Lesson 3 & 4: Selecting and Organizing Information & Patterns of Development

This flashcard set covers Lesson 3 and Lesson 4 of Fundamentals of Thinking and Reading. It explores methods for Selecting and Organizing Information, including Brainstorming, Mind Mapping, Graphic Organizers, and Outlining to structure ideas effectively. It also examines the Patterns of Development—such as Definition, Exemplification, Description, Chronology, Listing, Comparison and Contrast, Classification, Cause and Effect, Problem-Solution, and Persuasion—to enhance clarity, coherence, and logical flow in writing and comprehension.

Venn Diagram

Compares and contrasts sets using overlapping circles; unique traits in outer areas, shared traits in overlap.

Network Tree

Displays classification or hierarchy from a root node to branches and leaves, showing parent-child relationships.

Spider Map

Central idea with multiple spokes for related categories and details; useful for brainstorming descriptive or associative material.

Problem–Solution Map

Center = problem; branches = causes and targeted solutions with links showing which solution addresses which cause.

Timeline

Linear representation of events in chronological order used for history, processes, and project milestones.

Plot Diagram

Narrative organizer showing exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Series-of-Events Chain

Sequential boxes/arrows showing step-by-step progression where one event leads to the next.

Fishbone Map

Cause-and-effect diagram: problem at head, major cause categories as bones, specific causes listed on bones.

Cycle

Circular flow showing repeating stages or processes with arrows indicating direction and recurrence.

Persuasion Map

Argument organizer: central claim → reasons → evidence → counterargument → refutation.

Decimal Outline

Numeric outline using 1., 1.1, 1.1.1 to show clear hierarchical relationships between sections.

Alphanumeric Outline

Common outline format using I., A., 1., a. to organize main points and supporting details.

Topic Outline

Outline with headings and short phrases for each major and minor point; fast and exam-friendly.

Sentence Outline

Outline that states main and secondary ideas in full sentences for precision and planning.

Definition

Explains meaning using formal definition, context clues, examples, and signal words like “is defined as” or “refers to.”

Exemplification

Supports a general statement with one or more specific examples; signal words include “for example” and “in particular.”

Description

Uses sensory (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) and spatial details; objective = factual, subjective = impressionistic.

Chronology/Procedure

Presents events or steps in time order; uses time markers like first, next, then, finally.

Listing

Presents several related items without sequence emphasis; signal words include additionally, moreover, furthermore.

Comparison and Contrast

Highlights similarities and differences; organizer: Venn diagram or T-chart; signal words: similarly, however.

Classification/Division

Breaks a broad topic into categories or parts using clear criteria and examples for each class.

Cause and Effect

Shows reasons (causes) and results (effects); use cause signal words (because, due to) and effect words (therefore, consequently).

Problem–Solution

Defines a problem, analyzes causes and impact, proposes solutions, and discusses implementation and drawbacks.

Persuasion

Presents claim supported by reasons and evidence, addresses counterarguments, and uses rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos, pathos).