Organizational

Patterns
Pathways to clear information!
Have you ever read a something with
sentences that were all mixed up, and
the paragraphs are unclear?

How did it feel trying to understand

what was going on?

Was it like navigating a maze without

a map?
Today, we will...
Define organizational patterns
Understand the significance of
organizational patterns to reading and
writing
Learn about specific organizational
patterns
In writing, details are
organized in patterns.
These are called organizational patterns.
They provide a roadmap that guides or "navigates"
readers through the information in a clear and logical
way.
When you are familiar with these patterns, you can
comprehend the main idea of a paragraph or essay!
What are some common
organizational patterns?
1. Chronological order
In this type of pattern, information is presented in
the order of events or time.

for a clear and logical sequence of ideas,

use transition words such as

first next after finally

Chronological Writing Sample
Rosa Parks was an African-American activist born in Tuskegee,
Alabama, on February 4, 1913. During this time, African-
Americans were segregated and discriminated against. In a
historical moment in 1955, she famously refused to give up her
seat to a white passenger. A year-long boycott of the public
transportation system transpired, which then led to the
Teaching Note: Please insert
desegregation of the Montgomery bus system. Because of this, an image of Rosa Parks in the
frame.
Rosa Parks' courageous actions continue to inspire and empower
individuals in the ongoing fight for civil rights.

Take note of the

transition words.
2. Compare and contrast
In this pattern, similarities and differences between two or
more subjects are highlighted.

When comparing, use transition words such as

like similarly also

When contrasting, use transition words such as

however on the contrary in contrast

Compare and Contrast Sample CH R ISTM AS

Diwali and Christmas are festivals celebrated by people all

around the world. While Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrating
the triumph of light over darkness, Christmas is a Christian
holiday rejoicing the birth of Jesus Christ. Diwali is often D IW ALI
celebrated by lighting oil lamps and letting off fireworks,
whereas Christmas celebrations can include a Christmas Eve
dinner, gift exchange, and Christmas carols. Both festivals
positively bring families and communities together.

Take note of the

comparison words.
3. Problem-solution
In this pattern, a problem is discussed and a solution is
proposed.

to discuss a problem, signal words like

difficulty challenge need issue

to discuss a solution, signal words like

plan propose answer address

Problem-Solution Sample
People with disabilities find it challenging to navigate
different spaces because their needs are not always
considered. For our spaces to be truly inclusive, they
should be accessible to people with different physical
abilities. This can be something like adding adequate
wheelchair ramps in buildings or updating traffic signs
with audio features. When we make may for these
solutions, everyone can have fun and be part of the
community in public spaces!

Take note of the

signal words.
 ACTIVITY BREAK
In the next slide, read each paragraph carefully and
1 take note of the use of transition or signal words.

Identify the organizational pattern used

2 in each paragraph.
 QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2
First, we gather all the One problem faced by our school
ingredients. Next, we mix them is the lack of a proper playground.
together. Finally, let's bake the One solution to this issue is to
mixture in the oven. raise funds for the construction of
a new playground.

QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4
Both bikes and cars are used for
Jimmy had a tooth ache so he transportation. On the other hand,
went to the dentist to get it bicycles are more environmentally
looked at. friendly.

CHRONOLOGICAL COMPARE AND CONTRAST PROBLEM-SOLUTION

 QUESTION 1 This text goes QUESTION 2 The lack of the
through the playground is
First, we gather all the steps in One problem faced by our school the problem
ingredients. Next, we mix them chronological is the lack of a proper playground. and raising
together. Finally, let's bake the order of how One solution to this issue is to funds is the
to bake a solution.
mixture in the oven. raise funds for the construction of
cake.
a new playground.

CHRONOLOGICAL PROBLEM-SOLUTION

QUESTION 3 Jimmy's QUESTION 4 This says that

toothache is both bikes and
the problem Both bikes and cars are used for cars are used
Jimmy had a toothache, so he and going to transportation. On the other hand, for transport,
went to the dentist to get it the dentist is but bikes are
bicycles are more environmentally better for the
looked at. the solution.
friendly. environment.

PROBLEM-SOLUTION COMPARE AND CONTRAST

Summary
When writing, we prepare details
using organizational patterns such as

1. chronological order

2. compare and contrast

3. problem-solution

The other types of patterns are

description and cause and effect.
How do you think they are used?
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