1. Compare and contrast: The material notes similarities and differences between two people, places, things or ideas.
2. Problem and solution: The material discusses a problem and suggests a change or changes that will address this problem.
3. Sequential organization: The material relates information about the progress or development of an idea or issue.
4. Chronological format: The material relates information about the timeline of a particular event, concept or idea.
5. Cause and effect: The material examines an effect and traces the factor or factors that contributed.