Signal Words & Patterns of

Organization

SIGNAL WORDS & PATTERNS of ORGANIZATION

• Authors use two common methods to show relationships between ideas:– Signal Words– Patterns of Organization (a.k.a. Thought Patterns )

Signal Words• Signal Words are words or

phrases that signal thought patterns by showing logical relationships between ideas within a sentence and between sentences.

• Example: Fernando is actively involved in several children's community organizations. For example, he organizes all the Boy Scout camping trips, and he coaches a youth soccer league. The children know Fernando likes them because he takes an active part in their community activities.

Patterns of OrganizationPatterns of organization, also called thought patterns, are established by using signal words to show the relationship between ideas in a paragraph or passage.

Example: Relationships Within a Sentence

• Weightlifting builds and tones muscles and it also builds bone density.

Example: Relationships Between Sentences

• Roberto and Dorothea had a good time when they vacationed in Florida. In fact, they arranged to stay an extra three days because they were having so much fun.

Patterns of Organization• Patterns of Organization are established by

using signal words to show the logical relationships between ideas in a paragraph, passage, or textbook chapter.

• The common patterns of organization are…– List of Items (Listing)– Time Order (Time and Process)– Comparison and/or Contrast– Cause and Effect– Definition and Example

The List of Items Pattern• A list of items is a series or set of

reasons, examples, details, or points that support an idea.

• Changing the order of the details does not change their meaning.

• Addition words are often used in this pattern.

Addition Signal Words Often Used in the List of Items Pattern

• And• Also• Furthermor

e• Another• Besides• Final• Finally• First• First of all

• For one thing

• In addition• Last• Last of all• Moreover• Next• One• Second• Third

List of Items Example An animal as large and beautiful as a horse needs

to be cared for carefully. First, cleaning its stall on a regular basis is absolutely necessary. In addition, a horse needs to be groomed 3-5 times a week. Finally, a horse needs to be fed and exercised on a daily basis.

The Time Order Pattern of Organization

• The time order pattern generally shows a series of events.

• The actions or events are listed in the order in which they did, or must, occur (chronological order).

• There are two types:– The order in which events occur over time

(chronological)– The order in which events must occur in a process

Signal Words Used in the Time Order Pattern

• After• Afterward• As• Before• Currently• During• Eventually• Finally• First• Last• Later• While

• Meanwhile• Next• Now• Often• Previously• Second• Since• Soon• Then• Ultimately• Until• When

Time Order (Chronological) Example

When Corbin decided to become a teacher, he had no idea that he would become a career student. First, he earned an associate’s degree at his local community college. Next, he transferred to the state university where he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. Then, during his early years as a teacher, he found he was excited about teaching. After three years of teaching, his passion for his job led him to earn a master’s degree and finally, a doctoral degree.

Time Order (Process) Example To properly clean between your teeth, you should floss each

day. First, break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Second, wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the other hand. Third, hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Next, guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Following these steps each day will help you keep your teeth healthy for life.

Comparison and/or Contrast• Comparison points out the ways in which two or more

ideas are alike.• Writing, like exercise, gets better with practice.

• Contrast points out the ways in which two or more ideas are different.

• “Women differ from men in their styles of communication.”

Signal Words of Comparison

• Alike• As• As well as• Equally• In like manner• In a similar fashion• In a similar manner• In the same way

• Just as• Just like• Like• Likewise• Resemble• Same• Similar• Similarly

Signal Words of Contrast

• Although• On the one hand• Conversely• To the contrary• Nevertheless• Differently• At the same time• In contrast• Different• Still• On the contrary

• Even though• Instead• As opposed to• On the other hand• Difference• Despite• Yet• But• In spite of• Different from

Comparison Example Retrievers and Setters are alike in several

ways. First, both are large dog breeds. Second, they are similar in appearance. For example, their heads, ears, and tails are the same in shape and size. Finally, both dogs are bred as hunting animals.

