How to Use an Organizer

• 1). On a blank sheet of paper, draw an organizer chart. Fold the paper in half horizontally. Using the entire top half of the page, draw two square boxes side by side. Title one box, "Brainstorming" and the other "Cluster and Mapping." On the lower half of the paper draw a rectangle box, about four-inches wide, stretching from the left to right side. Title this box, "Thesis Statement." Below that box, draw another identical rectangle. In this box write, "Topic Sentences." Draw one more rectangle box below the previous two and title it "Conclusion."
  
  
• 2). Brainstorm ideas in the selected box. To brainstorm for a research paper or essay, list the numbers one through ten. Write just one word or phrase that comes to mind when thinking of the topic. Brainstorming may also be in the form of free writing. To free write effectively, turn off the inner critic and write nonstop for five minutes. Do not pay attention to spelling, grammar or sentence structure when free writing. These brainstorming techniques help to generate more ideas for the research paper or essay.
  
  
• 3). Draw a cluster map in the second square box. Look back at the brainstorming and free writing and try to find common thoughts or ideas. Circle those ideas that relate to each other. To create a cluster diagram, write the topic idea in the center. Then draw branches for each related subtopic. Draw branches from the subtopics with supporting ideas. If there aren't enough ideas to draw branches in the cluster, brainstorm again.
  
  
• 4). Write a working thesis statement in the first rectangle box. A working thesis statement is one that identifies the author's topic and his position on it. It also identifies what supporting evidence the paper will discuss. Use the brainstorming and clustering to decide which points the paper will focus on. Also, decide what position the paper will take on the selected topic. Organize these thoughts into one strong statement that summarizes the paper.
  
  
• 5). Write the topic sentences for each body paragraph. Body paragraphs are the most important part of the paper because they support the thesis statement. Write a topic sentence for each body paragraph that details what the paragraph's supporting sentences will be about. When looking back at the organizer, the writer should be able to determine what details and research is necessary to complete the body paragraphs.
  
  
• 6). Outline a conclusion for the paper in the last rectangle box. The concluding paragraph should restate the thesis and state the topic sentences again. Tell the readers what they have already read to ensure that they understand the paper's topic. Also, leave readers with a statement or question that will keep them thinking. Write a statement on the organizer for an emphatic conclusion.