Overview
Writers use basic structures to put their ideas in order and present them. Some of those basic structures include chronological, sequential, comparative, causal (or cause-and-effect), categorical, and evaluative.
Chronological and Sequential
The simplest way to order ideas is to present them as they happen in time, with a beginning, middle, and end. Most stories and novels follow this sequence, with early events followed by later events. For example, an essay on the growth of industry may discuss developments in the 1700s, followed by events in the 1800s, and events in the 1900s. Another related structure is sequential, where items are discussed from step to step (or sometimes in reverse). Suppose a writer is discussing how to play Pokemon Go as a beginner to the game. First, he or she might talk about signing up for the game; then, choosing and customizing the avatar; next, entering the animated map; then traveling to stops in the real world in order to capture each Pokemon. Writers will give transition clues in this structure with words such as first, second, third, next, and finally.
Comparative
Comparative structure is used to compare and contrast ideas, and often the most relevant ideas are discussed first, with the others discussed afterwards. This structure may be used when answering a “compare and contrast” essay. Suppose the writer were asked to compare and contrast igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. He or she might discuss the ways they are similar in composition and structure, before describing differences in the way each type of rock is formed. Writers also use comparative structure when comparing and contrasting ideas for a debate, to explain why their side of the argument is stronger than that of the opposing side.
Casual
Writers develop this structure to describe causes and effects. For example, a writer may develop an essay on air pollution by discussing the different chemicals that cause air pollution, as well as how those chemicals are produced, before discussing the health and environmental effects of air pollution. Causes are discussed before effects, and writers may also discuss the solutions to the problem.
Categorical and Evaluative
In categorical writing, the order of ideas is less important than in the other types. For example, a writer is writing about different types of trucks. They may choose to write about GMC trucks, then Ford trucks, or Ford trucks, then GMC trucks. Similarly, in evaluative writing, writers may choose to present arguments for a particular position, against a particular position, and neutral to that position, or in any other order.
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