Chapter 7: Recognizing the Basic Patterns of Organization

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

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.

Common Patterns of Organization • Example • Definition • Chronological Order and Process • Listing

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.

Map of the Example Pattern MAIN IDEA Example Example Example

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.

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

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

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

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

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. Definition Pattern Example

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

Combining Definition and Example Patterns Term Distinguishing Feature Examples

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. Definition and Example Pattern

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

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.

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

first before following second after last later then during next in addition when another also until as soon as finally meanwhile Transitions: Chronological & Process Patterns

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

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.

Map of the Listing Pattern MAIN IDEA Item Item Item

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.

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

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

Evaluating Your Progress Use the “Patterns of Organization-New York” module in the Reading Skills section on the MyReadingLab Web site at http://www.ablongman.com/myreadinglab.

For more practice visit the Companion Web site. http://www.ablongman.com/mcwhorter

Chapter 7: Recognizing the Basic Patterns of Organization