Mind maps
A. Definition anout Mind maps.
A mind map (or mind-map) is a diagram used for linking words and ideas to a central key word or idea. It is used to visualize, classify, structure, and generate ideas, as well as an aid in study, problem solving, and decision making.
It is similar to a semantic network or cognitive map but there are no formal restrictions on the kinds of links used. Most often the map involves images, words, and lines. The elements are arranged intuitively according to the importance of the concepts and they are organized into groupings, branches, or areas.
In other words, a mind map is an image-centered radial diagram that represents semantic or other connections between portions of information. The uniform graphic formulation of the semantic structure of information on the method of gathering knowledge, may aid recall of existing memories. It is also advertised as a way of increasing motivation to work on a task. For example, the map can graphically illustrate the structure of government institutions within a state. A mind map well-structured and well-established can be subject to review (e.g. with spaced repetition).
思维导图,英文是The Mind Map,又叫心智导图,是表达发散性思维的有效图形思维工具 ,它简单却又很有效,是一种实用性的思维工具。
思维导图运用图文并重的技巧,把各级主题的关系用相互隶属与相关的层级图表现出来,把主题关键词与图像、颜色等建立记忆链接。思维导图充分运用左右脑的机能,利用记忆、阅读、思维的规律,协助人们在科学与艺术、逻辑与想象之间平衡发展,从而开启人类大脑的无限潜能。思维导图因此具有人类思维的强大功能。
思维导图是一种将思维形象化的方法。我们知道放射性思考是人类大脑的自然思考方式,每一种进入大脑的资料,不论是感觉、记忆或是想法——包括文字、数字、符码、香气、食物、线条、颜色、意象、节奏、音符等,都可以成为一个思考中心,并由此中心向外发散出成千上万的关节点,每一个关节点代表与中心主题的一个连结,而每一个连结又可以成为另一个中心主题,再向外发散出成千上万的关节点,呈现出放射性立体结构,而这些关节的连结可以视为您的记忆,就如同大脑中的神经元一样互相连接,也就是您的个人数据库。
思维导图又称脑图、心智地图、脑力激荡图、灵感触发图、概念地图、树状图、树枝图或思维地图,是一种图像式思维的工具以及一种利用图像式思考辅助工具。思维导图是使用一个中央关键词或想法引起形象化的构造和分类的想法;它用一个中央关键词或想法以辐射线形连接所有的代表字词、想法、任务或其它关联项目的图解方式。
B. Extracurricular Reading

