This document provides examples of different organizational structures that can be used when presenting information: chronological order, spatial order, causal order, problem-solution order, topical order, and internal previews with sign posts. Each example outlines the specific purpose and main points that would be covered using that particular organizational structure.

1. Organizing
You Have the Data – Let’s Put it All Together

2. Chronological Order

3. Chronological Order
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience how
the Great Wall of China was built.
Main Points:
IV.Building of the Great Wall began during the
Qin dynasty of 221-206 B.C.
V.New sections of the Great Wall were added
during the Han dynasty of 206 B.C.-220 A.D.
VI. The Great Wall was completed during the
Ming Dynasty of 1368-1644.

4. Spatial Order

5. Spatial Order
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the
structure of a hurricane.
Main Points:
IV.At the center of a hurricane is the calm, cloud-free
eye.
V.Surrounding the eye is the eyewall, a dense ring of
clouds that produces the most intense wind and
rainfall.
VI.Rotating around the eyewall are large bands of
clouds and precipitation called spiral rain bands.

6. Causal Order

7. Causal Order
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the
possible causes for the collapse of Mayan civilization.
Main Points:
•Mayan civilization flourished for over a thousand
years until 900 A.D., when it mysteriously began to
disintegrate. (EFFECT)
•Scholars have advanced three major explanations
for the causes of this disintegration. (CAUSE)

8. Problem-Solution Order

9. Problem-Solution Order
Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that
legislation is needed to control the abuses of
fraudulent charity fund-raisers.
Main Points:
IV.Fraudulent charity fund-raising has become a
widespread national problem.
V.The problem can be solved by a combination of
government initiative and individual awareness.

10. Topical Order

11. Topical Order
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the
achievements of Ida Wells-Barnett.
Main Points:
IV.As a teacher, Wells-Barnett spoke out against
inferior school facilities for African-American
children.
V.As a journalist, Wells-Barnett campaigned against
lynching.
VI.As a civic organizer, Wells-Barnett helped found
the NAACP.

13. n s
it io
n s
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14. Internal Preview
Main Point
Internal Summary

15. Sign Posts

16. How might the
organization of your
speech change the
theme of your topic?
.
(Compare three approaches:
topical, chronological, and
spatial)