Patterns of Organization

Strategies for Recognizing Patterns of Organization

Pattern of Organization	Common Words	Example Thesis
Narration Tells a story Recounts an event or series of events Follows time order	before after when then	My first day on the job left me tired, hungry, and frustrated.
Illustration Provides examples Examples explain or support the main point	for example for instance such as	Playing team sports has helped many women succeed in the workplace.
Description Provides details Paints a picture with words Uses senses	adjectives sensory verbs: see, hear, smell, feel, taste	The abandoned church still had the look and smell of a spiritual sanctuary.
Lists collection of related ideas Sequences step-by-step process	bullet points headings sequence words: first, next, last	There are several smart phone apps that no college student should be without. Anyone interested in getting SCUBA certified needs to follow several important steps.
Classification and Division Groups like items Divides a topic into subtopics	types categories groups	There are three main types of skin cancer.
Definition Supplies meaning More detailed than a dictionary definition May appear in boldface in textbooks	means is defined as refers to	Many people are unclear about the term libertarian.
Comparison shows similarities Analogy = extended comparison Contrast shows differences	Comparison/Analogy similarly likewise in comparison Contrast however on the other hand in contrast	There are many similarities between the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. Although they are geographically near each other, China and Japan have very different histories.
Cause why something happened Effect what happened as a result of something else	Common Cause Words because for this reason due to Common Effect Words as a result therefore consequently	Several key factors led to the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s New Deal resulted in improved economic conditions.
Argument States a claim Provides evidence Uses appeals	Types of Evidence facts statistics expert opinion examples Types of Appeals logical emotional ethical	Climate change is a serious matter that must be addressed both politically and economically.