CLEAR THINKING AND WRITING JOHN LANGAN 2010 Townsend

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CLEAR THINKING AND WRITING JOHN LANGAN © 2010 Townsend Press

CLEAR THINKING AND WRITING JOHN LANGAN © 2010 Townsend Press

Chapter Five: Organization You have seen two goals in writing: to make a point

Chapter Five: Organization You have seen two goals in writing: to make a point and to support that point. A third goal is to organize the support.

ORGANIZATION Two common ways to organize the support are (1) to use transitions and

ORGANIZATION Two common ways to organize the support are (1) to use transitions and (2) to use a listing or time order.

TRANSITIONS Transitions are signal words that show the relationship between ideas. They connect one

TRANSITIONS Transitions are signal words that show the relationship between ideas. They connect one thought with another. Two major types of transitions are (1) words that show addition and (2) words that show time.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Which item below is easier to read and understand?

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Which item below is easier to read and understand? A. I hate my job because of the long hours. My boss is often rude to me. B. I hate my job because of the long hours. Also, my boss is often rude to me.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Which item below is easier to read and understand?

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Which item below is easier to read and understand? A. I hate my job because of the long hours. My boss is often rude to me. B. I hate my job because of the long hours. Also, my boss is often rude to me. Explanation In the second item, the word also makes it clear that the writer is presenting two reasons for hating his or her job. Also is an addition word.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Also and words or phrases like it are known

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Also and words or phrases like it are known as addition words. They are also known as “bridge” words, carrying the reader across from one idea to the next.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition words tell us that writers are adding to their

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition words tell us that writers are adding to their thoughts. Here are some common addition words: Addition Words one first of all for one thing to begin with another second also in addition next moreover furthermore last of all finally

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition In the examples below, notice how the addition words

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition In the examples below, notice how the addition words add to what has already been said. • A good dinner and watching TV at the end of the day relax me. In addition, they make my problems seem smaller. • Kelley’s main concern in school is to keep up her grades. Her second goal is to develop more friendships.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Choose one of the addition words in the box

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Choose one of the addition words in the box to complete the statement. finally another to begin with A recent study suggested that parents should be on the lookout for stress in their children. There are several signs of stress in young people. Unusual tiredness in a child is one sign of stress in young people. __________ is temper tantrums.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Choose one of the addition words in the box

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Choose one of the addition words in the box to complete the statement. finally another to begin with A recent study suggested that parents should be on the lookout for stress in their children. There are several signs of stress in young people. Unusual tiredness in a child is Another one sign of stress in young people. _________ is temper tantrums. Explanation The words several signs indicate there are more than two signs. Therefore, finally does not make sense. To begin with does not make sense because the transition is introducing the second item.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Identify the transitions in the paragraph on lying. People

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Identify the transitions in the paragraph on lying. People lie for different reasons. One common reason is to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. For example, a friend might ask, “Do you like my new haircut? ” If you think it’s ugly, you might still answer, “Yes. ” Another common reason for lying is to avoid a fight. Say a friend angers you and then asks, “Are you upset with me? ” You might answer, “No, ” to avoid an argument. People also lie so that they’ll fit in, as when you listen to a boring person and politely say, “That’s interesting. ” In addition, people lie to avoid spending more time with someone. For instance, you might lie, “I have to go now. ” The four transitions that set off the four reasons people lie are: ____________

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Identify the transitions in the paragraph on lying. People

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Addition Identify the transitions in the paragraph on lying. People lie for different reasons. One common reason is to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. For example, a friend might ask, “Do you like my new haircut? ” If you think it’s ugly, you might still answer, “Yes. ” Another common reason for lying is to avoid a fight. Say a friend angers you and then asks, “Are you upset with me? ” You might answer, “No, ” to avoid an argument. People also lie so that they’ll fit in, as when you listen to a boring person and politely say, “That’s interesting. ” In addition, people lie to avoid spending more time with someone. For instance, you might lie, “I have to go now. ” The four transitions that set off the four reasons people lie are: One Another also In addition ____________

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Which item below is easier to read and understand?

