In the listing pattern, the writer states the main idea in the form of a generalization and gives a list of details or examples to support that general statement. Common key words/phrases found in the main idea are: many, several, a number of, a variety of, a few, kinds of. Transitional words/phrases used in this organizational pattern are: for example, for instance, first, second, another, also, besides, in addition, final, last, most important. Look at the following paragraph.