Patterns of Organization

College Readiness Game-Based Reading

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this lesson you will be able to:

Identify relationships between and/or within sentences

Determine the primary and secondary patterns of organization for a paragraph and multi-
paragraph selection
Identify the transition words that are associated with each pattern

Introduction

A thought or organizational pattern is established by using transitions, or

signal words, to show the logical relationship between ideas within a
sentence, between sentences, in a paragraph or in a passage.

The chart below outlines some of the commonly used patterns and signal
words. Please note that some of the signal words are used in more than
one pattern. When this is the case, the reader must pay close attention to the relationship
between the main idea and details of the passage.

Patterns of
Purpose Transitions/Signal Words Example
Organization
Lists a series or set Exercising has many
of reasons, details or also, and, final, for one physical health benefits
Listing points. The order of thing, furthermore, in including toned muscles. It
the details does NOT addition, next, second also has mental health
matter. benefits.

Time Order:
Shows a chain of after, afterward, first, last, After the class I plan on
Series of Events,
events. The order is next previously, soon, getting my work
narration, stages,
important. ultimately, while completed.
steps, directions
 Honey bees can be grouped
Used to sort ideas another group, categories,
into three castes: queens,
Classification into smaller groups characteristics, one type,
drones, sterile female
or ideas. Traits of second kind, traits
workers.
each group are
described.

above, across, adjacent,

Allows authors to
Space Order behind, beside, center,
describe a person, Adjacent to my classroom
close to, front, left, middle,
place, or things is the President's office.
(Spatial Order) outside, right there, under,
based on its location
within
or the way it is
arranged in space

accordingly, as a result, Since I have been eating

A cause states why because of, consequently, healthy and exercising
Cause and Effect
something happens. since, so, result in, regularly, I have lost 12
An effect states a therefore, thus pounds
result or outcome.

Although, as opposed to,

conversely, different
Points out the ways from, even though,
Contrast two or more ideas however, nevertheless, on Although I ate a four
are different. the one hand, on the other course meal, I am still
hand, rather than, yet, hungry.
while

The definition Personification is when

explains the meaning you assign the qualities of
of new, difficult or a person to something that
specialized isn't human, or in some
Definition As all illustration, for
vocabulary. cases, to something that
example, for instance,
Examples are then isn't even alive. For
once, such as, to illustrate
given to show how example, The wind howled
the word is used its mighty objection

As all illustration, for

Generalization Reality television has taken
The author makes a example, for instance,
and Example over the nation. For
general statement once, such as, to illustrate
example, Here Comes
and then offers
Honey Boo Boo is watched
examples for by millions of viewers each
clarification. week.
Instructional Video

Transitions and Thought Patterns

Transitions are words and phrases that signal thought patterns by showing the logical
relationships both within a sentence and between sentences.

Some transitions word and phrases have similar meanings; for example, also, too,
furthermore
Sometimes a single word can serve as two different types of transitions, depending on
how it is used: since can signal time order or a cause

A thought pattern is established by using transitions to show the logical relationship between
ideas in a paragraph or passage.

Not only do transitions reveal the relationships among ideas within a sentence, they also show
the relationship of ideas between sentences. For example, Aerobic activity strengthens the heart
and lungs. It also builds and tones muscles.

A paragraph is made up of a group of ideas.

Major details support the main idea and minor details support the major details.
Transitions make the relationship between these three levels of ideas clear, smooth, and
easy to follow.
Thought patterns (or patterns of organization) are signaled using transitions to show the logical
relationship between the ideas in a paragraph, passage, or textbook chapter.

The time order thought pattern generally shows a chain of events. The actions or events are listed
in the order in which they occur. This is called chronological order.

Narrative: An author uses narration to describe a chain of points such as a significant

event in history or a story.
Process: Process is used to give directions to a task in order, like in steps, stages, or
directions.

Transition Used in the Time Order Patters for Events or Stages

after afterward as before

currently during eventually finally
first immediately last later
meanwhile next now often
previously second since soon
then ultimately until when

Process: Steps, Stages, or Direction

The process thought pattern for steps, stages, or directions shows actions that can be repeated at
any time with similar results. This pattern is used to provide steps or give directions for
completing a task. Transitions used in the time order patters for process - see below.

after afterward as before

during eventually finally last
later meanwhile next now
previously second since soon
often then while first

The Space Order Pattern

The space order patterns allows authors to describe a person, place or thing based on its location
or the way it is arranged in space. This is also known as spatial order. A writer uses descriptive
details to help readers create a mental picture of the subject being described. An author may
choose to describe an object from top to bottom, from bottom to top, right to left, left to right,
near to far, etc.
Space Order: Descriptive Details

