Pattern of Organization

A. Definition of the Pattern of Organization

Pattern of organization is a characteristic, or typical, method of developing ideas in

writing. Pattern of organization develop naturally or are selected based on the main idea.

B. The Importance of Pattern

Our human brain is always trying to fit everything into same kind of recognizable
shape or pattern that has meaning for us. Mikulecky and Jeffris (1996) stated that a pattern
makes it easier for your brain to understand and remember information. Finding the pattern
helps you to find the main idea. Thus, looking for patterns is a way to improve your
comprehension while reading.

C. Kinds of Pattern Organization

According to Mikulecky and Jeffris (1996), there are 4 (four) most common pattern
of organization that is used by writer.

1. Listing pattern
2. Sequence pattern
3. Comparison contrast pattern
4. Cause effect pattern

D. How to Identity Pattern of Organization

1. Listing

In listing pattern, the main idea is stated in the form of generalization. This is
followed by list of supporting details. The writers main idea is a general statement that is
followed by a list of supporting details (Mikulecky & Jeffries, 1996)

Some signal words for the listing pattern

- A few - Many
- Several - A variety
- Numerous - For example
- The main - Another
- Other(s) - In addition

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 - Besides - Second
- One - Third
- First - Last

Example of listing pattern

Diamonds are very expensive for several reasons. First, they are difficult to find.
They only found in a few places in the world. Second, they are useful. People use
diamonds to cut other stones. Third, diamonds do not change. They stay the same for
millions of years. And finally, they are very beautiful.

2. Sequence

Mikulecky and Jeffries (1996) stated that in this pattern, the writers main idea
includes a series events or steps that follow one another.

This pattern is used for organization of two kinds of material:

- Events ordered by time

Examples: history, biography
- Steps in a process
Examples: the step in an experiment; direction for building something

Some signal words for the sequence pattern

- First - After
- Finally - While
- Next - At last
- Later - At the same time
- Before

Example of Sequence Pattern

Albert Eistein was born in 1879 in Ulm. Germany. He graduated from the
University of Zurich in Swizerland at the age of 26. Fourteen years later he won the Nobel
Prize for Physics. For the next ten years he lived in Germany. Then, in early 1930s, he had
to leave Germany because of Hitler and the Nazi Party. He moved to the United States,

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where he lived until the time of his death at the age of 74. He lived a long and productive
life.

3. Comparison Contrast

The writer main idea explains similarities and/or differences. This is a pattern the
writer uses to show two things are similar and/or different (Mikulecky and Jeffris, 1996).
Comparison and contrast pattern describe the similarities and differences between two or
more people, places, or things. Comparison tells how things are alike and contrast shows
how they are different (Oshima & Hongue, 2006).

A comparison can include:

- Only similarities
- Similarities and differences

A contrast includes only the differences.

Signal words of comparison and contrast pattern

a. Signals of difference
- However - Less than
- In contrast - Unlike
- Instead - Although
- More than - Rather
- But - On the other hand
- While - Conversely
- Yet - Different from

Comparative forms of adjective and adverb are also used to signal difference
(older, faster)

b. Signals of similarity
- Like - Similarly
- As - Also
- Both - In the same way
- Same - In common

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Example of Comparison Contrast

Both New York City and Paris depend on vast subway lines to transport their
millions of commuters. In both cities, the subways are often crowded, especially at rush
hours. Another likeness is the terrible noise level in trains. A further similarity is that the
two subways systems both cover a wide area at little expense for commuters. However, the
differences between the two are quite striking. While subway stations in New York range
from plain to ugly, Paris stations are generally attractive. Many of the France stations are
filled with works of art. In Paris, the subway trains are clean and their run every view
minutes. On the other hands, New Yorks trains can sometimes be less clean and reliable.

4. Cause Effect
Cause and Effect is a relationship in which one event ( the cause ) makes another
event happen (the effect ) or relationship between events or things, where one is the result
of the other or others. This is combination of action and reaction.
The aim of cause-effectis to explain the causes (reason) or the effect (result) of
event or situation.

There are four possible relationships:

a. Single Cause Single Effect

Example: If you are caught speeding, then you will get a ticket.

b. Single Cause - Multiple Effects

Example: High fuel costs result in higher food prices, loss of jobs, and
individual hardship.

c. Multiple Causes Single Effect

Example: Survey, question, read, recite, and review lead to good

comprehension.

d . Multiple Causes Multiple Effects

Example: It was raining and I missed my ride; therefore, I got soaked and
missed my test.

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Some signal words for cause effect pattern

a. Causes
- Because - Causes
- Because of - Creates
- For - Yields
- Since - Produces
- Stems from - Due to
- One cause is - For this reason
- Lead to

b. Effects
- Consequently - Therefore
- Result in - Thus
- One result is - As a result

Example of Cause-effect

There are many different causes of car accidents in the United States. Sometimes accidents
are caused by bad weather. Ice or snow can make roads very dangerous. Accidents also
can result from problems with the car. Even a small problem like a flat tire can be serious.
Bad roads are another cause of accidents. Some accidents happen because the driver falls
asleep. And finally, some accidents are caused by drinking too much alcohol. In fact, this
one of the most important causes of accidents.

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 Summary

Pattern of organization is a characteristic, or typical, method of developing ideas in

writing. Pattern of organization develop naturally or are selected based on the main idea. A
pattern makes it easier for our brain to understand and remember information. Finding the
pattern helps you to find the main idea. Thus, looking for patterns is a way to improve your
comprehension while reading.

There are 4 (four) most common pattern of organization that is used by writer.

1. Listing pattern
2. Sequence pattern
3. Comparison contrast pattern
4. Cause effect pattern

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 References

Mikulecky, B.S., & Jeffris, L. (1996). More reading power. New York: Addison Wesley
Publishing Company.

Mikulecky, B.S., & Jeffris, L. (1996). Reading power. New York: Addison Wesley
Publishing Company.

Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (2006). Writing academic English (4th ed.). New York:
Longman.