1. CLEAR
THINKING
AND WRITING
JOHN LANGAN
© Townsend Press

2. Chapter Five: Organization
You have seen two goals in writing: to make a point and to support that point.
A third goal is to organize the support.
See page 17 in textbook.

3. (1) to use transitions and (2) to use a listing or time order.
ORGANIZATION
Two common ways to organize the support are
(1) to use transitions and
(2) to use a listing or time order.
See page 17 in textbook.

4. TRANSITIONS
Transitions are signal words that show the relationship between ideas. They connect one thought with another.
Two major types of transitions are
(1) words that show addition and
(2) words that show time.
See page 17 in textbook..

5. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. I hate my job because of the long hours. My boss is often rude to me.
B. I hate my job because of the long hours. Also, my boss is often rude to me.
See page 17 in textbook.
Answer: B
The choice is shown and explained on the next slide.

6. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. I hate my job because of the long hours. My boss is often rude to me.
B. I hate my job because of the long hours. Also, my boss is often rude to me.
See page 17 in textbook.
Explanation
In the second item, the word also makes it clear that the writer is presenting two reasons for hating his or her job. Also is an addition word.

7. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition
Also and words or phrases like it are known as addition words.
They are also known as “bridge” words, carrying the reader across from one idea to the next.
See page 17 in textbook.

8. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition
Addition words tell us that writers are adding to their thoughts. Here are some common addition words:
Addition Words
one to begin with in addition last
first another next last of all
first of all second moreover final
for one thing also furthermore finally
See page 17 in textbook.

9. TRANSITIONS
Words That Show Addition
In the examples below, notice how the addition words add to what has already been said.
• A good dinner and watching TV at the end of the day relax me. In addition, they make my problems seem smaller.
• Kelley’s main concern in school is to keep up her grades. Her second goal is to develop more friendships.
See page 17 in textbook.

10. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition finally another to begin with
Choose one of the addition words in the box to complete the statement.
finally another to begin with
A recent study suggested that parents should be on the lookout for stress in their children. There are several signs of stress in young people. Unusual tiredness in a child is one sign of stress in young people. ___________________ is temper tantrums.
See page 18 in textbook.
Answer: Another
The choice is shown and explained on the next slide.

11. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition finally another to begin with
Choose one of the addition words in the box to complete the statement.
finally another to begin with
A recent study suggested that parents should be on the lookout for stress in their children. There are several signs of stress in young people. Unusual tiredness in a child is one sign of stress in young people. __________________ is temper tantrums.
See page 18 in textbook.
Another
Explanation
The words several signs indicate there are more than two signs. Therefore, finally does not make sense. To begin with does not make sense because the transition is introducing the second item.

12. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition
Identify the transitions in the paragraph on lying.
People lie for different reasons. One common reason is to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. For example, a friend might ask, “Do you like my new haircut?” If you think it’s ugly, you might still answer, “Yes.” Another common reason for lying is to avoid a fight. Say a friend angers you and then asks, “Are you upset with me?” You might answer, “No,” to avoid an argument. People also lie so that they’ll fit in, as when you listen to a boring person and politely say, “That’s interesting.” In addition, people lie to avoid spending more time with someone. For instance, you might lie, “I have to go now.”
See page 19 in textbook.
Answers: One, Another, also, In addition
The choices are shown on the next slide.
The four transitions that set off the four reasons people lie are:
____________
____________
____________
____________

13. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition One Another also In addition
Identify the transitions in the paragraph on lying.
People lie for different reasons. One common reason is to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. For example, a friend might ask, “Do you like my new haircut?” If you think it’s ugly, you might still answer, “Yes.” Another common reason for lying is to avoid a fight. Say a friend angers you and then asks, “Are you upset with me?” You might answer, “No,” to avoid an argument. People also lie so that they’ll fit in, as when you listen to a boring person and politely say, “That’s interesting.” In addition, people lie to avoid spending more time with someone. For instance, you might lie, “I have to go now.”
See page 19 in textbook.
The four transitions that set off the four reasons people lie are:
One
Another
also
In addition
____________
____________
____________
____________

14. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. I let the cooked turkey sit for thirty minutes. I carved it.
B. I let the cooked turkey sit for thirty minutes. Then I carved it.
See page 20 in textbook.
Answer: B
The choice is shown and explained on the next slide.

15. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. I let the cooked turkey sit for thirty minutes. I carved it.
B. I let the cooked turkey sit for thirty minutes. Then I carved it.
See page 20 in textbook.
Explanation
In the second item, the word then makes the relationship between the two sentences clear. Then is a time word.

16. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time
Then and words or phrases like it are known as time words.
See page 20 in textbook.

17. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time
Time words tell us when something happened in relation to when something else happened. Here are some common time words:
Time Words
before next while later
previously soon during after
first often until eventually
second as now finally
third when then last
See page 20 in textbook.

18. TRANSITIONS
Words That Show Time
In the examples below, notice how the time words show us when something takes place.
• I quickly shut the back door after the mouse ran out.
• Before their baby daughter was born, my sister and her husband were sure it was a boy.
See page 20 in textbook.

19. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time after before during
Complete each sentence below with a suitable time word from the box.
after before during
A. ___________________ Craig got home from school, he checked the refrigerator to see what there was to eat.
B. The counselor tries to help students ________________ their problems get out of control and their grades fall.
See pages 20 and 21 in textbook.
Answers: A - After
B - before
The answer are shown on the next slide.

20. TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time after before during
Complete each sentence below with a suitable time word from the box.
after before during
A. ___________________ Craig got home from school, he checked the refrigerator to see what there was to eat.
B. The counselor tries to help students ________________ their problems get out of control and their grades fall.
After
See pages 20 and 21 in textbook.
before

21. TRANSITIONS
Listing Order and Time Order
Often the supporting material in a paper is organized by using a listing order or a time order.
See page 21 in textbook.

22. TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order
Listing order uses addition words such as first, also, another, and last of all. For example, this paragraph on tips for becoming a better writer uses listing order.
Many people think that they can’t improve their writing. The truth is that some tips can help you become a better writer. First of all, write often. Writing improves with practice. Secondly, organize your writing with an outline. An outline gives you a structure to build on. In addition, write in a plain style. Don’t try to use fancy language. Write as you would speak. Say what you mean simply and clearly. Finally, stick to your main ideas. Nothing improves writing more than avoiding unneeded words and statements.
See page 21 in textbook.

23. TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order
The paragraph orders its supporting details in a list of tips that can help people become better writers. Addition words introduce the items in the list.
Many people think that they can’t improve their writing. The truth is that some tips can help you become a better writer. First of all, write often. Writing improves with practice. Secondly, organize your writing with an outline. An outline gives you a structure to build on. In addition, write in a plain style. Don’t try to use fancy language. Write as you would speak. Say what you mean simply and clearly. Finally, stick to your main ideas. Nothing improves writing more than avoiding unneeded words and statements.
See page 21 in textbook.

24. Time order is another very common way to present supporting details.
TRANSITIONS
Listing Order and Time Order
Time order is another very common way to present supporting details.
In time order, supporting details are presented in the order in which they occurred.
See page 21 in textbook.

25. TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order
The paragraph below is organized in a time order. Choose the appropriate time word from the box to fill each blank.
Before Then When While After
An incident happened yesterday that made me very angry. I got off the bus and started walking the four blocks to my friend’s house. _________ I walked along, I noticed a group of boys gathered on the sidewalk about a block ahead of me. _________ they saw me, they stopped talking. As I came nearer and they began to whistle. Instead of being afraid, I was suddenly angry. Why should I have to worry about being hassled just because I was a woman? I stared straight at the boys and continued walking. _________ one of them said, “Oooh, baby. Looking fine today.” _________ I knew what I was doing, I turned on him. “Do you have a mother? Or any sisters?…Is it OK with you if men speak to them like that?” _________ I spoke, he and the other boys looked guilty and backed away. I held my head up high and walked by them. An hour later, I was still angry.
See page 21 in textbook.
Answers: While,When, Then, Before, After
The answer are shown and explained on the next slide.

26. TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order
The paragraph below is organized in a time order. Choose the appropriate time word from the box to fill each blank.
Before Then When While After
An incident happened yesterday that made me very angry. I got off the bus and started walking the four blocks to my friend’s house. _________ I walked along, I noticed a group of boys gathered on the sidewalk about a block ahead of me. _________ they saw me, they stopped talking. As I came nearer and they began to whistle. Instead of being afraid, I was suddenly angry. Why should I have to worry about being hassled just because I was a woman? I stared straight at the boys and continued walking. _________ one of them said, “Oooh, baby. Looking fine today.” _________ I knew what I was doing, I turned on him. “Do you have a mother? Or any sisters?…Is it OK with you if men speak to them like that?” _________ I spoke, he and the other boys looked guilty and backed away. I held my head up high and walked by them. An hour later, I was still angry.
While
When
See page 21 in textbook.
Then
Before
After
The writer’s point is stated in the first sentence. She then supports her point with specific details. She helps connect her details with time words.

27. TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order after then when
The paragraph below uses either a listing order or a time order. Choose the appropriate word from the box to fill each blank.
after then when
One Monday morning ___________ I was in the sixth grade, our teacher came into class looking very tired. She was late. She looked as if she had been crying, and her hair was a mess. She sat down and for a minute or two had her head down, staring at her desk. ____________ she looked up, we could all see there were tears in her eyes. ____________ she told the class that she was sorry for being late. She explained that her dad had had a heart attack over the weekend. I felt really sorry for her. That was the first time that I realized that teachers had feelings just like everyone else.
See page 22 in textbook.
Answers: when, After, Then
Point - That was the first time that I realized that teachers had feelings just like everyone else.
Time order
The answers are shown on the next slide.
What is the point of the paragraph?
Does the paragraph use listing order or time order?

28. TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order after then when
The paragraph below uses either a listing order or a time order. Choose the appropriate word from the box to fill each blank.
after then when
One Monday morning ___________ I was in the sixth grade, our teacher came into class looking very tired. She was late. She looked as if she had been crying, and her hair was a mess. She sat down and for a minute or two had her head down, staring at her desk. ____________ she looked up, we could all see there were tears in her eyes. ____________ she told the class that she was sorry for being late. She explained that her dad had had a heart attack over the weekend. I felt really sorry for her. That was the first time that I realized that teachers had feelings just like everyone else.
when
After
Then
See page 22 in textbook.
What is the point of the paragraph?
That was the first time that I realized that
teachers had feelings just like everyone else.
Does the paragraph use listing order or time order?
Time order

29. TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order another finally one third
The paragraph below uses either a listing order or a time order. Choose the appropriate word from the box to fill each blank.
another finally one third
Some people have dangerous driving habits. ____________ dangerous habit is tailgating. When the car ahead of a tailgating driver is forced to brake suddenly, a rear-end collision can result. ____________ unsafe driving habit is speeding. Since it takes longer for speeding vehicles to slow down or stop, drivers who are going too fast have less time to adjust to unexpected road hazards or sharp curves. A ___________ dangerous driving habit is the failure to signal turns. Without proper warning, another driver may not have enough time to slow down. ____________, it’s all too common for today’s drivers to talk or text-message on their cell phones. Such distractions prevent drivers from focusing on the road in front of them. Serious accidents may result.
See page 22 in textbook.
Answers: One, Another, third, Finally
Point - Some people have dangerous driving habits.
Listing order
The answers are shown on the next slide.
What is the point of the paragraph?
Does the paragraph use listing order or time order?

30. TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order another finally one third
The paragraph below uses either a listing order or a time order. Choose the appropriate word from the box to fill each blank.
another finally one third
Some people have dangerous driving habits. ____________ dangerous habit is tailgating. When the car ahead of a tailgating driver is forced to brake suddenly, a rear-end collision can result. ____________ unsafe driving habit is speeding. Since it takes longer for speeding vehicles to slow down or stop, drivers who are going too fast have less time to adjust to unexpected road hazards or sharp curves. A ___________ dangerous driving habit is the failure to signal turns. Without proper warning, another driver may not have enough time to slow down. ____________, it’s all too common for today’s drivers to talk or text-message on their cell phones. Such distractions prevent drivers from focusing on the road in front of them. Serious accidents may result.
One
Another
third
Finally
See page 22 in textbook.
What is the point of the paragraph?
Some people have dangerous driving habits.
Does the paragraph use listing order or time order?
Listing order

31. Make a Point Support the Point Organize the Support
Supporting a Point
Remember:
Make a
Point
Support the
Point
Organize the Support
See page 17 in textbook.