Describe detail 1 > Descriptive detail 2 > Descriptive detail 3

Transition words of space order signal that the details follow a logical order based on two
elements:

1. How the object, place, or person is arranged in space, and

2. The starting point from which the author chooses to begin the description.

Transition Words Used in Space Order Pattern

above across adjacent around

at the
at the side at the top within
bottom
back backup behind below
beneath beside beyond center
close to down far away farther
front here inside left
nearby next to outside right

The Listing Pattern

Often authors want to present an orderly series or set of reasons, details, or points, These details
are listed in an order that the author has chosen. Changing the order of the details does not
change their meaning. Transitons of addition, such as, and, also, furthermore, are generally used
to indicate a listing pattern.

Listing Pattern

Idea 1

Idea 2

Idea 3

Transitions of addition signal that the writer is adding to an earlier thought. the writer presents an
idea and then adds other ideas to deepen or clarify the first idea.

also and another besides

 for one
final finally first
thing
in
furthermore last last of all
addition
moreover next one second

The Classification Pattern

Authors use the classification pattern to sort ideas into smaller groups and describe the trains of
each group.

Each smaller group, called a subgroup, is based on shared traits of characteristics

The author lists each subgroup and describes its traits.

Transitions of addition are used since groups and subgroups are listed in this thought pattern.

Examples of classification signal words are:

another (group, kind, type)

first (group, category, kind, type)
characteristics
second (group, class, kind, types)

The Comparison and Contrast Pattern

Comparison points out the ways in which two or more ideas are alike.

a kind of alike as as well as

in a similar
comparable equally
fashion
in character in like
in the same way just as
with manner
like likewise matching near to
resemble same similar similarity
similarly

Contrast

Contrast points out the ways in which two or more ideas are different
Words and Phases of Contrast

although counter to differently instead

to the
than despite nevertheless
contrary
as
differ opposed however unlike
to
difference yet while conversely
in compatible
still
with

Contrast Pattern

Idea 1 Idea 2
Idea 1 differs from Idea 2
Idea 1 differs from Idea 2
Idea 1 differs from Idea 2

For example: Physical development differs between girls and boys.

Comparison and Contrast

A is like B, but A differs from B.

Comparison: A is like B

Contrast: A is different from B

Cause and Effect

Sometimes an author talks about why something happened or what results came from an event.

A cause states why something happens; an effect states a result or outcome

Cause and Effect Words

accordingly as a result because thus

because of consequently due to if....then
 so results
leads to on account of since
in
thereby therefore

Generalization and Example Pattern

In the generalization-and-example thought pattern, the author makes a general statement and
then offers an example or a series of examples to clarify the generalization.

The Generalization-and-Example Pattern Statement of a general idea

Example

Example

Words and Phrases that Introduce Examples

an illustration for example for instance

including once such as
to illustrate typically

Textbooks are full of new words and special terms. Even if the word is common, it can take on a
special meaning in a specific course. To help students understand the ideas, authors often include
a definition of the new or special term. Often times, the author will then give examples.

The Definition pattern

Term and definition

Example

Example

Examples may come before of after the new term is introduced. Some words and phrases the
introduce examples are: an illustration, for example, for instance, including, once, such as, to
illustrate and typically.

Instructional Video
Learning Organizational Patterns through movie trailers!!, Published on July 13, 2013

Retrieved by: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK-Xvo9wx6E

Self-Check
Directions: Read the selection to determine the patterns of organization and the signals
used to indicate the pattern.
1
Homogeneous grouping refers to grouping students of similar ability levels. 2Some educators,
parents, and students think homogeneous grouping, separating faster learners from slower
learners, is advantageous and more effective for all students. 3However, some researchers believe
that grouping young people by abilities stereotypes them at an early age. 4Some teachers tend to
"teach down" to those in the "lower" groups, and the self-fulfilling prophecy sets itself into
motion. 5Students in the lower groups soon come to believe that they cannot achieve; their
teachers' expectations of them become fulfilled, indeed. 6Also, teachers of "lower" groups may
not use innovative and creative methods; they may tend to baby-sit those in their care with dull
and repetitive worksheets. 7In addition, homogeneous grouping may be elitist: those students
who have economic and cultural advantages may be placed in more advanced groups.

Question 1

Question 2.

