Patterns
More patterns
Even more patterns
Signal Words
More signal words
100

Author may present concluding paragraph that summarizes section

Summary

100

Items are put into groups or categories

Classification Pattern

100

Author adds information

Addition

100

is known as, is called, refers to, is defined as

Definition

100

first, second, then, next, finally

Sequence

200

Describes objects’ position or location in space

Location or spatial order

200

Pattern that presents the meaning of important term discussed throughout

Definition

200

Author presents a conflict and a fix to that conflict

Problem and Solution

200

likewise, both, same, however, while, although, unlike

Compare and contrast

200

above, below, behind, beside, near

Location or spatial order

300

A group of items presented in no specific order, since the order is unimportant

List

300

Same as definition, but this time the author included an example of the definition

Definition and example

300

Provides the information in a sequence of the events, for example, narrating a story of actual events.

Time Order or Chronological

300

because, the reasons, causes, is due to, is caused by

therefore, consequently, thus, as a consequence, led to the result, as a result, the effect was, this resulted in

Cause and effect

300

and, also, another, in addition, and moreover

List

400

Similarities between two or more things are presented, differences between two or more things are presented, or both

Compare and contrast

400

Author presents important general concept, rule, or principle, followed by examples

Generalization and example

400

General statement followed by addition information that clarifies that information

Statement and clarification

400

groups, categories, ways, types, factors, classes

Classification

400

also, besides, in addition to, furthermore, and

Addition

500

Reasons and results of events or conditions are presented

Cause and effect

500

A list of items presented in a specific order because order is important

Sequence

500

Details explain the main idea by providing a mental picture of situations, objects, or surroundings; details focus on sensory or physical data.

Descriptive

500

in other words, in fact, obviously, as a matter of fact

Statement and Clarification

500

In summary, in short, to sum up, the point is

Summary