1. TEN STEPS to BUILDING COLLEGE READING SKILLS
FIFTH EDITION
TEN STEPS to BUILDING COLLEGE READING SKILLS
John Langan
© Townsend Press

2. This Chapter in a Nutshell
• To help make their ideas clear, authors use transitions—signal words that carry the reader from one sentence or idea to the next.
— Typical addition transitions are for one thing, in addition, also, and finally.
— Typical time transitions are first, next, then, after, and last.
• In addition to transitions, authors also use patterns of organization to show relationships between ideas and to make their ideas clear.
— The list of items pattern presents a series of reasons, examples, or other points.
— The time order pattern presents steps or events in the order in which they happen.
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3. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
This Chapter in a Nutshell
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Ideas in a reading selection are almost always connected to each other. Learning to recognize these connections, or relationships, will help you become a better reader.

4. These two methods are transitions and patterns of organization.
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
This Chapter in a Nutshell
Authors use two common methods to show relationships and make their ideas clear.
These two methods are transitions and patterns of organization.
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5. Transitions Which item below is easier to read and understand?
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. Paperback books cost less than hardbacks. They are easier to carry.
B. Paperback books cost less than hardbacks. Also, they are easier to carry.
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6. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
You probably found the second item easier to read and follow.
A. Paperback books cost less than hardbacks. They are easier to carry.
B. Paperback books cost less than hardbacks. Also, they are easier to carry.
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The word also makes it clear that the writer is discussing the advantages of paperback books. One advantage is that the books are less expensive. An additional advantage is that they are easier to carry.

7. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
Transitions are words or phrases (such as also) that show the relationship between ideas.
They are “bridge” words, carrying the reader across from one idea to the next.
B. Paperback books cost less than hardbacks. Also, they are easier to carry.
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8. Which item below is easier to read and understand?
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
Words That Show Addition
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. Climbing stairs is good exercise for your muscles. It burns a lot of calories.
B. Climbing stairs is good exercise for your muscles. In addition, it burns a lot of calories.
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9. Which item below is easier to read and understand?
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
Words That Show Addition
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. Climbing stairs is good exercise for your muscles. It burns a lot of calories.
B. Climbing stairs is good exercise for your muscles. In addition, it burns a lot of calories.
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The words In addition in the second item help make the relationship between the two sentences clear. The author is listing the benefits of climbing stairs. The first benefit is good exercise for the muscles. In addition, climbing stairs burns a lot of calories.

10. In addition and words like it are known as addition words.
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Addition
In addition and words like it are known as addition words.
B. Climbing stairs is good exercise for your muscles. In addition, it burns a lot of calories
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11. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Addition
Addition words signal added ideas. These words tell you a writer is presenting one or more ideas that continue along the same line of thought as a previous idea.
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12. In the cartoon above, the words To begin with introduce a list.
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Addition
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In the cartoon above, the words To begin with introduce a list.
The words Second and Also add to the list of reasons why the dog should be hired.

13. Here are some common words that show addition:
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Addition
Here are some common words that show addition:
Addition Words
Examples
• Hippos give birth under water. They also nurse their young there.
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• One reason people have dogs is for companionship; another reason is for protection.
• The human body has six pounds of skin. Furthermore, it contains sixty thousand miles of blood vessels.

14. Which item below is easier to read and understand?
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
Words That Show Time
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. I had blood work done. I went to the doctor.
B. I had blood work done. Then I went to the doctor.
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15. Which item below is easier to read and understand?
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
Words That Show Time
Which item below is easier to read and understand?
A. I had blood work done. I went to the doctor.
B. I had blood work done. Then I went to the doctor.
Page 224 in textbook
The word Then in the second item clarifies the relationship between the sentences. After having blood work done, the speaker goes to the doctor.

16. Then and words like it are time words.
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Time
Then and words like it are time words.
B. I had blood work done. Then I went to the doctor.
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17. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Time
Time words indicate a time relationship. These transitions tell us when something happened in relation to when something else happened. They help writers organize and make clear the order of events, stages, and steps in a process.
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18. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Time
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In this cartoon, the words First, Then, and Finally mark different stages in “growing up.”

19. Here are some common time words :
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Time
Here are some common time words :
Time Words
Examples
• After our kids take their morning showers, there is usually no hot water left.
Pages in textbook
• It used to take me thirty-five minutes to get to school. Now, because of road construction, that time has nearly tripled.
• I begin my “Things To Do” list by writing down everything I need to do the next day. Then I label each item A (very important), B (important), or C (not important).