Question 3

Read the selection to determine the patterns of organization and the signals used to indicate
the pattern.
1
Have you ever reflected on your high school education? 2The education you received was
actually shaped by the beliefs of your teachers, administrators, and community. 3Some schools
organize their curriculum or course offerings around the subjects they believe all students should
master. 4The subject-centered curricula can be traced to ancient Greece and Rome where the
educational focus was on grammar, rhetoric, mathematics, and music. 5Schools having a subject-
centered focus treat each of these areas as a body of knowledge to be transmitted to students. 6On
the other hand, some schools organize their courses based on a student-centered
philosophy. 7These schools focus first on the needs and interests of the students. 8The student-
centered curricula can be traced to the ideas of Jacques Rousseau, who encouraged self-
expression and creativity. 9Well-known educator John Dewey also advocated a student-centered
curriculum, but one balanced with strong subject matter content and areas of interest.

Question 1

Question 2

Read the selection to determine the patterns of organization and the signals used to indicate
the pattern.
1
At the end of the twentieth century, everyone in America seems to be stressed. We become
stressed in response to some stimulus that causes us discomfort. The stimuli, or prompts, can
vary. Stress may be prompted by monthly bills that exceed monthly incomes. Stress may be
prompted by the pressure of trying to juggle work and college courses at the same time. In
addition, stress may be prompted by long, bumper-to-bumper commutes every day. Whatever the
cause, we feel pain, fear, or anxiety; our lives seem out of balance.
2
Stress not only affects us emotionally, it also impacts our physical health. Stressors, those
unpleasant prompts or experiences, actually trigger a biological response in our bodies. Our
hearts beat wildly after we hit the brakes on our car to avoid a rear-end collision. Actually, the
stress response in a near-collision may be positive; it may force us to respond quickly to danger.
Our bodies may react negatively, however, if the stress is continuous for long periods of time.
One effect of prolonged and intense stress may be the weakening of our immune response
system. We may be much more susceptible to viruses and colds if we are extremely stressed.
Also, those of us who are very stressed may be more prone to heart attacks and strokes. Extreme
stress may also cause memory impairment.
3
Thus, while each person responds to stressors differently, it is wise in this hurried and often-
frantic society to seek relaxation, not only for our emotional well-being, but also for our physical
health. Meditation, time with friends, and exercise are great stress-relievers.

Question 1..
Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Self Check
Read the selection to determine the patterns of organization and the signals used to indicate
the pattern.

Suicide is the taking of one's own life intentionally, and it has become a phenomenon of great
concern in America. In 1997, suicide became the eighth leading cause of death in the United
States. In fact, in 1997, over 30,000 deaths were attributed to suicide compared to 19,000
homicides or murders. Many people attempt suicide and fail; approximately a half-million
Americans attempt suicide each year, but do not succeed. Those most likely to commit suicide in
America are white men over the age of 65; however, of great concern is the fact that since 1980
the suicide rate of children between the ages of 10 and 14 has doubled.

Question 1

Question 2

Read the selection to determine the patterns of organization and the signals used to indicate
the pattern.

The Atlantic shoreline is constantly changing and subject to powerful natural forces, such as
hurricanes and severe winter storms. In addition to this natural evolution, the shoreline has been
harmed by human exploitation. The building of resorts and beach homes alters the natural
environment, narrowing the actual beach areas and eliminating the natural dunes, plants, and
marshes. The first effect of rapid building and overdevelopment is that wide expanses of beach
are eroded, leaving only narrow strips of sand and few sand dunes, ridges or barriers of sand.
Unfortunately, when a hurricane or winter storm pounds the narrow, flat sandy beach, more
damage is done. The second effect of beach overdevelopment is a loss of natural vegetation. This
vegetation also serves to hold the sand, which in turn blocks and absorbs the shock of heavy
rains and winds. Although the storms will continue to change coastal environments, erosion can
be lessened if people would build wisely, well away from the shore.

Question 1

Question 2

Read the selection to determine the patterns of organization and the signals used to indicate
the pattern.

In order to survive, the Plains Indians drew upon all of their skills and intelligence to both hunt
and make use of the buffalo. The Indians learned how to outwit the large, tough-skinned animals,
by driving them over precipices where the animals would fall to their deaths. Once conquered,
the buffalo provided hides that were used for clothing and moccasins, and when sewn together
with the sinew, became the covering for teepees. The pelts of the buffalo necks were used to
make shields and even the paunches, or bellies, became cooking vessels. The bones were used as
tools and even the ribs became sleds. The bones and hair became toys and ornaments for
headdresses and clothing. The bladders were used for medicine bags, and even the hooves and
scrota became rattles and drums. Life during the often-harsh winters became bearable with the
help of the buffalo.

