Topical Pattern
This pattern is the most commonly used format, and will typically work when the other patterns do not. A topical pattern arranges information according to different sub-topics within a larger topic, or the "types" of things that fall within a larger category. Using this pattern, each "type" represents a main section of information.
For example, suppose a writer wished to describe various types of wine. One way to outline this information would be to divide the type of wine by its color, as shown in example one. A second way would be to divide the types of wine by the region in which they were made, as shown in example two.
Topical Pattern Example One
I. Red Wines
A. European
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Chianti
B. Californian
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Zinfandel
II. White Wines
A. European
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Mosel
B. Californian
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Riesling
Topical Pattern Example Two
I. European Wines
Red
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White
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II. Californian Wines
Red
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White
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