1. Organizing Information

2. Textbook Organization:
Organizational Patterns often indicate the main idea.
Transition words (signal words) can indicate a particular pattern.

3. Transitional Words
Signal the levels of importance, a connection, or a direction of thought.
Are also called signal words.
Indicate the relationship of ideas.

4. Simple Listing
Items are randomly listed in a series of supporting facts or details.
Supporting elements are of equal value.
The order in which they are presented is of no importance.
Changing the order of the items does not change the meaning of the paragraph.
Use transitional words such as in addition, also, another, several, for example, a number of.

5. Definition The concept is defined initially.
Then it is expanded with examples and restatements.
A defined term is usually signaled by italicized or boldfaced type.

6. Description Description is similar to listing.
The characteristics are similar to a definition.
It is similar to a simple list of details.

7. Time Order, Sequence, or Narration
Items 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)

8. Contrast With Contrast:
Items are presented according to differences between them.
Signal words include:
different
in contrast
on the other hand
but
however
bigger than

9. Comparison Items are presented according to similarities among them.
Signal words include:
similar
in the same way
parallels

10. Comparison & Contrast
This combines both comparisons and contrasts together into a single paragraph.

11. Cause and Effect An 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 cause.

12. Classification This is used to simplify a complex topic.
Information is divided into a certain number of groups or categories.
The divisions are named.
The parts are explained.
Signals words include:
two divisions
three groups
four elements
five classes
six levels
seven categories

13. Summary A summary comes at the end of an article or chapter
It condenses the main idea into a short concluding statement.
Signal words include:
in conclusion
briefly
to sum up
in short
in a nutshell.

14. Location or Spatial Order
This identifies the whereabouts of a place or object.
Signal words are:
north
next to
near
below
close by
within
around

15. Generalization and Example
A general statement or conclusion is supported with specific examples.
Signal words include:
to restate that
that is
for example
to illustrate
for instance

16. Mixed Organizational Patterns
Often articles have an overall pattern with individual paragraphs having a different pattern.