Chapter 7: Patterns of Academic Thought

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Patterns: A Focus for Reading• Thought patterns: patterns of ideas• Commonly used though patterns include:

– Definition– Classification– Order or Sequence– Cause and Effect– Compare and Contrast– Listing/enumeration (numbering)

• Patterns provide a focus for reading by allowing you to anticipate the author’s thought development.

• Patterns help you remember and recall what you read (groups, chunks).

• Patterns are useful in your own writing.

The Definition Pattern

• Term: The word or phrase [Cardigan]• General Class: What is it in one word?[Clothing]• Distinguishing characteristics [woven, sweater,

warm, buttons, top]• A cardigan is a piece of clothing worn by men and

women. It is a sweater, often woven, used to keep warn. It usually has buttons down the front

• HORSE

The Classification Patterns

• Categories• Transitions for classification– Several kinds of…– Numerous types of…– Classified as…– Composed of…– Comprise…– One type of….– Another type of…– Finally, …

The Order or Sequence Pattern

• Chronology– Chronological order: events occur in time.– Concerned with interpretation of events in the

past.– First, then, before, during, by the time, while,

afterward, as, after, thereafter, meanwhile, at that point

Process, Importance, and Spatial

• Process– Focus on steps and stages by which actions are

accomplished• Order of Importance– From most to least important– From least to most important

• Spatial order– Physical location– Near/Far, Right/Left, Up/Down

The Cause and Effect Pattern

• A relationship between 2 or more actions, events, or occurrences that are connected in time.

• Information organized in cause and effect patterns may:– Explain causes, sources, reasons, motivations, and actions.– Explain the effect, result, or consequence of a particular

action.– Explain both causes and effects.

• Cause Words: Because, due to, one cause is…, another is…, since, for, first, second

• Effect words: consequently, as a result, thus, resulted in, one result is…, another is…, therefore

The Comparison and Contrast Pattern

• Comparison is used to emphasize or discuss similarities between or among ideas, theories, concepts, events and things.

• Contrast is used to emphasize or discuss differences.

Listing and Enumeration Pattern

• Details arranged in an order.– Think bullet points, but without the bullets.– Often uses number words: first, second, primarily.

OTHER

• Most written works are mixed patterns, using one or more at a time.

• Statement and Clarification/General Specific• Summaries• Generalization and Example• Addition

Chapter 8: Reading and Evaluating Graphics and Online Sources

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How to Read Graphics

• Read the title or caption• Determine how the graph is organized• Note any symbols or abbreviations used• Determine the scale or unit of measurement• Identify the trends, patterns, relationships the

graphic is intended to show.• Read the footnotes• Check the source.

Types of Graphics: Tables

• Comparison and Classification of information– Determine how the data are classified or divided– Make comparisons and look for trends– Draw conclusions– Pg. 226 # 8-3

Types of Graphics: Graphs

• Relationships among variables– Line graphs pg. 227-8• Increases, decreases

– Circle graphs/pie charts pg. 228-9• Relationships in percentages to parts of a whole

– Bar graphs pg. 229-30• Comparisons between quantities/amounts

– Diagrams pg. 231• Explanation of a process, usually in pictures

Types of Graphics: Maps

• Physical Relationships– Read the caption– Use the legend or key to identify the symbols or codes

used.– Note distance scales– Study the map looking for trends or key points– Try to visualize or create a mental picture of the map– As a learning and study aid, write-in your own words, a

statement of what the map shows.• Pg. 232

Understanding Visuals

• Cartoons– Add humor, can make abstract ideas concrete

• Photos: visual impressions– A picture speaks a 1,000 words

• Pg. 234-5

How to Read Online

• Focus on your purpose• Spend a few minutes discovering how the site is

organized• Expect the first screen to grab your attention and make

a main point• Get used to the site’s design before obtaining

information• Consider the order in which you want to take in

information• Expect shorter, less detailed sentences and paragraphs

Evaluating Internet Sources

• Discover the purpose• Evaluate the content– Is it appropriate?– Who are the people involved?– Is it technical enough? Sophisticated?– How is it presented?– Where do the links go to? Are these good

sources?

Evaluating Internet Sources

• Evaluate accuracy and timeliness– Is the authors name and credentials provided?– Is contact information included– Is the info complete or a summary?– If the opinions are offered, are the presented as

opinions?– Are there assumptions or misconceptions– Does the sire provide a list of works cited?– What is the date listed on the site?

Avoiding Plagiarism

• If you copy word for word, like copy and paste, you must cite and have a reference.

• Make notes of what you read and use as you read and use it.

• Write paraphrases without looking at the original text. Not memorized! Remember, tell it to grandma.