Terms To Memorize: Organizational Patterns

organized by the time in which the event occurred, often using dates.

• Sequential

• Compare and Contrast

• Chronological

• Description

information in a passage is organized by the order in which it occurs. Often used for instructions or directions. Aka process 

• Sequential

• Chronological

• Main Idea and Detail

• Problem and Solution

the similarities and differences of two or more things are explored.

• Main Idea and Detail

• Problem and Solution

• Cause and Effect

• Compare and Contrast

in order of space or location, such as when you describe a room.

• Sequential

• Spatial

• Chronological

• Description

information in a passage is expressed as a dilemma or concerning an issue and something that was, can be, or should be done to remedy this issue.

• Sequential

• Chronological

• Cause and Effect

• Problem and Solution

explain reasons why something happened or the effects of something.

• Description

• Cause and Effect

• Main Idea and Details

• Chronological

describes a topic, person, place, or thing by listing its features.

• Spatial

• Sequential

• Main Idea and Detail

• Description

key concepts and information that supports that concept. aka concept/definition.

• Main Idea and Details

• Cause and Effect

• Description

• Compare and Contrast