Chapter 8 CRCB : Textbook Methods of Organization

Why Authors Use Methods of Organization

Authors use different methods of organization in order to present information in a logical format that suits the subject matter and goals of their book.

How to Use Methods of Organization

Once you recognize the patterns being used in a textbook chapter, you can use them as a blueprint for predicting the types of exam questions you might be asked

Organizational Word Clues: OWCs

OWCs are used to indicate the overall organization of a reading passage, journal article, or textbook chapter.

Textbook Methods of Organization

Listing

Authors use the listing method of organization to enumerate events, ideas, or other concepts.

They organize their lists in a variety of ways: alphabetically, numerically, by order of importance, or by category.

Cause/Effect

When authors use the cause/effect method of organization, they show why something happened, the effects of something that occurred, or the outcome of an event.

Comparison/Contrast

they examine the similarities or differences between two or more ideas, people, objects, events, or other things.

Definition/Example

Authors use the Definition/Example method of organization to clarify the meaning of key concepts. To aid in this clarification, they use analogies, provide direct definitions with examples, or offer description.

Sequence

they show the steps in a process or the chronological order of certain events. This organizational method is used not just to list ideas or events, but to highlight the fact that the order in which they occurred is important.

Identifying Methods of Organization

As you read, look for word clues that will indicate how the author is trying to convey his or her message. If you get stuck, go back to the lists of OWCs provided for each organizational method. While they do not include all the organizational word clues an author could possibly use, they do provide examples of the types of words authors use for each method, and can give you clues to the pattern an author is using.

Organizational Methods in Longer Readings

Loot at the entire reading, whether it be 10 pages or a whole chapter.

- To conclusion about the overall method of organization

- Determining an author's overall method that will help you confirm what the main idea