Discovering Meaning Through Structure

1. Part 2Discovering Meaning Through Structure Chapter 4 Transition Words and Pattern Organization

2. Description of Transition Words and Patterns of Organization In your reading it is important to pay close attention to transition words. These special words show the relationships between ideas within sentences and ideas within paragraphs. Good readers learn to pay attention to the author’s transition words, which signal what is ahead.

3. Words that can be used to show classification or division (categories): break down combine, combination lump category, categorize divide, division split class and subclass group, grouping type classify, classification kind TRANSITION WORDS

4. Words that can be used to show cause and effect relationships: as a consequence due to result, resulting as a result for since because for this reason so begin hence then bring(s) about lead(s) to therefore consequently reaction thus

5. Words that can be used to show comparison: all both like and in comparison likewise as just as similar, similarly

6. Words that can be used to show contrast: although, though (in) (by) contrast on the other hand but in opposition rather than despite instead opposite even so nevertheless unlike however on the contrary yet

7. Words that can be used to show steps in a process: after finally process afterward(s) first, second, third step at this point next then at this stage now later subsequently at last preceding

8. Words that can be used to show examples: (for) example specific specifically (for) instance such as (to) illustrate, illustration (in) particular particularly (to) demonstrate

9. Words that can be used to define: term, terminology call, called refer(s) to describe(s), described mean(s), meaning concept name label define(s), defined definition

10. Patterns of Organization • Writers organize their supporting sentences and ideas in many ways. • The most common kinds of patterns of organization:   • classification and division • cause and effect • comparison and contrast • steps in a process • examples • definition • chronological order • listing

11. A writer’s chosen pattern of organization will affect the transition words that are selected. Classification Pattern Classification is the process of organizing information into categories. A category is created by noticing and defining group characteristics. The categories we create make it easier to analyze, discuss, and draw conclusions. Often paragraphs are organized using classification.

12. Classification Division classify, classification divide, division group, grouping split lump break down combine, combination category, categorize class and subclass

13. Cause-and-Effect Pattern In a cause-and-effect relationship, one thing causes another thing to happen. The second event is the effect or result of the first event.

14. Cause & Effect because as a result for consequently, consequence reason, for this reason reaction since then begin lead(s) to bring(s) about hence therefore so result, resulting

15. Examples and Illustration Pattern A paragraph of examples usually gives a general statement of the main idea and then presents one or more concrete examples to provide support for this idea. Many writers place the most important or convincing example either first, as an attention-getter, or last, as a dramatic climax. The terms “example” and “illustration” are often used interchangeably. But an illustration can be thought of as an example that is longer and more involved. A main idea might be supported by only one “illustration.”

16. (for) example (for) instance (to) illustrate, illustration (in) particular, particularly specific, specifically (to) demonstrate such as Watch for these transitional words in paragraphs of examples:

17. Compare/Contrast Pattern A comparison shows similarities, while a contrast shows differences. Sometimes a writer both compares (tells the similarities) and contrasts (tells the differences) at the same time.

18. Study Technique # 5 Compare-and-Contrast Chart A compare-and-contrast chart shows similarities between two or more things, differences between two or more things, or similarities and differences between two or more things.

19. Comparison Contrast on the contrary both yet Instead like although while similar, similarly but opposite compare all on the other hand nevertheless and though (in) (by) contrast as unlike despite converse (in) comparison even so conversely likewise however in opposition just as

20. Listing Pattern When an author simply lists information without regard to order, the pattern of organization is referred to as simple listing or enumeration. Sometimes authors use numbers (1,2,3), letters (a, b, c) or asterisks (*) to show the individual items in the list. At other times, they will say first, second, third, etc. Sometimes they use words such as in addition, next, or finally. Often a colon will be used as punctuation at the start of a list. A variation of the word follow may indicate that a list is about to begin.

21. Steps in a Process Pattern In the steps-in-a-process pattern, something is explained or described in a step-by-step manner. A transition word often introduces each step. Scientific writing commonly follows this particular pattern. In addition, anytime we try to demonstrate how to make or do something, we are probably using this pattern.

