© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

A Community of Readers, 4/e

Roberta Alexander and Jan Lombardi

Chapter 5

Patterns of OrganizationWhere We Live

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

In this chapter, you will learn to:

Recognize a variety of patterns of organization

Identify transitions and other clues that signal each pattern

Use patterns to organize what you read into concept maps, outlines, summaries, and other forms to aid your comprehension and retention.

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

“American Cities One Hundred Years Ago” by Robert Divine, et.al.

1. What story does this reading begin with, and why do you think the authors begin with it?

2. What were the two major forces that reshaped American society between 1870 and 1920?

3. Describe the house or apartment you live in. Compare and contrast where you live to where the young girl in the story lived.

Reading 1

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Identifying Patterns of Organization

Chronological Order & Narration

Definition and ClassificationExemplificationCause and EffectComparison and ContrastProcessProblem/SolutionArgument

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Chronological Order and Narration

Chronological Order It is commonly used in history and other

disciplines. It answers the questions

When did it happen?In what order did it happen?

Narration It uses chronological or time order. It answers the question “What happened?” It uses a story/narrative to communicate.

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Definition

Answers the question “What is it?” This definition of a term or a concept may be

just a few words a paragraph or more

Terms are often in boldfaced print with the definition in the body of the text in the margin in a glossary at the end of the text

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Classification

This pattern answers the following questions: What kinds or types are there? How can we group items into classes or categories?

Definition and classification are often used in combination.

Example An article might classify all the major breeds of cats

and define the characteristics of each specific breed.

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Exemplification

Exemplification is the use of examples to support ideas. It answers the question “What examples support the main

idea?” Examples support most all of the other patterns of organization. Transitions

for example for instance in fact in addition furthermore

To organize examples, use outlining and mapping.To organize examples, use outlining and mapping.

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Cause and Effect

Readings answer the questions Why did something happen? What were the results of a particular

event? Transitions: the reason that,because, since,

therefore, as a result, subsequently, consequently, so, and hence

Create a chart to organize cause and effect.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

EastWestNorth

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Comparison and Contrast

ComparisonAnswers the question “How are two items similar?”

ContrastAnswers the question “How are two items different?”

Note that the items being considered usually fit into the same general category.

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Process

Answers the questions How? In what sequence?

Transitions how to in the process of the steps to follow first, second, third…

finally Create a Flow Chart

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

“Gated Developments: Fortresses or Communities?” by Heather Eudy

1. Were you aware that some homes cost millions of dollars? Describe the wealthy homes you have seen in your region.

2. What is your opinion of gated communities? Do you believe that, for communities, they are positive, negative, or both? Why?

Reading 2

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Problem/Solution

Answer the following questions:

What is the nature of the problem?

How might the problem be solved?

Commonly used in the discussion of challenging issues.

Writer presents significant problem and proposes possible solutions.

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Argument

Intended to convince the reader to believe or act in a certain way

Based on logic

Begins with strong thesis or main idea

Provides supporting details to back up thesis

Transitions: strongly recommend, in support of, therefore, thus, convince, persuade

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

“Why Are People Homeless?” by the National Coalition for the Homeless

Think about what you read in Reading 3 and what you already know about homelessness. What do you think is the best way to deal with the problem of homelessness?

Reading 3

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Reader’s Checklist

Patterns of Organization Chronological and Narration Definition and Classification Exemplification Cause and Effect Comparison and Contrast Process Problem and Solution Argument

Transitions Mapping

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

Visit the Alexander/LombardiCompanion Website

http://www.ablongman.com/alexandercommunity4e

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

“Life and Death in an Indian City” by Joan Ferrante

1. What kind of neighborhood do you live in? Are there any health dangers there? Explain.

2. What do you think are some of the things that could have prevented the deaths and injuries in Bhopal, India? Explain your answer.

Mastery Test 5A

© 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman Publishers

“Sociological Perspectives on Urbanization and City Life” by Alex Thio

This reading presents three perspectives. Which of these perspectives do you agree with? Explain your reasons.

1. Functionalist

2. Conflict

3. Symbolic interactionist

Mastery Test 5B