20. Time Words Transitions / Words That Show Time
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Words That Show Time
Time Words
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21. Helpful Tips about Transitions
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
Helpful Tips about Transitions
TIP 1 Some transition words have the same meaning.
TIP
For example, also, moreover, and furthermore all mean “in addition.” Authors typically use a variety of transitions to avoid repetition.
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22. First may also be used to signal a time sequence, as in this sentence:
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Transitions
/ Helpful Tips about Transitions
TIP 2 Certain words can serve as two different types of transitions, depending on how they are used.
TIP
For example, the word first may be used as an addition word to show that the author is presenting a series of points, as in the following sentences:
• My mother has some strange kitchen habits. First, she loves to cook with the television on full blast. Moreover, she . . .
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First may also be used to signal a time sequence, as in this sentence:
• The paramedics raced to the man who had collapsed on the sidewalk. First, they checked his pulse and breathing. Then . . .

23. Patterns of Organization
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
You have learned that transitions show the relationships between ideas in sentences. In the same way, patterns of organization show the relationships between supporting details in paragraphs, essays, and chapters.
Two important patterns of organization are:
• The list of items pattern
(Addition words are often used in this pattern of organization.)
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• The time order pattern
(Time words are often used in this pattern of organization.)

24. The items are listed in the order the author prefers.
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
The List of Items Pattern
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A list of items is a series of reasons, examples, or other points that support an idea.
The items are listed in the order the author prefers.

25. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The List of Items Pattern
Addition words are often used in a list of items to tell us that another supporting point is being added to one or more points already mentioned.
Addition Words Used in the List of Items Pattern
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26. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The List of Items Pattern
In the paragraph below, notice that each of the supporting details is introduced by an addition transition.
Walking can be a rewarding experience. For one thing, walking lets you see firsthand what’s going on in your neighborhood. Also, when you’re on foot, you are more likely to meet neighbors and make new friends. Finally, a brisk walk is an excellent and inexpensive form of exercise.
Page 228 in textbook

27. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The List of Items Pattern
The paragraph below lists three theories that attempt to explain crime. As you read the paragraph, pick out the addition words that introduce the three major details.
A number of different theories attempt to explain crime. One theory says that crime is caused by biology. This explanation says that people inherit the tendency to commit crime much as they inherit eye color. Another theory suggests that crime is caused by psychological factors. According to this view, anger caused in childhood—by such painful events as abuse and neglect—drives people to commit crimes. A third, more recent view is that crime is caused by social forces. According to this theory, economic, social, and political inequalities create an environment in which crime is likely to happen.
Addition word
Addition word
Addition word
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28. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The List of Items Pattern
What major details are needed to complete the outline below the passage?
A number of different theories attempt to explain crime. One theory says that crime is caused by biology. This explanation says that people inherit the tendency to commit crime much as they inherit eye color. Another theory suggests that crime is caused by psychological factors. According to this view, anger caused in childhood—by such painful events as abuse and neglect—drives people to commit crimes. A third, more recent view is that crime is caused by social forces. According to this theory, economic, social, and political inequalities create an environment in which crime is likely to happen.
Page 229 in textbook
Main idea: A number of different theories attempt to explain crime. 1. 2. 3.

29. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The List of Items Pattern
What major details are needed to complete the outline below the passage?
A number of different theories attempt to explain crime. One theory says that crime is caused by biology. This explanation says that people inherit the tendency to commit crime much as they inherit eye color. Another theory suggests that crime is caused by psychological factors. According to this view, anger caused in childhood—by such painful events as abuse and neglect—drives people to commit crimes. A third, more recent view is that crime is caused by social forces. According to this theory, economic, social, and political inequalities create an environment in which crime is likely to happen.
Page 229 in textbook
Main idea: A number of different theories attempt to explain crime.
1. Biology
2. Psychological factors
3. Social forces

30. Authors usually present events in the order in which they happen.
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
The Time Order Pattern
Authors usually present events in the order in which they happen.
This results in a pattern of organization known as time order.
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31. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The Time Order Pattern
See if you can arrange the following sentences in an order that makes sense. Which sentence should come first? Second? Third? Last?
A. After the dish had been brought to Germany, a German cook decided to broil the meat, calling it Hamburg steak.
B. Finally, German immigrants took the dish to the United States, where it became known as “hamburger.”
C. For centuries, a dish made of raw ground beef was eaten by the Tartars, a group living in central Asia.
D. Then a merchant from Germany discovered the Tartars’ recipe for ground beef and took it to his hometown, Hamburg.
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32. Time words are clues to the proper order of the sentences.
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The Time Order Pattern
The sentences should read as follows:
For centuries, a dish made of raw ground beef was eaten by the Tartars, a group living in central Asia. Then a merchant from Germany discovered the Tartars’ recipe for ground beef and took it to his hometown, Hamburg. After the dish had been brought to Germany, a German cook decided to broil the meat, calling it Hamburg steak. Finally, German immigrants took the dish to the United States, where it became known as “hamburger.”
Time word
Time word
Time word
Page 232 in textbook
Time words are clues to the proper order of the sentences.

33. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The Time Order Pattern
When authors arrange their information in a time order pattern, they use time words to introduce the supporting details.
Time Words Used in the Time Order Pattern
Page 232 in textbook
In addition to time transitions, signals for the time order pattern include dates, times, and such words as stages, series, steps, and process.

