Recognizing the Basic Patterns of Organization How does the author of the book or article organize his writing?

How a Textbook is Written Textbooks are different from fiction or non-teaching books. They are written to teach you something. Hopefully they will be organized and easy to follow (make sense). That does not mean the content will be easy, but that the organization will make sense.

4 Ways a Textbook Can Be Organized: 1. Example 2. Definition (Example/Definition combined) 3. Chronological Order and Process 4. Listing

1. Example Organization This is the most common way a textbook author will organize the writing. A main idea is stated in the first sentence, then Supporting details are provided. The details could be easily listed under the main idea in your own outline or notes

#2 Definition Organization The author will state a term such as a noun, and then Provide one or more definitions (meanings) for it. Can also provide examples with the definitions (combining example with definition)

#3 Chronological Order and Process Is an easy organization to see and understand. The writing in the text will refer to the order that something occurs or is done. Is like following directions when you get a new appliance or something that requires being constructed.

Transitions Needed for Chronological Order or Process Are words that indicate what comes next in the order. They are common words you use a lot in everyday speech. See the short list of transition words on p. 282 in the book. Chronology could be years, such as in your own life historymonth by month; year by year, or even day by day earliest to latest.

Listing Does not involve chronological time organizing, but simply is making a list of items. A main idea sentence could be written and then a list of items that go with it.

Did You Understand Organizing Do the Practice Test 9-2 in class now, and turn the answer sheet in when done.