How to Use Venn Diagrams
When comparing and contrasting topics, a graphic tool is highly effective in making the point. A simple visual to show similarities and differences is called a Venn Diagram. In this model, information can be easily viewed and analyzed. This graphic approach is often used within presentations and makeS a point with few words. You can design your own Venn Diagrams to compare and contrast information either on paper or with word processing software. This is also an excellent tool for children to use in reports to graphically portray and sort information in a fun and creative format.
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Instructions
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Draw two circles, side-by-side, which overlap to create an egg-shaped center section. To make more precise circles, trace around the edge of everyday objects such as bottles, lids, cups, coffee cans or jar candles.
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Label the Venn Diagram at the top of the page. This is the title of your comparison and should be underlined with capitalized first letters of important words.
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Label each category, or your comparison topics, at the top or side of the corresponding circle. Label the central oval as well, since this represents what the two outer topics have in common--a general heading such as “Both,” “Alike” or “In Common” works well.
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List, in note format (not full sentences), all the ways the two items or topics differ within each of their respective (outer) circles.
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Fill in (again in note or outline format rather than in complete sentences) the ways the two topics are alike or related in the central oval.
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Draw three circles and rearrange the placement for a more complex and varied Venn Diagram. Draw the same two-circle diagram as before, but add a third circle on top and in the middle of the others. If made correctly, this will create four overlapping sections. Use the central area (although much smaller in this model) for the overall similarities. The other three overlapped sections are for the similarities between the two overlapping topics.
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Tips & Warnings
Venn Diagrams can be created in Microsoft Word (as an organizational chart/diagram from Insert on the menu bar) and in Microsoft PowerPoint.
Once you become adept at creating and using the three circle format, the most advanced Venn Diagrams can be created. These involve four circles, the extra one added at the bottom middle. This model forms seven overlapping sections for comparing and contrasting elements of all four topics.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.regentsprep.org
