1. Chapter 7: Recognizing the Basic Patterns of Organization
Active Reading Skills, 2/e Kathleen McWhorter
Brette McWhorter Sember
PowerPoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin

2. 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.

3. Common Patterns of Organization
Example
Definition
Chronological Order and Process
Listing

4. 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.

5. Map of the Example Pattern
MAIN IDEA
Example
Example
Example

6. Example Pattern Example
Many animals undergo a metamorphosis as they move from one developmental state to the next in their growth cycle. A maggot transforms into a fly. A tadpole hatches from an egg and develops into an adult frog. A caterpillar changes from its larval form into a moth or butterfly.

7. Map of the Example Pattern
Animals undergo metamorphosis.
Maggot
Tadpole
Caterpillar

8. Transitions Used with the Example Pattern
Many pets, such as cats and parakeets, provide companionship for their owners.
for example
for instance
such as

9. Definition Pattern
Ask these questions:
What is being defined?
What makes it different from other items or ideas?

10. Map of the Definition Pattern
Term
Distinguishing Feature
Distinguishing Feature
Distinguishing Feature

11. Definition Pattern Example
Lacrosse was first played by Native Americans, making it the oldest sport in North America. Modern lacrosse is a fast-paced game played on a field by two teams of ten players each.

12. Map of the Definition Pattern
Lacrosse
Oldest sport in North America
Played on a field
Two teams with ten players each

13. Combining Definition and Example Patterns
Term
Distinguishing Feature
Examples

14. Definition and Example Pattern
Generally, positive stress, or stress that presents the opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction, is called eustress. Getting married, starting, school and beginning a career all give rise to stress.

15. Combining Definition and Example Patterns Map
eustress
Positive stress
Getting married
Starting school
Beginning a career

16. 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.

17. Process Order Pattern
Process refers to the order in which something is done or made. The writer explains how something is done or made.
how to put together a bookcase
how to knit a sweater
how bees make honey

18. 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

19. Map of Process Pattern versus Chronological Pattern
Chronological Order:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Earliest Event
Most Recent Event

20. Listing Pattern 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.

21. Map of the Listing Pattern
MAIN IDEA
Item
Item
Item

22. Listing Pattern Example
The city of San Antonio, Texas, offers many attractions for visitors. One famous site is the Alamo, the eighteenth-century Spanish mission that had a historic role in Texas/ revolution against Mexico. Another San Antonio highlight is much more modern: the River Walk, a shopping dining, and entertainment promenade situated along the San Antonio River. The San Antonio Zoo houses more than 3,500 animals.

23. Map of the Listing Pattern
San Antonio has many attractions.
Alamo
River Walk
Zoo

24. Combining Patterns of Organization
Often patterns are combined in the writing of textbooks, novels, magazine articles, and newspapers.
Definition & Example
Chronological Order and Listing

25. Evaluating Your Progress
Use the “Patterns of Organization-New York” module in the Reading Skills section on the MyReadingLab Web site at

26. For more practice visit the Companion Web site.