Traditional Patterns of Organization
Sometimes information requires a single pattern of organization; sometimes it requires a
combination of approaches. Below are some of the most common patterns of organization that can
help others follow a discussion.
Cause and Effect. This organization can start with events and then shift to the effect(s) of those
events, or it can start with the effect(s) before turning to possible causes; the choice depends on
what is being emphasized. Words that signal effect are therefore, consequently, as a result, and so
on.
Chronological Order. This organization reflects the order in which stages, events, experiences…
have happened, will happen, or need to happen. Narrative summaries are an example of
chronological order, explaining what happens when, usually building to a point or event of
greater significance. Words or phrases that suggest chronological ordering include after, before,
next, then, later, finally, and so on. Reverse chronological order—moving from the most to the
least recent events—is another way to sequence information, usually when the goal is to
indicate what events have led to the present situation, as evident in application materials.
Climatic Order. This organization uses smaller, less important information and ideas to build
toward larger, more important ones, culminating in a dramatic or noteworthy conclusion.
Comparison/Contrast. This organization explains similarities and/or differences between two or
more entities. There are typically two ways to structure compare/contrast discussions. One way
presents a point of comparison, followed by a side-by-side discussion of where and how each
entity is similar to or different from the point under discussion. The second way starts with one
entity, explaining that element in full. Then, as each subsequent entity is introduced—one at a
time—the discussion explains how it is similar to or different from the entity (or entities) that
have already been discussed. Words and phrases that suggest comparison include like, similarly,
as, in the same way, and also; those that suggest contrast include but, however, whereas, on the
other hand, and in contrast.
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Description. Depending on how much detail is necessary, this organization focuses on particular
features or ideas in a point-by-point manner. Information is typically grouped around common
points, addressing one point in depth before moving on to later points. The order of any
resulting descriptions may depend on the relationships between and among the points.
General to Specific. This organization begins with a general statement or observation, which is
then described, explained, supported, or otherwise developed in more specific detail in the
subsequent sections.
Numerical Order. This organization presents sequenced or ranked information. Instructions for
completing tasks (for example, recipes, lab reports, procedures, processes, proposals) rely on
this organization, as do texts that prioritize information. Words common to this organization
pattern include first, second, third…, next, then, and so forth.
Problem/Solution. This organization starts with a discussion of the problem(s) in order to suggest
a need for the resolution(s) that follow.
Spatial Order. This organization, used to describe visual elements, helps the audience move from
one concrete item in a text to another with minimal bouncing. To that end, descriptions tend to
move from left to right; top to bottom; foreground to background; or dominant, central image to
peripheral, fringe details. Explanations of diagrams, webpage, presentation slides, landscapes, or
other visuals may rely on this approach. Words or phrases that indicate spatial relationships
include near, to the right of, to the left of, outside, up ahead, higher than, below, in the foreground, or
in the background.
Specific to General. This organization begins with a specific detail, observation or example, which
is then built to general statements, observations, conclusions, or applications.
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