NewsBank ToolKit
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Use these tools to:
  • define your task
  • choose information seeking strategies
  • locate and access information
  • use information
  • synthesize information
  • evaluate your product and process
Idea Web Idea Web

The Idea Web helps you think creatively and is useful when brainstorming ideas.
Problem/Solution Graph Problem/Solution Graph

The Problem Solution Graph lets you analyze problems and the effects of solutions that have already been tried.
Gathering Matrix Gathering Matrix

The Gathering Matrix helps you make subtle distinctions between similar ideas, people or events.
Pro/Con Graph Pro/Con Graph

The Pro/Con Graph lets you evaluate and extend understanding about facts, concepts, thinking processes, and cooperative interactions.
KWL Graph KWL Graph

Use a KWL Graph to organize current knowledge and let this knowledge guide future questioning.
Fishbone Fishbone

The Fishbone Diagram helps you think about causes and effects, with the details underlying each cause.
The 5 W's The 5 W's

The 5 W's Chart is an introductory experience to help you gather information and summarize it quickly.
Compare/Contrast Compare/Contrast

The Compare/Contrast graph lets you look for ways that things are similar and different.
Time Line Time Line

The Time Line helps you understand the historical flow of events and actions.
Venn Diagram Venn Diagram

The Venn Diagram lets you see the items that two things do or do not have in common.
T-Graph T-Graph

The T-Graph is useful during brainstorming. It lets you see the issues and concerns related to both sides of a topic.
Bar/Line Graph Bar/Line Graph

The Bar/Line Graph helps you put numerical information into a visual form so you can make comparisons or see changes over time.
Prediction Tree Prediction Tree

Use a Prediction Tree to organize information that predicts future events or results.
Organizational Chart Organizational Chart

The Organizational Chart lets you arrange information into a hierarchy. It can be used to show how a business is organized or how topics and sub-topics are connected.
Ranking Ladder Ranking Ladder

Use a Ranking Ladder to sort a list and then rank items by placing them in a particular order.
Story Frame Story Frame

The Story Frame lets you list events so you can see the order of events and identify cause and effect relations.
Question Matrix Question Matrix

Use a Question Matrix to compare and contrast attributes, qualities, or characteristics. Use it to make clear distinctions between items.
Rising Action Flowchart Rising Action Flowchart

The Rising Action Flowchart lets you list events so you can see the order of events leading up to the climax of a story or article.
Balance Scale Balance Scale

The Balance Scale lets you compare two items and weigh their strengths against each other.