Pattern Guides for Expository Texts
Many different kinds of pattern guides can be used to help students get a sense of how expository material is organized, thus aiding in their comprehension. The following pattern guides are only a few examples.
Time Lines (pattern guides for history-chronological order of events)
1. Give the students a time line.
2. Tell them that using the time line will help them see the sequence of events.
3. As the students read the chapter, they fill in the events on the time line. Page numbers may be given for additional help.
Comparison Charts (pattern guides for science-compare/contrast organization)
1. Give the students a compare/contrast chart like the one below and ask them to fill it out as they read the chapter. This task can be done individually or with a partner.
2. After the students have read and completed the chart, the teacher leads a discussion using questions such as:
a. Which state has the highest temperatures?
b. Which state has the lowest temperatures?
c. In which state would you expect to find desert areas? Why?
d. Tell how the climates of these states are similar.
e. Tell how they are different. Why?
Cause-and-Effect Charts (pattern guides for social studies)
As the students (upper elementary and above) read a chapter, they look for the cause-and-effect relationships listed in the following chart. Their assignment is to complete the cause-and-effect statements by filling in the blanks with the appropriate information.
After reading the chapter, the teacher and students, the students in small groups, or the students in pairs discuss the responses on their charts.
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