This document discusses organizational patterns in writing. It begins by outlining learning outcomes related to reading common organizational patterns and transitions, as well as organizing details for writing. The main body then describes six common organizational patterns: chronological, spatial, cause-effect, comparison-contrast, examples, and logical. For each pattern, example transition words are provided. The document concludes by discussing strategies for organizing details in writing, such as outlining or using graphic organizers.

1. Chapter 7 –
Organization
© 2016. CENGAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2. Opening Activity
How information is organized is an
important part of reading and writing.
Reflect on that, and then discuss the
following questions:
1. How do you expect a college textbook to
be organized?
2. Think of something you have to read or
write for your everyday life? How is it
organized?
© 2016. CENGAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

3. Learning Outcomes
By the time you finish reading and studying this
chapter, you should be able to:
◦ LO1 Read for common patterns of organization and
transitions.
◦ LO2 Organize details for writing.
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4. Reading for Common Patterns of
Organization and Transitions
Informational texts usually follow one of
several organizational patterns:
• Chronological
• Spatial (descriptive)
• Cause-effect
• Comparison-contrast
• Examples
• Logical
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5. Reading for Common Patterns of
Organization and Transitions
Chronological order is sometimes used in narratives to
show time order or in expository texts to discuss a
process or explain how to do something. Below are
some of the transitional words and phrases used to
connect ideas when using chronological order.

6. Reading for Common Patterns of
Organization and Transitions
Spatial order is used when describing location, such as
near to far, top to bottom, or left to right. Below are
some of the transitional words and phrases used to
connect ideas when using spatial order.

7. Reading for Common Patterns of
Organization and Transitions
Cause-effect order is commonly used in academic texts.
Below are some of the transitional words and phrases
used to connect ideas when producing cause-effect
writing.

8. Reading for Common Patterns of
Organization and Transitions
Compare-contrast order discusses the similarities and
differences between—two people, two events, two
objects, two cultures, two ideas, etc. Below are some
common compare-contrast transition words and
phrases.

9. Reading for Common Patterns of
Organization and Transitions
Examples are used to illustrate, explain, or justify ideas.
Below is a list of transition words and phrases used with
examples.

10. Reading for Common Patterns of
Organization and Transitions
Logical order is reflected within an informational text
when the information simply is presented in a sensible
order. The list below includes words and phrases used
within this pattern.

11. Organizing Details for Writing
Once you have the details you need to support the topic of
your writing assignment, select an appropriate pattern of
organization.
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12. Organizing Details for Writing
Before you begin writing, you may find it helpful to pick a
pattern of organization for your topic’s supporting details.
Below are three strategies for arranging the details:
Make a quick list of key details arranged according to the pattern.
Create an outline—an organized arrangement of key points and supporting
details.
Fill in a graphic organizer with supporting details.
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13. Closing Activity
Consider what you now know about common patterns of
organization in writing. Brainstorm with a partner to list at
least one example of published writing you have read, or
are aware of, that uses each type of organizational pattern
included below:
• Chronological
• Spatial (descriptive)
• Cause-effect
• Comparison-contrast
• Examples
• Logical
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