Chapter 5: Patterns of Organization

Bridging the Gap, 8/e Brenda Smith

In this Chapter You Will Learn about:Transitional words that signal organizational patternsDifferent patterns of organization used in textbooksCombinations of organizational patterns

What Is a Pattern of Organization?A pattern of organization is the presentation of a plan, format, orstructure for the messageServes as blueprintSignals how facts and ideas will be presented

Finding Patterns of Organization in Textbooks

Identify the main ideaBe alert to the signal wordsAnticipate the overall pattern of organizationPlace the major supporting details into the outline

Transitional WordsTransition words signalLevels of importanceConnectionsDirections of thoughts

Signal Words Used as TransitionsAddition: in addition, furthermore, moreoverExamples: for example, for instance, to illustrate, such asTime: first, secondly, finally, last, afterwardComparison: similarly, likewise, in the same mannerContrast: however, but, nevertheless, whereas, on the contrary, conversely, in contrastCause and effect: thus, consequently, therefore, as a result

Simple ListingItems are randomly listed in a series of supporting facts or detailsSupporting elements are of equal valueThe order in which they are presented is of no importanceChanging the order of the items does not change the meaning of the paragraphExamples of transitional words used for this pattern are in addition, also, another, several, for example, a number of

DefinitionConcept is defined firstExamples and restatements expand the conceptDefined term is usually signaled by italicized or boldfaced type

DescriptionSimilar to listingCharacteristics are similar to a definition or a simple list of details

Time Order or SequenceItems are listed:In the order in which they occurred (Ex: time order)In a specifically planned order in which they must develop (Ex: narrative writing, tells a story)Examples of transition words used are first, second, third, after, before, when, until, at last, next, later

Contrast

Items are presented according to differences between or among themExamples of transition words are different, in contrast, on the other hand, but, however, bigger than

ComparisonItems are presented according to similarities between or among themExamples of transition words are similar, in the same way, in comparison

Comparison and ContrastCombines both comparisons and contrasts together into a single paragraph

Cause and EffectAn element is shown as producing another element--One is the cause or the happening --The other is the particular result or effect produced by the causeExamples of transition words are for this reason, consequently, because

ClassificationUsed to simplify a complex topicInformation is divided into a certain number of groups or categoriesThe divisions are namedThe parts are explainedExamples of transition words are two divisions, three groups, four elements, five classes, six levels, seven categories

AdditionProvides more information to something already explainedExample of transition words are furthermore, again, also, further, moreover, besides, likewise

Summary

Comes at the end of an article or chapterCondenses the main idea into a short concluding statementExamples of transition words are in conclusion, briefly, to sum up, in short, in a nutshell

Location or Spatial Order

Identifies the whereabouts of a place or an objectExamples of transition words are north, next to, near, below, close by, within, around

Generalization and Example

A general statement or conclusion is supported with specific examplesExamples of transition words are to restate that, that is, for example, to illustrate, for instance

Mixed Organizational PatternsA long article may have onegeneral overall pattern and contain individual paragraphs that follow other patterns