Watch the Video Tutorial

Learn why background reading is important and how to complete the graphic organizer step by step.

Get the Activity & Choose How to Complete It

Options for Completing Your Graphic OrganizerScreen shot of Google Docs menu showing copy, download, and print options

Option 1: Fill Out in Google Docs (Recommended)

  • Open the activity in Google Docs.
  • Go to File → Make a Copy to save an editable copy in your Google Drive.

Option 2: Download to Edit Offline

  • Open the activity in Google Docs.
  • Go to File → Download and choose Word (.docx) or PDF (for Adobe Acrobat).
  • Edit offline and save to your computer.

Option 3: Print & Fill Out by Hand

  • Open the activity in Google Docs.
  • Go to File → Print and print a hard copy.
  • Turn in your completed paper copy according to your professor’s instructions.

Do not request edit access.
Edit access will be denied. Use the Make a Copy, Download, or Print options instead.

Share Your Completed Graphic Organizer Screenshot of share menu in Google Docs

If you fill out the activity in Google Docs, you must share it with your professor (not with your librarian).

Steps to share your Google Doc:

  1. Click the blue Share button in the upper right corner of the document.

  2. Enter your professor’s email address.
  3. Click Done.

Do not share with your librarian!
Share with your professor.

Instructions to Complete the Activity

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

Pick a topic assigned by your professor or one you are interested in exploring.

Step 2: Find Two Background Sources

Use one or more of these options:

  • Library reference databases such as Credo Reference (for general overviews)
  • Reputable websites, newspapers, or magazines for general information

Step 3: Record Citation Information

For each source, include enough details for someone else to find it:

  • Title of the article or entry
  • Author (if available)
  • Publication Name
  • Date
  • URL or persistent link (if online)

Step 4: Summarize the Main Ideas

Write down the author’s key arguments, claims, or concepts. Focus on:

  • What the source is saying about your topic
  • New concepts or terms to explore further

Step 5: Ask Questions

List open-ended questions that arise after the reading. Consider:

  • What is unclear or needs more detail?
  • What connections to your topic interest you?

Step 6: Reflect

Explain how the source is useful (or not) for your research:

  • How did it increase your understanding?
  • Will it help you refine your topic or keywords?
  • How might you use (or not use) it further?

Graphic Organizer Examples

Complete Graphic Organizer Example:

Incomplete Graphic Organizer Example: