Organizational Patterns

There are many theories about why the dinosaurs vanished from the planet. One theory that many people believe is that a gigantic meteorite smashed into the Earth. Scientists believe that the meteorite was very big and that the impact may have produced a large dust cloud that covered the Earth for many years. The dust cloud may have caused plants to not receive sunlight and the large plant eaters, or herbivores, may have died

off, followed by the large meat eaters, or carnivores. This theory may or may not be true, but it is one explanation as to why these giant reptiles no longer inhabit the Earth.

What kind of organizational pattern does this paragraph have?

• Chronological/Sequence

• Generalization

• Cause/Effect

• Concept/Definition

The Cretaceous Period was filled with dangerous predators, but two of the most feared hunters were the tyrannosaurus rex and the velociraptor. The tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest carnivores to ever walk the Earth. He was 20 feet tall and weighed seven tons. His jaws could crush down with 3,000 lbs. of force, enough to smash the bones of his prey. The velociraptor was very small compared to rex. Raptors only stood

three feet tall and were seven feet long, weighing merely 35 pounds. But one major difference was that the velociraptor was fast. Scientists think that raptors could run 24 miles per hour and turn on a dime. Both dinosaurs used their jaws to kill prey, but the raptor had a secret weapon: a retractable toe claw that he pulled out like a knife to slash at his prey. Both dinosaurs had eyes on the front of their heads, which helped them track prey. If these two dinosaurs had fought, it would be difficult to say which would win; however since raptors died over ten million years before the first tyrannosaurus was born, scientists don’t believe such a fight ever occurred.

What is the organizational pattern in this text?

• Cause/Effect

• Compare/Contrast

• Concept/Definition

• Chronological/Sequence

Immigration means going to another country to live. People who do this are referred to as immigrants. Throughout history, millions of people have become immigrants. Some people have to leave their home countries because of war, discrimination or lack of food to eat. These people are called refugees. People also become immigrants because they hope to have better jobs or better lives in another country.

What kind of organizational pattern is this text passage?

• Problem/Solution

• Chronological/Sequence

• Concept/Definition

• Listing/Ennumeration

The Olympic Games are a 2-week celebration featuring thousands of gifted athletes from around the world competing in 28 different disciplines. One of the more popular disciplines during the summer games centers on pool sports. The aquatic events, like diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, water polo, etc., are a favorite of many. Gymnastics is another type of discipline. It consists of trampoline events, artistic gymnastics, as well as rhythmic gymnastics. Additional disciplines include track and field, figure skating, and winter outdoor sports.

What kind of organizational pattern is this text passage?

• Listing/Enumeration

• Cause/Effect

• Generalization

• Chronological/Sequence

Hurricanes and tornados are both amazing yet deadly natural phenomena. Both generate deadly conditions, but in different ways. Tornados are likely to damage people and property with their high winds, which go up to 300 miles per hour, but hurricanes are generally more feared for their

flooding. Also, hurricanes can produce tornados, which makes them quite dangerous indeed.

What organizational pattern is used?

• Cause and effect

• Problem and solution

• Description

• Compare and contrast

The twist is a dance inspired by rock and roll music. To do the Twist, first stand with your feet approximately shoulder width apart. The torso may be squared to the knees and hips, or turned at an angle so one foot is farther forward than the other. Then, hold your arms out from your

body, bent at your elbow. Next, rotate your hips, torso, and legs as a single unit with your arms staying more or less stationary. Every so often lift one leg off of the floor for styling. Now you’re doing the twist!

Which organizational pattern is used?

• Description

• Problem and solution

• Sequence

• Cause and effect

In this type of writing the reader will find words/phrases such as a problem is, solve,or solution.

• cause & effect
• problem & solution
• order & sequence
• compare & contrast

Have you ever made macaroni and cheese? It’s simple! First, boil some water and make some macaroni. Then, make your cheese sauce. After the cheese sauce is ready, mix it with the macaroni. Bake the entire thing in the oven. Finally, it’s time to eat!

• Enumeration/Listing
• Problem and Solution
• Process
• Compare and Contrast

The Eiffel Tower is divided into three sections. The lowest section of the tower contains the entrance, a gift shop, and a restaurant. The middle section of the tower consists of stairs and elevators that lead to the top. The top section of the tower includes an observation deck with a spectacular view of Paris.

• Cause and Effect
• Concept/Definition
• Compare and Contrast
• Sequence

Tells a listing of facts and events in no special order

• Enumeration/Listing
• Concept/Defintion
• Generalization
• Process