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1 Transitions & Organ Patterns
Transitions and Organizational Patterns
Part 1
Writers don’t let their thoughts wander aimlessly. They think logically. They organize details in patterns. In the written language these patterns help you follow ideas more easily and, therefore, improve your understanding of the text. Authors use transition words and phrases to create patterns within their writing. The following are common patterns of organization and transitions used in writing.
Time Order/Process Pattern Ideas or events are presented in the order they occur. Sequences are told through dates, times, or numbers. Processes are explained through steps or stages.
Time Order/Process Transition Words : first, second, later, next, as soon as, after, then, finally, meanwhile, last, during, when, by the time, over time, until, step, stage, method, procedure, how to
Example : When Althea first began to drink, she just did not realize the risks she faced. Over time , her drinking slowly but surely took total control of her life.
The transition words when , first , and over time indicate a sequence in Althea’s life.
Listing Pattern Items are named or listed as the details, and the order of the details is not important.
Listing Transition Words: first, second, third, another, also, too, finally, several, numerals (1,2,3 ), letters (a,b,c)
Example: One way to overcome boredom is by turning on the television. Another way is to read a good book.
The author is presenting a list of two ways to overcome boredom. The transition words one and another indicate the two ways.
Addition Pattern This pattern is actually a form of listing. Changing the order of the details does not change their meaning. Transitions of addition indicate that the writer is using a second idea along with the first one. The writer presents an idea and then adds other ideas to deepen or clarify the first idea.
Addition Transition Words: furthermore, additionally, also, besides, further, in addition, moreover, again, and, final, first of all, first, second, third, next, last of all
Example: Weightlifting builds and tones muscles; it also builds bone density.
The author first tells that weightlifting does two things: builds and tones. (Note – the order could be changed to tones and builds) Then the author wants to give additional information. The transition word also indicates another benefit of weightlifting.
Definition Pattern A definition is given to explain a new, difficult, or special term. Examples are provided to clarify the definition.
Definition Transition Words: consists of, is a term that, involves, is called, is characterized by, that is, occurs when, exists when, are those that, entails, means, for example, such as
Example: Repression is the mind’s power to block fearful thoughts, impulses, and memories. For example , a person may repress or forget painful childhood memories.
In the first sentence, the definition of repression is given. The second sentence provides an example of repression to help you better understand the meaning. (Note the transition for example .)
2 Transitions & Organ Patterns
Generalization and Example In this pattern the author gives a general statement or idea that is supported by one or more examples. In this pattern look for a topic sentence that is supported by one or more examples. The generalization statement is not always the first sentence.
Generalization/Example Transition Words: for example, to illustrate, such as, for instance, including, typically, an illustration
Example: Food labels provide important information. For example , the label on Rich Harvest Sweet Dark Whole Grain bread states that one slice has 120 calories.
The first sentence is a generalization about food labels. The transition for example gives a specific example that supports the general statement.
Classification Pattern Ideas are sorted into smaller groups and then the traits of each group are described. Because the groups are listed, transitions of addition are used in this thought pattern along with transitions that indicate groups.
Classification Transition Words: type, group, varieties, kinds, divisions
Example: Internet users have two types of access choices for surfing the Web. The first type of access to the Internet is the old-fashioned phone line. The second type of access is high- speed broadband through the TV cable or high-speed DSL through fiber optic phone lines.
The author is telling about two types of Internet access. Each type is identified by the transition words first type and second type.
Comparison-and-Contrast Pattern This organizational pattern emphasizes the similarities or differences between two or more items. In comparison, writers show the way two or more ideas are the same; in contrast, writers show the way two or more ideas are different. The focus can be on just similarities or just differences or a combination of both.
Comparison Transition Words: likewise, in comparison, to compare, resembles, is similar, in the same way, as well as, like, correspondingly, just as
Example: There are similar safety features on all the cars in the showroom.
The transition word similar indicates that all of the cars have the same safety features, so which ever car the buyer chooses should not be lacking in safety features.
Contrast Transition Words: in contrast, on the contrary, although, even though, similarly, however, on the other hand, as opposed to, whereas, instead, in spite of, different, differs from
Example: Mike studied and made a passing grade. Joe, however , didn’t study and failed.
The transition word however shows the contrast between the two students; one passed, and one failed.
Combination Example: Mary, like her sister, has brown hair. However , the two differ when it comes to eye color.
The transition word like shows how Mary and her sister are the same; they both have brown hair. The transition words however and differ indicate that the sisters do not have the same color eyes.
Spatial (or Space) Order Pattern This pattern describes physical location or position in space.
Spatial Order Transition Words: above, below, besides, between, next to, in front of, behind, inside, outside, opposite, within, nearby, over, under
4 Transitions & Organ Patterns
More Practice Exercises
Determine the pattern of organization used for each sentence. Then fill in the blanks within the sentence with transition words from the box. Use each choice once.
Transition Words
for example furthermore just as so type even though when between
Patterns of Organization
definition and example spatial contrast classification cause and effect time order comparison addition
- ___________________ Chloe is afraid of heights, she went bungee jumping to celebrate her birthday. Pattern of Organization: ____________________
- Distance education is learning that takes place when the student is in a location apart from the classroom, building, or site; ________________, online courses and telecourses are distance learning courses. Pattern of Organization: ____________________
- Isabella wanted to become a professional actress, ___________________she moved to New York City. Pattern of Organization: ____________________
- Jealousy destroys a friendship __________________thoroughly as a wildfire consumes a forest. Pattern of Organization: ____________________
- The best course of action to take ________________ one has made a mistake is to admit it, learn from it, and avoid making it again. Pattern of Organization: ____________________
- Pilates develops a strong and supple spine by extending the space _______________each vertebra. Pattern of Organization: ____________________
- Research has shown that cancers of the lip, tongue, mouth, throat, larynx, lung, and esophagus are connected to cigar smoking. _________________, facts strongly suggest a link between cigar smoking and cancer of the pancreas. Pattern of Organization: ____________________
- During an episode of activity, a volcano commonly displays a distinctive pattern or ________________of behavior. Pattern of Organization: ____________________
5 Transitions & Organ Patterns
Additional Practice Exercises
Write two sentences using the words given for each type of transition.
Addition – another, moreover
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Time– following, then
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Contrast- on the other hand, unlike
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Comparison – equally, similar
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Example – for instance, to illustrate
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Cause- Effect – because, reason
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Classification – type, group
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Generalization and Example – for example, such as
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