In this section of our PERT reading study guide, we will examine different ways authors can organize a passage, as well as how the PERT measures your understanding of organization.
Organization in Writing
Just as authors use tone and rhetorical strategies to accomplish their purpose, they also choose organizational structures that are conducive to their goals. Below, we will outline the common organizational structures and how to identify them in a piece of writing—especially within the context of the PERT.
How to Approach Organization Questions:
Follow these four techniques when you encounter a question that is asking you about the organization of a passage.
Identify the Overall Structure of the Passage
- Look for organizational patterns: Passages can be organized in a variety of ways, such as:
Chronological order: Events are presented in the order they happened.
Cause and effect: The author explains why something happened and what resulted from it.
Problem and solution: A problem is presented followed by a solution or multiple solutions.
Compare and contrast: Two or more things are compared, often highlighting similarities and differences.
- Find transition words: Words like “first,” “next,” “finally,” or “then” suggest chronological order, while words like “because,” “therefore,” and “as a result” indicate cause and effect. “On the other hand,” “however,” or “in contrast” point to comparisons.
Determine the Relationship Between Sections of the Text
- How are ideas connected? As you read, think about how one paragraph or section flows into the next. Are they building on each other, presenting contrasting ideas, or following a logical sequence?
- Look for introductions and conclusions: The introduction often presents the main point or sets the stage for the discussion. The conclusion may summarize the key ideas or offer a resolution, especially in problem and solution structures.
Break Down Paragraph Functions
- Topic sentences: Each paragraph often begins with a topic sentence that outlines the main idea of that section. Pay attention to these, as they reveal how the author organizes the text.
- Supporting details: The rest of the paragraph usually contains evidence or examples that support the topic sentence. These supporting details can reveal whether the author is explaining a concept, offering a solution, or comparing different ideas.
Match the Structure to the Answer Choices
- Test each answer choice: Look at each possible answer and see if it matches how the passage is structured. If the passage doesn’t include any dates or events, for example, eliminate choices like “chronological order.”
- Use clues from the passage: Sometimes, the passage itself will give clear signals about its structure, such as listing steps or comparing two opposing ideas. Let these clues guide your answer.
Key Tip: The organization of the passage helps the author deliver their message effectively. Understanding how the text is structured will give you insight into both the flow of information and the author’s overall purpose.