to teach students how to write a structured essay a "canevas" (writing frame) is provided. For example:

I spent my holidays in....

It was interesting because......

After a few weeks, we.....

When we were back home, I felt.....

Next year, I hope....

I know what a mind map is but can't find the French word. It is a visual way of organising one's thoughts or projects with pictures linked by arrows, etc. Something like un "organigramme" mental.

Ces outils sont aussi connus sous le nom de gabarit(s) (ou patron)...gabarit d'écriture
mind maps: cartographie conceptuelle