Do you have difficulty in speeding up your writing? Then, use a concept map technique after you have filled in your writing schedule template, as explained in Lesson 2. Learn how to differentiate between concept maps and mind maps or spidergrams as well as ways to apply them in practice.

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1. Differentiate between a Concept Map and Mind Map

In fact, for your writing, you can use both concept maps and spidergrams (mind maps), but it depends on the purpose you pursue.

Concept maps are useful to determine connections between ideas.

For example, arrows have descriptions above, clearly illustrating the type of links.

So concept maps have a hierarchical structure or create a network based on the type of connections (how one concept is related to another).

Mind maps are used for the brainstorming purpose to determine all possible ideas related to the central topic. Since they are also known as spidergrams, such a name speaks for itself.

For example, mind maps have a radiant structure with one main idea at the center and related ones around.

2. Example: Turn Concept Maps into Written Content

If you have chosen the central topic or idea to write on:

• draw arrows pointing to connected ideas,
• establish how these are associated,
• use such connected ideas as subtopics in writing,
• further determine relationships between different concepts, even subtopics,
• use concepts as support for your central claim, thesis statement, argument, or perspective (it should be presented in an introductory paragraph).

Thus, concept maps can save you a lot of time while writing because you will already have an outline with concepts and connections to write any type of content, paper, or text. As a result, you can easily use the cause-and-effect technique for any issue under discussion or analysis.

3. Use Mind Maps to Brainstorm

When you have no idea what to write on a certain topic, use mind maps.

• Draw this idea at the center. Note that it should be general.
• Determine narrow subtopics or concepts around.
• The task is to brainstorm or gain as many ideas related to the central topic as possible.
• Choose ideas suitable to you.