Final answer:
For an audience deciding between competing proposals, a comparative pattern of organization is recommended. This method effectively delineates the differences and similarities between the options to aid in decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your audience is trying to decide between competing proposals, your reading recommends that you use a comparative pattern of organization. This organizational strategy involves comparing and contrasting two or more items directly, which helps in weighing the pros and cons of each option. This structure assists the audience in making a decision by clearly delineating the differences and similarities between the proposals.
In the process of writing, you may also consider other organizational patterns depending on the nature of the subject. For instance, a chronological pattern could be effective for events or historical analyses, whereas a causal pattern could be well-suited for showing cause-and-effect relationships. A descriptive pattern may be utilized in capturing the details of a particular scenario or object. The pattern you choose should help illustrate your argument in the most effective way.
The delayed-thesis organization is another method mentioned in the materials, which involves a more subtle approach in presenting an argument by delaying the thesis statement towards the end of the essay, thereby showing a balanced evaluation of the evidence before taking a stance.