready-made organizers to students, or for students who use graphic organizers quite frequently.
Fill out your graphic organizer, making sure that you label each section clearly and fill it with detail. If the goal of a graphic organizer is to help you visualize your ideas, the more neat and tidy your organizer is, the better. Try to avoid scratching out words and making spelling mistakes.