22. Transition Words in the Steps in a Process Pattern afterward now process, step, level later at last subsequently preceding first, second, third then next finally at this point at this stage after

23. Definition Pattern A paragraph of definition will define, clarify, or explain a key term. Definitions can be developed by providing dictionary meanings or personal meanings. They can also be developed with examples or by comparing and contrasting the key term to other words.

24. Transition Words in the Definition Pattern mean(s), meaning call, called concept refer(s) describe(s), described term, terminology name, label define(s), defined, definition

25. Study Technique # 6 Mapping Mapping is similar to outlining in that it shows how the main points relate to each other, but it is more visual and less formal. Both outlining and mapping are useful for organizing information.

26. Chronological Order Pattern The word chronological comes from the Greek root chron, which means “time.” The chronological pattern of organization involves arranging events in the order in which they actually happened. For this reason, historical essays and other articles that are date-oriented are usually organized by this method. Paragraphs written with this pattern are usually very easy to recognize.

27. Study Technique # 7 Time Lines A time line is a specialized way of organizing information. Time lines are useful when material needs to be organized chronologically by dates, such as in a history class, though you could have a need to make one in almost any other class too. All that a time line does is list dates in chronological order along a line and then assign information to the dates. You can make a time line vertically (up and down) or horizontally (across). How specific you want to make a time line in terms of the number of dates and the amount of information you assign to each date depends on the reading material and your needs.

28. Some key transition words for chronology before after during following in the years later any month (May, June, etc.) any year (2004 etc.) then finally always at last currently frequently first, second etc. in the meantime until when soon next any time (12:00 etc.) any season (winter etc.) presently preceding, previous immediate, immediately era, period earlier

29.  Additional Transition Words While lists of transition words are helpful, the groupings of the words given in this section are not perfect. Many of these words may be placed in more than one category. The only way to truly determine the function of a transition word is by studying the context of the sentence and the paragraph.

30. Summary and Conclusion finally in brief in short over all hence so therefore thus to conclude to sum up in summary in conclusion Spatial Order above below beyond on top underneath near next to front center left right 

31. Reversal unlike nevertheless instead yet still granted that Addition again also and another further furthermore in addition moreover as well as besides too

32. Emphasis as indicated as noted here again once again to repeat It’s important to remember truly certainly without a doubt unquestionably to emphasize Concession despite although in spite of even though

33. Study Technique # 8 Summarizing Longer Articles Summarizing simply means restating the main ideas in your own words. Begin by identifying the main idea of the article. What is the most important point the author is trying to make? Identify the main supporting ideas, and list at least two details for each important point. Keep in mind that you are reporting the author’s viewpoints and not your own.

34. When writing a summary, you never write something like, “I feel,” or “I think,” or “it seems to me.” Instead, you always write only the author’s opinions. In a summary, it is always what the author feels, thinks, or believes. Your completed summary should contain no trivia (useless or unimportant information), and should not be redundant (give information more than once).

35. Chapter 4 Test Taking Tip--Dealing with Test-taking Anxiety While the key to most successful test-taking situations is adequate preparation, you also need to maintain a positive attitude and stay relaxed.

36. If you answer YES to several of these questions, you may be highly anxious about tests. 1. I have trouble sleeping the night before a test. 2. I have visible signs of nervousness right before a test (sweaty palms, shaky hands). 3. I have butterflies in my stomach or feel nauseated. 4. I am irritable and hard to be around before a test. 5. I worry about how others are doing on the test 6. My mind goes blank during the test or I am unable to recall information. 7. I have difficulty choosing answers. 8. I make mistakes on easy questions or put answers in the wrong places. 9. I am always afraid that I will run out of time. 10. I remember the information that I forgot after I have turned in the test.

37. Relaxation Techniques • 1. Take long and deep breaths to calm yourself. • After a few minutes, close your eyes and imagine a favorite place. • Make this mental scene as detailed as you possibly can. • 2. Try to relax your whole body by starting with your feet first. • Work your way through your body -- your legs, your arms, your chest. • 3. If permissible, suck on a piece of hard candy. • 4. View the test as an opportunity for self-discovery and not as a win/lose proposition. • 5. If you feel that your anxiety is overwhelming, • you may want to get help from your college counseling center.