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Which item below is easier to read and understand? A. I let the cooked turkey sit for thirty minutes. I carved it. B. I let the cooked turkey sit for thirty minutes. Then I carved it.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Which item below is easier to read and understand?

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Which item below is easier to read and understand? A. I let the cooked turkey sit for thirty minutes. I carved it. B. I let the cooked turkey sit for thirty minutes. Then I carved it. Explanation In the second item, the word then makes the relationship between the two sentences clear. Then is a time word.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Then and words or phrases like it are known

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Then and words or phrases like it are known as time words.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time words tell us when something happened in relation to

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time words tell us when something happened in relation to when something else happened. Here are some common time words: Time Words before previously first second third next soon often as when while during until now then later after eventually finally last

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time In the examples below, notice how the time words

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time In the examples below, notice how the time words show us when something takes place. • I quickly shut the back door after the mouse ran out. • Before their baby daughter was born, my sister and her husband were sure it was a boy.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Complete each sentence below with a suitable time word

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Complete each sentence below with a suitable time word from the box. after before during A. __________ Craig got home from school, he checked the refrigerator to see what there was to eat. B. The counselor tries to help students ________ their problems get out of control and their grades fall.

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Complete each sentence below with a suitable time word

TRANSITIONS Words That Show Time Complete each sentence below with a suitable time word from the box. after before during After A. __________ Craig got home from school, he checked the refrigerator to see what there was to eat. before B. The counselor tries to help students ________ their problems get out of control and their grades fall.

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order Often the supporting material in a paper is

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order Often the supporting material in a paper is organized by using a listing order or a time order.

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order Listing order uses addition words such as first,

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order Listing order uses addition words such as first, also, another, and last of all. For example, this paragraph on tips for becoming a better writer uses listing order. Many people think that they can’t improve their writing. The truth is that some tips can help you become a better writer. First of all, write often. Writing improves with practice. Secondly, organize your writing with an outline. An outline gives you a structure to build on. In addition, write in a plain style. Don’t try to use fancy language. Write as you would speak. Say what you mean simply and clearly. Finally, stick to your main ideas. Nothing improves writing more than avoiding unneeded words and statements.

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph orders its supporting details in a

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph orders its supporting details in a list of tips that can help people become better writers. Addition words introduce the items in the list. Many people think that they can’t improve their writing. The truth is that some tips can help you become a better writer. First of all, write often. Writing improves with practice. Secondly, organize your writing with an outline. An outline gives you a structure to build on. In addition, write in a plain style. Don’t try to use fancy language. Write as you would speak. Say what you mean simply and clearly. Finally, stick to your main ideas. Nothing improves writing more than avoiding unneeded words and statements.

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order Time order is another very common way to

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order Time order is another very common way to present supporting details. In time order, supporting details are presented in the order in which they occurred.

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below is organized in a time

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below is organized in a time order. Choose the appropriate time word from the box to fill each blank. Before Then While After An incident happened yesterday that made me very angry. I got off the bus and started walking the four blocks to my friend’s house. _____ I walked along, I noticed a group of boys gathered on the sidewalk about a block ahead of me. _____ they saw me, they stopped talking. As I came nearer and they began to whistle. Instead of being afraid, I was suddenly angry. Why should I have to worry about being hassled just because I was a woman? I stared straight at the boys and continued walking. _____ one of them said, “Oooh, baby. Looking fine today. ” _____ I knew what I was doing, I turned on him. “Do you have a mother? Or any sisters? …Is it OK with you if men speak to them like that? ” _____ I spoke, he and the other boys looked guilty and backed away. I held my head up high and walked by them. An hour later, I was still angry.

