If you have ever read an informational article or essay that was written to persuade you of something, you've probably encountered two organizational patterns that are very similar and often appear together in the same text. One explains causes and effects, and the other describes a possible solution to a problem. It can be easy to confuse the two, so pay close attention to the differences.
In a cause-and-effect article, the author describes a cause and then the effect that happens as a result of that cause. For example, an article may explain why the ongoing drought (cause) has caused prices to go up and tourism to go down (effects). Authors generally use a cause-and-effect text structure when they want to explain why something has happened.
When an author writes about a problem and suggests a solution, he or she will use a slightly different organizational pattern. First, the author will describe the problem (rather than a cause), and then the author will propose a possible solution. You see this organizational pattern in many television commercials, which tell you if your head hurts (problem), you should take a pill (solution). If you're hungry (problem), eat this tasty food (solution). If you need a new car (problem), then buy our newest model (solution).
If the author of the article about drought were to include a problem-solution structure in his or her article about the effects of drought on prices and tourism, he or she would first explain that the drought has had these impacts (problem), and then suggest some ways to fix the problem (solutions).
As with other organizational patterns, transition words and phrases are your best clues that you're reading a cause-effect or problem-solution article. Use the questions below to check your knowledge of these signs of structure.
What words and phrases do authors use to show cause and effect?
- next, first, then, after that
- consequently, since, as a result
- to address, should, must
- on the other hand, in contrast
These transition tags announce that the author is about to share a reason for something.
These transition tags announce that the author is about to share a reason for something.
These transition tags announce that the author is about to share a reason for something.
These transition tags announce that the author is about to share a reason for something.
What clues tell you that an author is using a problem-solution text structure?
- next, first, then, after that
- consequently, since, as a result
- to address, should, must
- on the other hand, in contrast
These words and phrases are used to tell readers what actions would solve a problem.
These words and phrases are used to tell readers what actions would solve a problem.
These words and phrases are used to tell readers what actions would solve a problem.
These words and phrases are used to tell readers what actions would solve a problem.
Summary
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