Reading Comprehension: How do I create concept map while or after reading a textbook?

Answer 1

Exposition happens with the plot or problem first appears in a story. You could put this beginning of the problem/plot into a bubble, and then add the complications, characters involved, places that show up in your reading as branches and additional bubbles that connect to and build the plot from that original point.

Let's take this in a different direction. Let's say that you are reading Frankenstein, and you have noticed that the monster feels abandoned and alone because he has no guidance, and he has no name. The theme of how this lack of identity results in isolation permeates all through the novel. You could start a bubble on this theme and add to it as you continue your reading, building that theme as you go. (Be sure to record page numbers on the notes that you make on your map.) When you finish the novel, you will have all of those connections located and ready to go, which will serve you well as you write a literay analysis. This strategy works for characters, symbols, setting--pretty much any major element of narratives.

Answer 2

I think a concept map is best created while reading. Remember creating webs for planning writing when you were a kid? Well, it's sort of the same thing while reading. One way to start would be to take the main concept from the section you just read and put the idea in a bubble. Then start writing ideas, pictures, or words that stem off that main idea bubble. Continue this process throughout a chapter, section, or book.

It can also be good to do after you read in order to test your comprehension and memory recall of what you just read. Good luck!