Contrast Example English and math are very different subjects for

students. First of all, one deals with the study of words, but the other deals with the study of numbers. Another difference is that using language activates the left side of the brain; on the other hand, doing math problems activates the right side of the brain.

Comparison and/or Contrast Example

• Yoga and Pilates share some similar characteristics and one important difference. Both yoga and Pilates are forms of exercise that improve the body’s ability to move smoothly. However, the primary goal of Pilates is to strengthen the stomach and buttock muscles. On the other hand, yoga does not focus on any one part of the body. Instead, yoga works the opposing muscles of the entire body.”

Cause and Effect

• A cause states why something happens.

• An effect states a result or outcome.• “Because Selena memorized the algebra formulas

and practiced using them, she did well on the test.”• “Due to the amount of snow on the streets and

highways, schools and businesses have shut down.”

Cause and Effect Signal Words• Because• Consequently• Accordingly• Because of• Leads to• Results in• As a result

• Due to• If-then• Since• So• Therefore• Thus

Cause and Effect ExampleStudents who study hard can expect their

work to result in high grades. For instance, students who begin their research papers early in the semester will earn high marks accordingly. In addition, if students study all week long for quizzes, then, they will earn high marks.

Definition and Example Pattern• In this pattern, the author provides a

definition and then offers an example or a series of examples to clarify the definition.

• Example: [The Internet is a worldwide, electronic resource of

information. (definition)] [ For example, anyone with access to the Internet can check today’s weather forecast and check up on news happening around the world. (example)]

Definition Words•Definition signal words:

–Is–Are–Means

Urban stress is theemotional and psychological impact of working and living in nerve-racking, crowded locations.

•For example, a person suffering from urban stress may need to give up a high paying job in the city to take a lower-paying job in a small town.

Signal Words that Introduce Examples

• an illustration• for example• for instance• including

• once• such as• like• to illustrate• typically

Definition and Example Example A textbook is a book used in the study of a subject. For instance, a textbook may contain information about a subject. A book required for a geology course is an example of this type of text. An example of another kind of textbook would be a fictional work. The novel The Scarlet Letter, by the American author Nathanial Hawthorne, is one illustration of such a book.

Patterns of Organization in Academic Reading

• Authors use signal words to make relationships between ideas clear and easy to understand.

• Critical readers look for the author’s thought pattern.

Which pattern is it?Trees will grow best if planted correctly. First, select an open area of lawn large enough for the tree to grow. Next, dig a hole twice as large as the tree’s root ball. Third, place buckets of water and a dose of fertilizer in the bottom of the hole. Then, position the tree in the center of the hole. Afterward, fill in the hole. Finally, mulch around the base of the tree and water again.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?Trees will grow best if planted correctly. First, select an open area of lawn large enough for the tree to grow. Next, dig a hole twice as large as the tree’s root ball. Third, place buckets of water and a dose of fertilizer in the bottom of the hole. Then, position the tree in the center of the hole. Afterward, fill in the hole. Finally, mulch around the base of the tree and water again.

__ list of items X time order (process)__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?Parenting style is a group of activities that create a family’s emotional connections. For instance, a parenting style includes the way in which parents speak to their children, such as in an angry or happy way. Another example is the way parents connect with their children physically. Hugging children is an example of this type of interaction.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?Parenting style is a group of activites that create a family’s emotional connections. For instance, a parenting style includes the manner in which parents speak to their children, such as in an angry or happy way. Another example is the way parents connect with their children physically. Hugging children is an example of this type of interaction.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast X definition and example

Which pattern is it?When stock prices reflect information available to the investors, the stock market is well-organized; in contrast, when stock prices do not reflect all information, the stock market is not well-organized. However, some investors believe the best time to buy stock is when organization drops off. On the other hand, certain investors avoid making changes during these times.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?When stock prices reflect information available to the investors, the stock market is well-organized; in contrast, when stock prices do not reflect all information, the stock market is not well-organized. However, some investors believe the best time to buy stock is when organization drops off. On the other hand, certain investors avoid making changes during these times.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect X comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?When performing a chemistry experiment, several safety rules need to be followed. For one thing, all students should wear safety glasses. In addition, students should put on lab coats before beginning. Finally, the students should make sure the emergency showers are in working order.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example__ space order__ classification

Which pattern is it?When performing a chemistry experiment, several safety rules need to be followed before beginning the lab assignment. For one thing, all students should wear safety glasses. In addition, students should put on lab coats before beginning. Finally, the students should make sure the emergency showers are in working order.

