Which type of graphic organizer is best for listing a main idea with supporting details?

• A. A calendar.
• B. A cause-effect diagram.
• C. An outline or web map.
• D. A chapter summary chart.

Answer: (C)

Placing the main idea at the top or center and then laying out supporting details around it is the strength of this type of organizer. An outline or web map accomplishes exactly that: the outline uses ordered bullets to show each supporting detail beneath the main idea in a clear, hierarchical way, so relationships are easy to see. A web map (concept map) does something similar by branching subtopics from the central idea, making it easy to visualize how each detail connects and how ideas relate to one another. This focused structure helps you list what supports the main idea without losing track of how everything fits together.

In contrast, a calendar is about scheduling time, not organizing content around a central idea; a cause-effect diagram highlights relationships between causes and outcomes rather than listing multiple details that support a single idea; a chapter summary chart is useful for capturing key points after reading but doesn’t organize those points around one main idea with direct supporting details in a single, cohesive layout.