Compare and contrast with a Venn diagram in Microsoft Office Word

Learn how to use a Venn diagram to demonstrate relationships between information sources with Microsoft Office Word.

Compare and Contrast with a Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram can help students understand or explain relationships, such as comparing and contrasting differences of what their classmates enjoy or don't enjoy doing. It can help students see the overlap of similarities and the distinct differences. Watch the video

Add a Venn diagram to a document

  1. In your document, click where you want to add the diagram.
  2. On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click SmartArt. The Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box opens.
  3. In the left navigation pane, click Relationship. All of the SmartArt graphic types that show relationships appear in the center pane. The Venn diagrams available in SmartArt are listed near the bottom of the center pane.
  4. Select a diagram:
    1. Basic Venn
    2. Linear Venn
    3. Stacked Venn
    4. Radial Venn
  5. Click OK.
  6. Add content to a Venn diagram

    1. Click the [Text] placeholders, and type in each shape.

      -Or-

    2. Click the arrows on the left side of the selection border, and then type text in the Text pane.

Format the Venn diagram

  1. Select the diagram, and then click either the SmartArt Tools Design tab or the Format tab.
  2. On the Design tab, modify settings that affect the diagram overall, such as the style and layout. Also, add or remove shapes, or change the entire diagram.
  3. On the Format tab, modify the colors, fonts, and size of the diagram. You can also apply WordArt to the labels and add shape effects, like a shadow or reflection.

Teacher Tips

   

  • Need the data before you Venn

    Before a Venn diagram can be created, students first have to collect data. Take a topic with diversity, for instance, the different eye color of students in your class. Have a student survey their classmates and record the data.

  • Weather defines a city.

    For example, Fairbanks, Alaska is colder most of the year than Sydney, Australia. Pair your students and have them choose two cities far from each other.