There are three common ways of arranging causes and effects. First, all causes and then all effects may be listed. Next, a cause and all of its associated effects may be grouped together. This pattern continues until all of the causes and effects have been discussed. Lastly, the causes and effects may alternate. This forms a chain with each effect becoming the cause for the next effect.

There are two common ways of comparing things or ideas. The first way involves listing all of the details about the first thing or idea and then listing the details related to the second thing or idea. Alternatively, details for each thing or idea may be presented in pairs.

How do I use sequencing?

Recognizing sequences is important. The sequences that detail, fact, or events are placed to reveal relationships between the facts, details, and events. For example, if numbered horses finished a race in the sequence “3,1,2,4”, the number three horse was faster than the other horses. If the sequence was “2,4,3,1”, the number two horse was faster than the others. A person betting on these races would be very interested in the sequence.

Likewise, writers combine sentences and paragraphs in specific sequences. Recognizing these different patterns allows a reader to predict what will happen and to visualize the events and details. This helps a reader understand more and to remember more. Readers need to be able to recognize these patterns to be able to determine the main idea from inferred relationships.