Patterns of Organization
Effective communication begins with a clearly organized set of ideas following a logical, consistent pattern. Thus, one of the most important decisions a writer makes concerns the pattern of organization that is used to structure and order information.
To help organize ideas, writers use transitions—words or phrases authors use to show relationships between sentences and paragraphs to make their ideas clear.
To understand patterns of organization or relationships look for transitions that signal a particular type of organizational pattern being used.
There are many patterns and transitions a writer can use to organize his/her ideas such as:
An Addition:
Also referred to as a "list of items," these transitions tell you that the writer is presenting two or more ideas that continue along the same line of thought. They introduce ideas that add to a thought already mentioned.
|
and |
in addition |
first of all |
furthermore |
|
another |
next |
third |
finally |
|
also |
moreover |
second |
last of all |
Examples:
- My friend Ellen is so safety–conscious that she had her wooden front door replaced with a steel one. Also, she had iron bars inserted on all her apartment windows.
- First of all, to make a pound cake one needs sugar, butter, and eggs. In addition, the cook may add vanilla, lemon zest, or many other flavorings. Finally, the eggs may be added whole or separated, and the whites beaten and folded in for a lighter cake.
Cause and Effect:
Cause and effect transitions signal that the author is describing results or effects. They tell us what happened or will happen because something else happened.
|
thus |
as a result |
therefore |
because |
consequently |
|
so |
since |
if..then |
accordingly |
|
Examples:
- As a result of overexposure to the sun, Mary was treated for second–degree burns.
- If you download music illegally, then there is a chance you will have to pay a fine or even serve jail time.
Comparison:
These transitions signal that the author is pointing out a similarity between two subjects. They tell us that the second idea is like the first one in some way.
|
like |
likewise |
similarly |
as |
|
equally |
in the same way |
in a similar fashion |
just as |
|
just like |
in like manner |
|
|
Examples:
- Like father like son is an old proverb that expresses the passing down of family traits from generation to generation.
- The Falcons relied on their running game; likewise, the Cougars depended on thier running backs.
- When individuals communicate, they are more likely to solve their problems. In like manner, countries can best solve their problems through communication.
Contrast:
These transitions signal a change in the direction of a writer's thought. They tell us that a new idea will be different in a significant way from the previous one.
|
but |
in contrast |
conversely |
nevertheless |
however |
|
still |
although |
on the contrary |
despite |
in spite of |
|
yet |
instead |
on the other hand |
even though |
|
Examples:
- In spite of what people think, learning vocabulary is not hard; however, it does take concentrated effort.
- In the 1980's, medical opinion stated that passive smoking was harmless. In contrast, current medical opinion says passive smoking is as harmful as actually smoking.
- "You said I could go on the camping trip," I said. "On the contrary," said my father, "I said we will see how you do on your test before I decide."