Question 1

Read the selection to determine the patterns of organization and the signals used to indicate the
pattern.
1
I grew up in the 1950s in the rural South. My parents farmed, and my social network consisted
of my cousins and the children of other farmers in the area. Every weekend we dressed up and
went to town where we bought groceries and visited on the street corners. This weekly shopping
trip allowed us to see how others lived and dressed and ate, those more affluent and more
cosmopolitan. We peered into store windows where sophisticated mannequins wore beaded
gowns. We passed restaurants where tables were covered with white linen cloths and napkins.
We were mesmerized by the beautiful and fine things that we saw; we stared and giggled. This
world seemed inaccessible to me at that time, for as Saturday afternoon came to an end, we piled
into our Chevrolet and headed back to the farm. Dinner out for us was a potluck supper in the
church basement.
2
Eventually, however, I did leave the farm and move to the city. Now I find myself shopping too
much, never in awe of merchandise beautifully displayed; it has become too commonplace. I no
longer linger in front of store windows; there are too many windows, and I have become numbed
by them. Restaurants, too, are not the treat they once were; I have eaten too many expensive
meals, had too many glasses of wine. The streets are not meeting places for me as they were
before. I see too many strangers rushing by quickly with shopping bags and briefcases. The city
has dangers now, too. I may get attacked; my purse may be ripped from my hands. The city, that
once-magical place, has lost its hold on me.

Question 1

Question 2

Read each passage to determine the patterns of organization and signals used. Select your
response from the list of patterns of organization following the passage.
1
Thomas Jefferson, America's third president, authored many important works, including The
Declaration of Independence and Virginia's Statute for Religious Freedom. This statesman lived
on his Virginia plantation, Monticello, and after the American Revolution, life on the plantation
was intellectually and socially stimulating. There were hunts, feasts, and grand parties. European
and American guests of Jefferson were fascinated by his knowledge and charm. He was a great
thinker, an enlightened man.
2
However, this great representative of the Enlightenment Era owned slaves. He hoped to see
slavery abolished, but he knew that the economic prosperity of his own aristocratic lifestyle and
the economic well-being of the American South rested on slavery. Slaves were needed to harvest
tobacco and cotton from Virginia to the Mississippi River. In fact, "surplus" slaves from Virginia
were often sold to neighboring Southern states; they became a major export of his own state.
3
This great man who had understood the need to break from England's tyranny could not lead the
rally to help the very slaves he himself owned. He chose to believe that the next generation of
Americans would rise to this challenge and eliminate the curse of slavery from this new country,
dedicated to the ideals of independence that he himself had written. Despite his professed hatred
of slavery and his denouncement of the practice in Notes on the State of Virginia, he decided that
freeing slaves was a responsibility better left to someone else.
Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Self Check
Read each passage to determine the patterns of organization and signals used. Select your
response from the list of patterns of organization following the passage.
1
Amerians always seem to want to be the best at whatever they do. They want to have the biggest
house on the block, the most expensive car. American cities want to boast about having the
tallest building, the most parks. Bloomington, Minnesota has something to boast about: it has the
largest indoor shopping mall and entertainment center in America.
2
What makes this 4.2 million-square-foot mall unique other than its size? First, it houses
Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Macy's, Sears, and over 520 specialty stores. Many of these shops
cater to special clientele needs. For example, you can stuff your own bear at Basic Brown Bear
Factory, and there are stores just for dog, cat, and horse lovers. Some stores feature items from
around the world; others feature locally made items. Also, for those who love clothes, clothing
purchases are tax-free. Next, if you don't like shopping, you can have fun at the seven-acre
amusement center, which is surrounded by all those stores. It is complete with a roller coaster,
which soars through the mall under the domed roof. Under the mall, there is a huge aquarium
that allows you to see sharks and fish as you relax on a moving walkway. In addition, there is a
NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway which allows you to simulate racing at 200 mph. Finally,
after all this excitement, you can eat at the many restaurants, take in a movie, or get a massage.
3

Most malls don't fit this description; they just aren't this large. Unlike The Mall of America, they
don't seem so ready to cater to all needs--physical, recreational, social, and emotional--in
climate-controlled comfort. Whereas most shoppers head home after a day at their local mall,
hotels surround the Mall of America, and tourists stay for days. Shuttle buses leave them and
take the weary back to rest. Eventually, they depart for home and the reality of their hometown,
not-so-huge malls

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4