Chapter Outline

Study the chapter outline below. Use the page numbers below each topic to refer to the corresponding section in Contemporary's GED Language Arts, Writing. When you are finished, go to the Flashcards or choose a different activity or chapter from the menu on the left.

Deciding on a Pattern of Organization

(See pages 232–238)

The best way to organize a GED essay will vary depending on the topic and main idea. Here are four common patterns of organization:

Time order—give reasons, list steps in a process, describe a routine, or tell about an event
Order of importance—give reasons to support a particular belief by moving from the least important reason to the most important
Cause and effect—tell why something happened by explaining the reasons for it (causes) or predict the possible results (effects) if an event or action takes place
Comparison and contrast—show how two things are alike and/or how they are different

Arranging Your Ideas

(See pages 239–247)

Once you decide on a pattern of organization, arrange your ideas in three groups, one for each body paragraph of your essay. Then name the groups and rank them from least to most important. You can arrange your ideas in several ways:

Idea mapping— (for idea maps) make sure that there are three groups and that the groups have names
Circling—(for brainstorming) draw circles to show how the ideas go together
Outlining—(for brainstorming) write down the group names and supporting details in the order in which you will deal with them
Making a chart—(for comparison and contrast essays) make three columns; label the middle and right-hand columns for the two subjects you're comparing and contrasting; label the left-hand column "items to discuss" for the three areas to compare and contrast

Double-Checking Your Ideas

(See pages 248–251)

No matter how you choose to arrange your ideas, you need to double-check them to make sure that they are all about the main idea and that you have enough ideas.

When you gathered your ideas, you may have included one or two that aren't important to the main idea. Cross off ideas that don't make the grade.
You need at least one solid idea for each of the three body paragraphs and at least two or three good supporting details for each of them. If you don't have enough ideas, your essay will have holes in it. Try brainstorming again. Review your idea map. Ask yourself: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Come up with enough ideas to write a strong, convincing essay.

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