1. Common thought patterns
Adapted from: Academic Reading,
Fifth Edition
by Kathleen T. McWhorter

2. Learning Objectives: To recognize common academic thought patterns
To use thought patterns to focus your reading

3. Recognizing Organizational Patterns
By identifying the pattern of a paragraph, it becomes more meaningful and easier to remember.
Once you recognize a pattern, its organization becomes familiar and predictable.

4. Common Patterns Definition Classification Order or sequence
Cause and effect
Comparison and Contrast
Listing/enumeration

5. Definition Pattern
This pattern is common in most textbooks to help define specialized vocabulary of the subject.
Clue Words: is
means
refers to
can be defined as

6. Classification Pattern
This pattern divides a topic into parts on the basis of common or shared characteristics (i.e., movies: comedy, horror, mystery, romance).
Clue Words:
several kinds
numerous types
classified as

7. Order or Sequence Pattern
Chronological Order
Process
Order of Importance
Spatial Order
Clue Words: primary, first, last, lower, outer, next, primarily

8. Which type of order or sequence are the following?
Several statistical procedures are used to track the changes in the divorce rate.
The spinal cord is located within the spinal column; it looks like a section of rope or twine.
The transition from medieval to modern societies occurred from approximately 1400 to 1800.

9. Cause and Effect Pattern
This pattern is used in the sciences, technologies, and social sciences to show a cause/effect relationship.
Clue Words:
causes
creates
leads to
results in

10. Comparison and Contrast Pattern
This pattern emphasizes similarities and differences and is often used in the social sciences, literature, and business.
Clue Words:
similarities
resembles
differences
unlike, like

11. Listing/Enumeration Pattern
This pattern gives information on a topic by listing or step by step and is used in most college textbooks.
Clue Words:
a second feature
also
one, two, three
in addition

12. Mixed Patterns Thought patterns are often combined.
Look for patterns as you read or take notes.
Academic thought patterns are useful in organizing and answering essay questions and writing term papers.

13. Other Commonly Used Thought Patterns
Statement and Clarification
Summary
Generalization and Example
Addition