Sheet no. 9 : Understanding organization Organization in writing is how ideas are presented. Typically, organization refers to the larger parts of a piece of writing, although it also refers to how paragraphs and sentences are written. The flow of a piece of writing affects how readers interpret ideas. If the organization does not provide readers with the information they are looking for in an orderly manner, they will quickly lose interest. Unorganized writing makes readers search for the information they need. Types of organizations 1. Chronological order : Chronological order presents ideas according to the time in which they occurred. This type of organization is especially effective if you are describing a process, relaying a series of actions, or telling a story. For instance, to convey the plot of a novel or the procedures of an experiment, you would tell readers what happened first, second, etc. (http://writing.colostate.edu) The Monkey’s Paw Outside, it was a stormy night, but in the White’s small living room, the fire burned brightly. Mr. White and his son, Herbert, were playing a game of chess when there was a knock at the door. “There he is,” said Herbert expectantly, rising with his father. 5 Moments later, Mr. White entered the room, followed by a tall, heavy-set man. “Sergeant –Major Morris,” White said, introducing his friend. The middle-aged soldier shook hands with Mrs. White and Herbert. He then chose a comfortable chair by the fire while Mr. White prepared drinks. After his third drink, Morris’s eyes got brighter, and he began to tell stories of distant countries. The family listened with 10 interest. “I’d like to travel myself,” said White. “Say…what was that you were telling me the other day about a monkey’s paw from India, Morris?” “Nothing,” said the soldier quickly. “Anyway, nothing worth hearing.” “Monkey’s paw?” said Mrs. White curiously. 15 “Well,” said the sergeant-major, “I guess you could say it’s a kind of magic charm…” Morris took the paw out of his pocket and held it up. Mrs. White moved back and frowned; Herbert took it and examined it curiously. “What’s so special about it?” asked Mr. White. “A holy man in India believed that fate controls our lives. He thought that those who tried to 20 change their fate would be sorry. He put a spell on the paw so that three separate men could each have three wishes.” “And have you had your three wishes?” asked Herbert smiling playfully. “I have,” said the soldier quietly. His face turned white. “And has anybody else wished?” asked Mrs. White. 25 “The first man had his three wishes, yes. I don’t know what the first two were, but the third was for death. That’s how I got the paw.” The group fell silent. Suddenly Morris took the paw and threw it in the fire. Mr. White, with a cry, picked it up. “Let it burn,” said the soldier solemnly. “If you don’t want it, Morris, let me keep it,” said Mr. White. 30 “I won’t. I threw it on the fire. Throw it back.” White shook his head and looked closely at the paw. “How do you make a wish?” he asked. Morris sighed. “Hold it in your right hand and wish aloud,” he said, “but I’m warning you – there will be consequences.” “Wish for two hundred pounds, father,” suggested Herbert. He winked at his mother. 35 His father held up the paw, “I wish for two hundred pounds.” Suddenly, White cried out, “It moved! As I made the wish, the paw moved in my hands like a snake!” “Well father,” said Herbert laughing, “I don’t see any money, and I bet I never will.” “Very funny,” replied White, now calmer, “Still, it scared me all the same.” As Mr. White and his wife were eating dinner the next evening, a man came outside the 40 house. Mrs. White noticed that the stranger was well dressed. He paused at the gate. Mrs. White hurried to answer the door. She brought the stranger into the room. “I…I come from Maw and Meggins,” he said nervously. “The factory? Has something happened to Herbert?” asked Mrs. White, anxiously. “I’m sorry. Your son was caught in the machinery,” the visitor said quietly. “The firm wants 45 me to tell you how sorry they are for your loss,” he said. “They wish to give you this check…” Mr. White stood up and looked in horror at his visitor. “How much?” “Two hundred pounds, Sir …” After reading the story, number the events in the correct order. ………. Mr. White used the monkey’s paw to make a wish. ………. Mr. and Mrs. White received some money. ………. Herbert went to work. ………. Morris visited the White family and shows them a monkey’s paw. ………. Morris tried to destroy the monkey’s paw. ………. A man from Maw and Meggins comes to visit Mr. and Mrs. White. 2. Description : When an author is using description to organize his/her piece of writing, he/she is “painting a picture” with words. Good Description: · Creates a main impression-an overall effect, feeling, or image -about the topic · Uses concrete, specific details to support the main impression · Uses details that appeal to the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch For examples: 1. I look at the old tin building; it seems to have been there since the beginning of time. Its strong posts and nonchalant slouch make me wonder if it will be rooted in the same place forever. As soon as I walk in, the strong, rustic smell of hickory wood assails me. It takes me back to my family’s last Fourth of July barbeque, when the hickory chips smoking the ribs gave off their thick aroma. I wait for my eyes to adjust in the dark, humid place, not taking a step until they do because of the ageless spider that could have made its home in my path. My tongue already asks for a drink of water as I breathe the musty air littered with sawdust. Spraying on sticky repellent, I wonder if the thirsty mosquitoes will stay away. 2. As I leaned back and rested my head against the top of the chair, my eyelids began to feel heavy, and the edges of the empty plate in front of me blurred with the white tablecloth. 3. Wat Phra Kaew itself, generally known to the Thais as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is perhaps the main attraction. This is Thailand's most important and sacred temple, so you're expected to act with due respect inside it. It houses the tiny (between 60 and 75 cm) Emerald Buddha, which is located high above the heads of the worshippers and tourists. Not much is known for certain about the statue, except that it isn't actually made of emerald but rather of green jade or jasper. Getting a good look at it is difficult as photography is forbidden inside the temple, and it's perched so high up inside its glass box that it's difficult to really see. It's thought to have been made in the 15th century and was the cause of several wars before ending up for good in Bangkok in 1782. The image is considered a talisman and holds tremendous significance for Thailand and the Thais. The 'robe' that it wears is changed 3 times each year by the King himself, at the start of each season: A diamond encrusted gold robe during the hot season, a solid gold robe in the cool season and a gilded monk's robe in the rainy season. There are also many other Buddha images inside the temple. 3. Comparison and Contrast : A Comparison or Contrast piece of writing is a written work in which you either compare something or contrast something. In comparison, the author emphasizes the similarities, while in contrast, the author emphasizes the differences. We use comparison and contrast thinking when deciding which university to attend, which car to buy, or whether to drive a car or take a bus or an airplane to a vacation site. Examples: 1. People are always looking forward to their vacation period. There are many options where to choose. I think that the two most common places people choose for taking a vacation are the beaches and the mountains. Both places offer a variety of fun activities. The beach offers activities that the mountain cannot offer and vice versa. The mountain and the beach are totally different. The purpose of this essay is t