34. The two most common kinds of time order are
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ The Time Order Pattern
The two most common kinds of time order are
1) a series of events or stages and
2) a series of steps (directions for how to do something).
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35. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
Series of Events or Stages
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Authors sometimes describe a series of events—for example, the financial mistakes that led to the major recession that began in 2008 in the United States.
Or authors may explain a series of stages, such as those that turn a caterpillar into a butterfly.

36. In both cases, they use time order.
CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
Series of Events or Stages
Page 232 in textbook
In both cases, they use time order.

37. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ Series of Events or Stages
Here is a paragraph that is organized according to time order. As you read the paragraph, pick out the time words that introduce each stage of the process.
Very young children in a hospital often go through three stages of separation anxiety. In the first stage, “protest,” these children try actively to get the parent (especially the mother) back. For instance, they may shake their cribs and hurl themselves about. In the second stage, “despair,” the babies and children become inactive and withdrawn. They may cry, but generally they are so quiet that they are mistakenly assumed to have accepted the hospital. In the final stage, “detachment,” they respond to hospital workers—they eat, play with toys, and are friendly. But they fail to respond to a visiting parent.
Time word
Time word
Time word
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38. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ Series of Events or Stages
What major details are needed to complete the outline below the passage?
Very young children in a hospital often go through three stages of separation anxiety. In the first stage, “protest,” these children try actively to get the parent (especially the mother) back. For instance, they may shake their cribs and hurl themselves about. In the second stage, “despair,” the babies and children become inactive and withdrawn. They may cry, but generally they are so quiet that they are mistakenly assumed to have accepted the hospital. In the final stage, “detachment,” they respond to hospital workers—they eat, play with toys, and are friendly. But they fail to respond to a visiting parent.
Page 233 in textbook
Main idea: Very young children in a hospital often go through three stages of separation anxiety. 1. 2. 3.

39. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ Series of Events or Stages
What major details are needed to complete the outline below the passage?
Very young children in a hospital often go through three stages of separation anxiety. In the first stage, “protest,” these children try actively to get the parent (especially the mother) back. For instance, they may shake their cribs and hurl themselves about. In the second stage, “despair,” the babies and children become inactive and withdrawn. They may cry, but generally they are so quiet that they are mistakenly assumed to have accepted the hospital. In the final stage, “detachment,” they respond to hospital workers—they eat, play with toys, and are friendly. But they fail to respond to a visiting parent.
Page 233 in textbook
Main idea: Very young children in a hospital often go through three stages of separation anxiety.
1. Protest
2. Despair
3. Detachment

40. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
Series of Steps (Directions)
Page 234 in textbook
When authors give directions, they use time order. They explain step 1, then step 2, and so on through the entire series of steps that must be taken toward a specific goal.

41. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ Series of Steps (Directions)
Here is a paragraph that is gives directions. As you read the paragraph, pick out the time words that introduce each step in the sequence.
To improve your memory for names, follow this procedure. First, when you are introduced to someone, make sure you hear the person’s name clearly. Next, repeat the name with your greeting: “Nice to meet you, Ms. Baron.” Then take a good look at the person and concentrate on matching the face with the name. Last, repeat the name again when you are leaving the person: “Good meeting you, Ms. Baron.”
Time word
Time word
Time word
Time word
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42. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ Series of Steps (Directions)
What major details are needed to complete the outline below the passage?
To improve your memory for names, follow this procedure. First, when you are introduced to someone, make sure you hear the person’s name clearly. Next, repeat the name with your greeting: “Nice to meet you, Ms. Baron.” Then take a good look at the person and concentrate on matching the face with the name. Last, repeat the name again when you are leaving the person: “Good meeting you, Ms. Baron.”
Page 235 in textbook
Main idea: Very young children in a hospital often go through three stages of separation anxiety. 1. 2. 3. 4.

43. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
Patterns of Organization
/ Series of Steps (Directions)
What major details are needed to complete the outline below the passage?
To improve your memory for names, follow this procedure. First, when you are introduced to someone, make sure you hear the person’s name clearly. Next, repeat the name with your greeting: “Nice to meet you, Ms. Baron.” Then take a good look at the person and concentrate on matching the face with the name. Last, repeat the name again when you are leaving the person: “Good meeting you, Ms. Baron.” 1 2 3 4
Page 235 in textbook
Main idea: Very young children in a hospital often go through three stages of separation anxiety.
1. Make sure you hear the person’s name clearly during an introduction.
1. Make sure you hear the person’s name clearly during an introduction.
2. Repeat the name as you greet the person.
2. Repeat the name as you greet the person.
3. Concentrate on matching the name with the face.
3. Concentrate on matching the name with the face.
4. When you leave the person, repeat his or her name.
4. When you leave the person, repeat his or her name.

44. CHAPTER 6 Relationships I
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