Chapter 4: The Third Step in Writing

1. © 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
The Third Step in Writing
Chapter 4

2. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Organize and Connect the Specific Evidence
Organize and connect your supporting material
by using:
•common methods of organization
•transitions
•other connecting words

3. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Common Methods of Organization
• Time order
– “Chronological order”
– Details are listed as they occur in time, e.g.,
first this is done; next this; then this; after that,
this; and so on.
To exercise successfully, you should follow a
simple plan consisting of arranging the time,
making preparations, and warming up properly
To exercise successfully, you should follow a
simple plan consisting of arranging the time,
making preparations, and warming up properly

4. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Common Methods of Organization (cont.)
• Emphatic Order
– “Saving the best for last”
– Emphasis is placed on the most important detail
by positioning it near the end of a paragraph
Thesis: There are several reasons why the National
Enquirer is so popular.
Last detail supporting point: Most of all, people read
the Enquirer because they love gossip.
Thesis: There are several reasons why the National
Enquirer is so popular.
Last detail supporting point: Most of all, people read
the Enquirer because they love gossip.

5. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Transitions
Transitions signal the direction of a writer’s
thought. They are like road signs that guide
travelers.
After you’ve snagged the job of TV sports
reporter, you have to begin working on the
details of your image. First, invest in two or
three loud sports jackets [. . .].
After you’ve snagged the job of TV sports
reporter, you have to begin working on the
details of your image. First, invest in two or
three loud sports jackets [. . .].

6. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Other Connecting Words
• Repeated key words help tie together the
flow of thoughts in a paper.
One reason for studying psychology is [. . .].
Psychology is also useful in [. . .].
One reason for studying psychology is [. . .].
Psychology is also useful in [. . .].

7. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Other Connecting Words (cont.)
• Pronouns (he, she, it, you, they, this, that,
and others) connect ideas and help you avoid
needless repetition.
Another way for people to economize at an amusement park
is to bring their own food. If they pack a lunch, they will
avoid high prices.
Another way for people to economize at an amusement park
is to bring their own food. If they pack a lunch, they will
avoid high prices.

8. English Skills, 11e
English Skills with Readings, 9e
© 2015 by McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.
Other Connecting Words (cont.)
• Synonyms are words that are alike in
meaning. They can be used to help writing
flow and add variety and interest to
sentences.
There are several methods of fund-raising [. . .]. One
technique is to hold an auction [. . .].
There are several methods of fund-raising [. . .]. One
technique is to hold an auction [. . .].