Trait 2: Organization
Mrs. Gunter
Common Types of Order in Writing
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.
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.
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.
Writing Model
Go to this web page for a review of the
five-paragraph composition and an
annotated example essay:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/gram
mar/five_par.htm.
Sources:
Dennis-Shaw, Sarah. “Fishing for Readers: Identifying and Writing Effective
Opening ‘Hooks’.“ 21 June 2010. http://www.readwritethink.org/classroomresources/lesson-plans/fishing-readers-identifying-writing
969.html?tab=4#tabs .
“Essay Writing Center.” 21 June 2010. http://essayinfo.com/essays/5
paragraph_essay.php .
Landsberger, Joe. “The Five Paragraph Essay.” Study Guides and Strategies.
Online. 21 June 2010. http://www.studygs.net/fiveparag.htm .
Rios, Ana. “Ten Writing Hooks.” The Writer Today. 21 June 2010.
http://www.thewritertoday.com/2009/07/10-writing-hooks.html .
Steele, Kimberly. “Patterns of Organization.” 21 June 2010.
http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/sixtrait/organization/
patterns.html .
Writer’s Choice, 11th grade edition. New York: Glencoe, 1996.