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below is organized in a time

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below is organized in a time order. Choose the appropriate time word from the box to fill each blank. Before Then While After An incident happened yesterday that made me very angry. I got off the bus and While started walking the four blocks to my friend’s house. _____ I walked along, I noticed a group of boys gathered on the sidewalk about a block ahead of me. When _____ they saw me, they stopped talking. As I came nearer and they began to whistle. Instead of being afraid, I was suddenly angry. Why should I have to worry about being hassled just because I was a woman? I stared straight at the boys and Then continued walking. _____ one of them said, “Oooh, baby. Looking fine today. ” Before I knew what I was doing, I turned on him. “Do you have a mother? Or _____ After any sisters? …Is it OK with you if men speak to them like that? ” _____ I spoke, he and the other boys looked guilty and backed away. I held my head up high and walked by them. An hour later, I was still angry. The writer’s point is stated in the first sentence. She then supports her point with specific details. She helps connect her details with time words.

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below uses either a listing order

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below uses either a listing order or a time order. Choose the appropriate word from the box to fill each blank. after then when One Monday morning ______ I was in the sixth grade, our teacher came into class looking very tired. She was late. She looked as if she had been crying, and her hair was a mess. She sat down and for a minute or two had her head down, staring at her desk. ______ she looked up, we could all see there were tears in her eyes. ______ she told the class that she was sorry for being late. She explained that her dad had a heart attack over the weekend. I felt really sorry for her. That was the first time that I realized that teachers had feelings just like everyone else. What is the point of the paragraph? Does the paragraph use listing order or time order?

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below uses either a listing order

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below uses either a listing order or a time order. Choose the appropriate word from the box to fill each blank. after then when One Monday morning ______ I was in the sixth grade, our teacher came into class looking very tired. She was late. She looked as if she had been crying, and her hair was a mess. She sat down and for a minute or two had her head down, After staring at her desk. ______ she looked up, we could all see there were tears Then in her eyes. ______ she told the class that she was sorry for being late. She explained that her dad had a heart attack over the weekend. I felt really sorry for her. That was the first time that I realized that teachers had feelings just like everyone else. What is the point of the paragraph? That was the first time that I realized that teachers had feelings just like everyone else. Does the paragraph use listing order or time order? Time order

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below uses either a listing order

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below uses either a listing order or a time order. Choose the appropriate word from the box to fill each blank. another finally one third Some people have dangerous driving habits. ______ dangerous habit is tailgating. When the car ahead of a tailgating driver is forced to brake suddenly, a rear-end collision can result. ______ unsafe driving habit is speeding. Since it takes longer for speeding vehicles to slow down or stop, drivers who are going too fast have less time to adjust to unexpected road hazards or sharp curves. A ______ dangerous driving habit is the failure to signal turns. Without proper warning, another driver may not have enough time to slow down. ______, it’s all too common for today’s drivers to talk or text-message on their cell phones. Such distractions prevent drivers from focusing on the road in front of them. Serious accidents may result. What is the point of the paragraph? Does the paragraph use listing order or time order?

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below uses either a listing order

TRANSITIONS Listing Order and Time Order The paragraph below uses either a listing order or a time order. Choose the appropriate word from the box to fill each blank. another finally one third One Some people have dangerous driving habits. ______ dangerous habit is tailgating. When the car ahead of a tailgating driver is forced to brake suddenly, a rear-end collision can Another result. ______ unsafe driving habit is speeding. Since it takes longer for speeding vehicles to slow down or stop, drivers who are going too fast have less time to adjust to third unexpected road hazards or sharp curves. A ______ dangerous driving habit is the failure to signal turns. Without proper warning, another driver may not have enough time to Finally slow down. ______, it’s all too common for today’s drivers to talk or text-message on their cell phones. Such distractions prevent drivers from focusing on the road in front of them. Serious accidents may result. What is the point of the paragraph? Some people have dangerous driving habits. Does the paragraph use listing order or time order? Listing order

Supporting a Point Remember: Make a Point Support the Point Organize the Support

Supporting a Point Remember: Make a Point Support the Point Organize the Support