1. Select the most general term and put it at the top of the page.
2. Group the remaining concepts into subgroups.
3. For each subgroup, choose the most general term.
4. Create a row made up of the subgroups' general terms. This row will be below the top concept.
5. Pencil in a linking line between the top concept and each of the concepts in the second row. Label each linking line with a linking word, such as:

   hurts/threatens

   type of

6. Go back to your subgroups of terms. Arrange each subgroup of terms from general to specific.
7. Pencil in lines that link a subgroup's terms together. Label those lines with linking words, such as:

   leads to

   is subdivided into

   is a type of

   includes

   is made up of

   prevents

   functions to

   involved in

8. Look for cross links between concepts on different branches of your map. Indicate these connections with a dotted line. Then, label these links with terms, such as:

   is the opposite of

   is helped by

   also helps

   also hurts

   influences

   is necessary for

9. Where appropriate, add specific examples at the end of a branch.

1. You are allowed to add terms.
2. You do not have to include every term

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