Trait 2: Organization Mrs. Gunter

1. Chronological order is commonly used for narrative writing, in which the writer relates events in the order in which they occurred. Chronological order may also be used in expository “process” papers that explain how to do something step-by-step. Common Types of Order in Writing

2.Spatial order requires that the writer provide accurate descriptive details in their physical relationship to each other in a scene.

3.A writer may choose one of two patterns of importance: a.The most-to-least important order presents ideas in decreasing importance. Journalists may use this type of organization to grab readers’ attention or to make sure they know the most important ideas, even if they do not finish reading the article. b.With the least-to-most important method of organization, writing builds in significance, keeping the reader’s attention, and holding the strongest point for last. In most cases, this method is preferred over the decreasing order of importance.

4.With comparison/contrast order writers also have two choices for organization: a. They may alternate details for the two topics; this is the better choice for longer papers because readers grasp connections better (ABABAB). b. Writers may block together details for one topic and then include all the specifics for the second topic (AAABBB). This method is preferred for shorter papers in which alternating details may seem awkward or monotonous.

5. For some expository pieces—not for persuasive writing—writers may choose pro/con order when weighing the positive and negative aspects of two products, courses of action, etc. As with comparison/contrast order, writers must consider length of their compositions.

6. With developmental order, the details of the body naturally follow the topic sentence or thesis statement. For example, the writer may list three specific elements in his/her thesis and then develop body paragraphs in the order in which those elements were named. Secondly, with cause and effect order, the writer first explains a cause and then details its effects. Also, a writer may wish to explain a problem and then propose specific solutions.

One common method of organization in writing is the five paragraph essay. It is certainly not the only strategy for writing a composition, but it is a widely used and practical tool for those of us who struggle with organization. The following slides will present some suggestions for writing this type of composition.

Introductory Paragraph The first sentence of the composition should “hook” the audience members so that they want to continue reading. The introductory paragraph should also include the thesis statement, a kind of mini-outline for the essay. The best thesis provides a specific, supportable opinion. It tells the reader what the paper is about, but without “announcing.” The last sentence of this introduction may include a transitional device which moves the reader to the first body paragraph.

The Hook

Examples of Hooks Simile or a metaphor Rhetorical question Definition Interesting quotation Comparison to someone well-known Contrast to someone well-known Imagined scene in the future Imagined scene in a faraway place Dilemma Description of a scene Bit of wise advice Anecdote Dialogue Suspenseful action Something unexpected Shocking statistic or other fact Character description Humor

Check out these resources at the web site for Read-Write-Think : “Great Hooks Bibliography” “Hook Hunt” Worksheet

First Body Paragraph The first paragraph of the body may include one point of an argument, a significant example, a clever illustration, or another beginning point. The topic sentence of this paragraph should be the first or second sentence. This subtopic must relate to the thesis in the introduction. Sentences that follow provide supporting details or examples. The last sentence in this paragraph should include a transition to tie into the second paragraph of the body.

Second Body Paragraph The second paragraph of the body may also include a point of an argument, a significant example, or a clever illustration. The topic sentence should be the first or second sentence. This subtopic must relate to the thesis in the introduction. Sentences that follow provide supporting details or examples. The last sentence in this paragraph should include a transition to tie into the third paragraph of the body.

Third Body Paragraph Like the previous body paragraphs, the third paragraph of the composition’s body must include a topic sentence that clearly relates to the thesis stated in the introductory paragraph. Supporting sentences provide details or examples to prove, explain, or illustrate the idea in this subtopic. The last sentence should lead smoothly into the final paragraph of the essay.

Concluding Paragraph The final paragraph of the essay may provide a summary, with the writer rephrasing the thesis and the subtopics. The restatements should be as strong and original as possible. The paragraph includes a final statement, or clincher, that signals to readers that the discussion has ended. It should offer a satisfying sense of finality or perhaps a call to action. The writer may consider some of the types of statements identified earlier as hooks.

Go to this web page for a review of the five-paragraph composition and an annotated example essay: mar/five_par.htm. mar/five_par.htm Writing Model

Sources: Dennis-Shaw, Sarah. “Fishing for Readers: Identifying and Writing Effective Opening ‘Hooks’.“ 21 June resources/lesson-plans/fishing-readers-identifying-writing 969.html?tab=4#tabs 969.html?tab=4#tabs. “Essay Writing Center.” 21 June paragraph_essay.php. Landsberger, Joe. “The Five Paragraph Essay.” Study Guides and Strategies. Online. 21 June Rios, Ana. “Ten Writing Hooks.” The Writer Today. 21 June Steele, Kimberly. “Patterns of Organization.” 21 June patterns.html patterns.html. Writer’s Choice, 11 th grade edition. New York: Glencoe, 1996.