Flowchart diagrams are a type of graphic organizer that visually display a chain of instructions used to complete an algorithm or other complicated process.

Flowcharts have a beginning, multiple possible outcomes at some nodes, rules at some nodes, and possible multiple endings. In flowcharts, different symbols have different meanings.

• Arrows represent the direction of flow.
• Circles and ovals are starting, stopping, or control points.
• Diamonds are decision points.
• Rectangles and squares are steps at which processing takes place.
• Parallelograms represent input or output.

For example, computer programmers sometimes use a flowchart to organize an algorithm before writing a program.

Flowchart of How to Choose a Graphic Organizer To find an appropriate graphic organizer, answer the following questions about your topic: