Chapter 7: Recognizing the Basic Patterns of Organization

Active Reading Skills, 2/eKathleen McWhorter

Brette McWhorter Sember

PowerPoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin

What Are Patterns of Organization?

Writers use a variety of patterns of organization to present their ideas so that readers can easily find the main points.

Common Patterns of Organization

1. Example

2. Definition

3. Chronological Order and Process

4. Listing

Example Pattern

The main idea in the topic sentence is supported by an example or several examples.

In a longer writing, a separate paragraph may be used for each example.

Map of the Example Pattern

MAIN IDEA

Example

Example

Example

Example Pattern Example

Many animals undergo a metamorphosis as they move from one developmental state to the next in their growth cycle. A maggot transforms into a fly. A tadpole hatches from an egg and develops into an adult frog. A caterpillar changes from its larval form into a moth or butterfly.

Map of the Example Pattern

Animals undergo metamorphosis.

Maggot

Tadpole

Caterpillar

Transitions Used with the Example Pattern

Many pets, such as cats and parakeets, provide companionship for their owners.

• for example• for instance• such as

Definition Pattern

Ask these questions:

1. What is being defined?

2. What makes it different from other items or ideas?

Map of the Definition Pattern

Term

Distinguishing Feature

Distinguishing Feature

Distinguishing Feature

Definition Pattern Example

Lacrosse was first played by Native Americans, making it the oldest sport in North America. Modern lacrosse is a fast-paced game played on a field by two teams of ten players each.

Map of the Definition Pattern

Lacrosse

Oldest sport in North America

Played on a field

Two teams with ten players each

Combining Definition and Example Patterns

Term

Distinguishing Feature

Examples

Definition and Example Pattern

Generally, positive stress, or stress that presents the opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction, is called eustress. Getting married, starting, school and beginning a career all give rise to stress.

Combining Definition and Example Patterns Map

eustress

Positive stress

• Getting married• Starting school• Beginning a career

Chronological Order Pattern

The writer tells a story with events in chronological order.

Time Sequence—order in which something occurs.

Starts with first event, continues with the second event, and so on.

Uses dates and time transition words such as: first, next, and finally.

Process Order Pattern

Process refers to the order in which something is done or made. The writer explains how something is done or made.

how to put together a bookcasehow to knit a sweaterhow bees make honey

Transitions: Chronological & Process Patterns

first before following

second after last

later then during

next in addition when

another also until

as soon as finally meanwhile

Map of Process Pattern versus Chronological Pattern

Process:

Chronological Order:

Step 1 Step 2 Step 5Step 3 Step 4

Earliest Event Most Recent Event

Listing Pattern

Specific steps or time sequences are not important.

Order is determined by how the author wants to present it.

Example:

Telling a friend about three movies.

Map of the Listing Pattern

MAIN IDEA

Item

Item

Item

Listing Pattern Example

The city of San Antonio, Texas, offers many attractions for visitors. One famous site is the Alamo, the eighteenth-century Spanish mission that had a historic role in Texas/ revolution against Mexico. Another San Antonio highlight is much more modern: the River Walk, a shopping dining, and entertainment promenade situated along the San Antonio River. The San Antonio Zoo houses more than 3,500 animals.

Map of the Listing Pattern

San Antonio has many attractions.

Alamo

River Walk

Zoo

Combining Patterns of Organization

Often patterns are combined in the writing of textbooks, novels, magazine articles, and newspapers. Definition & Example Chronological Order and Listing

Evaluating Your Progress

Use the “Patterns of Organization-New York” module in the Reading Skills section on the MyReadingLab Web site at http://www.ablongman.com/myreadinglab.

For more practice visit the Companion Web site.

http://www.ablongman.com/mcwhorter