Reading and Writing

TECHNIQUES IN SELECTING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION

A. Brainstorming is one way of generating ideas by listing of ideas spontaneously. It

can be done individually or as a group.

Through brainstorming, you can develop new ideas and solve problems; think of it as
a free association.

Listing is a brainstorming technique. It means writing down anything that comes to your
mind about the topic.

Five Strategies used in Brainstorming

A.Cubing- an idea is examined from six distinction viewpoints

DESCRIBE COMPARE ASSOCIATE

ANALYZE APPLY ARGUE FOR AND AGAINST

B. Free Writing- you may set a time limit and several words or pages. Just write.

C. Listing – Just list a topic, then make a sub-list of things you could write about each
topic.

D. Mapping- also called webbing or clustering. Writing down ideas and then making
connections by associating similar ideas.

E. Researching- search from the library or websites and make a list or map of the
ideas.

B. Graphic Organizers such as concept maps and mind maps are important and
effective ways for organizing content and ideas. Since the graphic organizer is a visual
display, it demonstrates relationships between facts, concepts, or ideas.

A Venn diagram is used when you compare and contrast things; it helps to visualize
similarities and differences.

Connected organizational charts and bubble graphs are particularly helpful for visual
learners as they allow writers to map out ideas spatially.

To create a concept map, write your topic in the middle of the page, then jot down
different ideas, points, or facts related to or support your topic.
C. OUTLINING
An Outline is another way of organizing information. It organizes materials
hierarchically and sequentially by classifying the main topics, subtopics, and supporting
details.

• Roman Numerals for the top-level

• Capital letters in the alphabet for the next level,
• Arabic Numerals for the next level, and then
• lowercase letters for the next level.

Each numeral or letter is followed by a period, and each item is capitalized.

There are two general types of outlines-the sentence outline and the topic outline. The
sentence outline is done by using sentences, while the topic outline uses words or
phrases.

Sentence Outline is done by using sentences.

Example:

The Process on How to Cook Peanut Butter

I. The cook organizes the supplies.
A. First, he purchases and gathers his materials.
B. Second, he prepares the ingredients.
C. Third, he prepares the containers or glass jars with a lid.

II. Cooking Peanut Butter is a matter of knowing the smooth and creamy
spread.
A. The cook roasts the peanut that makes it aromatic and easy to process.
B. Processing at high speed will create a thicker and chunky textured peanut
butter.
C. Add salt or any other flavoring ingredients like sweeteners, cocoa powder
cinnamon, or oil.
III. Finishing the Peanut butter spread is a quick procedure
A. Pour the peanut butter in a container or glass jar with a lid.
B. Print the label for the containers for selling purposes.
C. Store the peanut butter spread in a room temperature.
Topic Outline uses words or phrases.

Example:

The Process on How to Cook Peanut Butter

I. Preparing the Supplies
A. Purchasing the Materials
B. Preparing the Ingredients
C. Preparing the container or glass jar with a lid

II. Cooking the Peanut Butter

A. Roasting the peanut
B. Process the peanut
C. Peanut butter add-inns
III. Finishing the Peanut Butter
A. Putting the peanut butter in a container or glass jar with a lid
B. Printing the label / decorating the glass jar
C. Store at room temperature