Basic English Language Skills
Developed for Oxbridge Academy
The benefits of using mind maps include the following:
• They help you to see how the different bits of information fit into the 
bigger picture.
• They help you to understand the relationships  between concepts.
• They help you to memorise information more quickly (by engaging 
both hemispheres of your brain).
Tips for making mind maps:
• Use different colours to distinguish between concepts.
• Use key  words and  phrases, instead   of writing  in full sentences.
• Include images/drawings that are relevant to the topic(s).
• Use arrows to show how different concepts are related.
 
BULLET POINTS OR LISTS
If you find that you memorise things more easily when they are in list 
form, then it might be a good  idea  to  use  bullet  points  when sum -
marising your work.
Using bullet points can help you  to understand (and memorise) your 
work more easily, as it requires you to:
• Identify the key points that you want to include in your lists.
• Come up with a logical structure for your lists.
• Categorise information into relevant lists.
Here is an example:
• Pay salaries on time
• Make necessary  
deductions
• Calculate overtime
• Draft employment  
contracts
• Ensure safekeeping of 
employment contracts
• Establish staff training 
needs
• Establish skills gaps
• Take responsibility for 
succession planning
HR Manager’s Duties
Contracts TrainingPayroll