X list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example__ space order__ classification

Which pattern is it?High school and college are alike in some ways but different in others. For example, both high school and college classes can be challenging. However, high school classes generally meet five days a week whereas college classes meet only two or three days a week.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example__ space order__ classification

Which pattern is it?High school and college are alike in some ways but different in others. For example, both high school and college classes can be challenging. However, high school classes generally meet five days a week whereas college classes meet only two or three days a week.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect X comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example__ space order__ classification

Which pattern is it?Marijuana has several short-term effects. One result is physical. It speeds up the heart and reddens the eyes. Another outcome is mental. It can cause feelings of silliness. Finally, marijuana use often results in feelings of tiredness.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ Comparison and/or Contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?Marijuana causes several short-term effects. One result is physical. It speeds up the heart and reddens the eyes. Another outcome is mental. It can cause feelings of silliness. Finally, marijuana use often results in feelings of tiredness.

__ list of items__ time order X cause and effect__ Comparison and/or Contrast__ definition and example__ space order__ classification

Which pattern is it?Marnie began her day early on Monday. First, her alarm went off at 6:00 am. Next, she got up and showered and brushed her teeth. Afterward, she got dressed and headed for the kitchen. Then, after a quick breakfast, she was out the door by 7:17 am.__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ Comparison and/or Contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?Marnie began her day early on Monday. First, her alarm went off at 6:00 am. Next, she got up and showered and brushed her teeth. Afterward, she got dressed and headed for the kitchen. Then, after a quick breakfast, she was out the door by 7:17 am.__ list of items X time order (chronological)__ cause and effect__ Comparison and/or Contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?Humans and apes share several similarities. First, both can walk upright on two feet. Likewise, both have opposing thumbs for grasping. In a similar manner, both spend many years raising their offspring.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect__ comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example

Which pattern is it?Humans and apes share several similarities. First, both can walk upright on two feet. Likewise, both have opposing thumbs for grasping. In a similar manner, both spend many years raising their offspring.

__ list of items__ time order__ cause and effect X comparison and/or contrast__ definition and example

Review• Signal words are words and phrases that show the relationships

between ideas.• A thought pattern is established by using signal words to show the

logical relationship between ideas in a paragraph or passage.• Chronology and process are two uses of the time order thought

pattern.• Transitions of time signal that the writer is describing when

something occurred.• In addition to showing a chain of events, the time order pattern is

used to show steps, stages, or directions that can be repeated at any time to complete a process.

• First, next, then, and afterward are examples of time order signal words.

Review• The list of items pattern provides the reader with a series

or set of reasons, examples, details, or points that support an idea.

• Unlike the process pattern, changing the order of the details does not change their meaning.

• Signal words of addition, such as and, also, and furthermore are generally used to indicate a list pattern.

Review• A Comparison points out the ways two or more ideas are alike.• The words like, similarly, and likewise show the comparison pattern.• A Contrast points out the ways two or more ideas are different. • The words however, on the other hand, and difference show the

contrast pattern.• A cause states why something happens.• If-Then, consequently, and accordingly signal a cause.• An effect states a result or outcome.• Leads to, results in, and thus signal an effect.• In the definition and example pattern, the author provides a

definition and then offers an example or a series of examples to clarify the definition.

• The verbs is, are, and means are signals of a definition.• For example, in illustration, and for instance signal an example.