| Pattern |
Clues to Pattern |
Strategies |
Suggested Diagram |
|
Enumeration
|
- introductory statement contains a number word or words
like "many" or "several"
- subtopics signalled by "first", "second",
"third", "more", "also", etc.
|
- look for topic
- look for sub-topics
- organize details related to topics
|
|
Question
/
Answer |
- introductory question
- answer signalled by words like "first", "second",
"one", "another"
|
- look for question
- note words that signal answers
- isolate answer
|
|
General
Statement /
Elaboration |
- most common pattern
- offers generalization followed by supporting examples
|
- look for generalization
- look for supporting specifics
|
|
Cause
/
Effect |
- causes leading to effects
- words like "cause", "reasons for",
"first", "second", "finally",
etc.
|
- look for effect
- look for cause (must answer "why" about the
effect)
|
|
| Sequence |
- steps in a process
- chronology
- events leading to a specific outcome
|
- look for introduction which sets purpose and lists steps
to follow
- look for steps
- look for order of steps
____________
- look for steps in sequence
- separate background information from steps
- look for meaning of sequence
|
 |
Comparison
/ Contrast |
- always more than one topic
- uses cues: "in the same way", "on the other
hand", "although", "yet", "however",
"even though"
|
|
|
Problem
Statement |
- lays out details of a problem
|
- look for the problem
- look for significant details
|
|
