Chapter 8: Recognizing Basic Patterns of Organization Essential Reading Skills, 2/e Kathleen McWhorter © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

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. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Common Patterns of Organization Example Definition Chronological Order and Process Listing © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers. 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. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Transitions Used with the Example Pattern Many pets, such as cats and parakeets, provide companionship for their owners. For example For instance Such as © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers. Map of Example Pattern MAIN IDEA Example Example Example © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers. Definition Pattern Ask these questions: What is being defined? What makes it different from other items or ideas? © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Map of Definition Pattern Term Distinguishing Feature Distinguishing Feature Distinguishing Feature © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Combining Definition & Example Patterns Term Distinguishing Feature Examples © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

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. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

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 © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers. Process Order Process refers to the order in which something is done or occurs. The writer explains how something is done or made. how to put together a bookcase how to knit a sweater how bees make honey © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Map of Process Pattern vs. Chronological Pattern Chronological Order: Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Earliest Event Most Recent Event © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers. Listing 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. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers. Map of Listing Pattern MAIN IDEA Item Item Item © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Combining Patterns of Organization Often patterns are combined in the writing of textbooks, novels, magazine articles, and newspapers. Definition & Example Chronological Order and Listing © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Test-Taking Tip #8: Answering Questions About Patterns Study the transition words; these may suggest a pattern. Ask: “How does the author explain his or her main idea?” A question may not use the exact term “pattern,” but it may be asking you to identify the pattern. © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Visit the Companion Website http://www.ablongman.com/mcwhorter © 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.