Patterns of Organization
Recognizing a pattern improves recall and comprehension
and helps you determine the author's purpose.
 
Pattern
Transitions Used
Time Order: series of events or steps Words that show time (then, next, after, during, when, first) and other signals (stages. series, steps, process)
List of items: simple series of details/reasons not in time order Words that show addition (and, also, another, moreover, first, in addition)
Comparison and/or Contrast: how two things are alike or different or both Words that show comparison or contrast (like, just as, similarly, likewise, equally, however, in contrast)
Cause and Effect: why something happens; causes/effects  of event Words that show cause and effect (because, as a result, since, therefore)
Definition and Example: explanation of concept/term & illustrations of it Words that show illustration (for example, such as, including, to illustrate, once, for instance)