Modes of Organization
Listing Mode
Listing Mode of Organization
The listing mode of organization is a way of organizing a series of items or ideas by listing them. It is particularly effective in organizing the information so that the reader knows what items are included on a list.
Items on a list do not necessarily follow any particular order. If they are listed in order of increasing importance, it is referred to as the emphatic mode of organization.
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Topics or ideas that call for the listing mode of organization include, for example, “top 10 movies/songs of all times,” “3 ways to do something,” “reasons to do something," “breakfast/lunch/snack ideas,” or “signs you are unhappy with your job.”
Types of Text Using the Listing Mode
The listing mode is frequently used in a variety of contexts whenever ideas can be listed, including academic, persuasive, instructional, and technical writing.
Transition Words Used in the Listing Mode
Transitions commonly used in the listing mode include:
- First, second, third, also, another, one… another… the other: These expressions identify the items on a list of objects, ideas or concepts.
- Furthermore, in addition, moreover: These expressions can also signal additional items in a list, thus providing further detail.
Example listing mode of organization
Example 1
The following paragraph is written using the listing mode of organization:
Having a dog as a pet has three main benefits. First, they are excellent companions. They are always there to greet you when you come home and ready to comfort and love to their owners. Dogs can also help increase physical activity, as they require regular walks and playtime. This, in turn, can lead to improved overall health for their owners. Finally, owning a dog can have positive mental health benefits. Studies have shown that owning a dog can reduce stress and anxiety levels by providing a sense of purpose and routine. Dogs can also provide emotional support and help to combat feelings of loneliness or depression.
Example 2
Note that you can present the same information in a clearly outlined list as in:
Having a dog as a pet has three main benefits.
- Companionship. Dogs are excellent companions as they are always there to greet you when you come home and ready to comfort and love to their owners.
- Improved health outcomes. Dogs can also help increase physical activity, as they require regular walks and playtime. This, in turn, can lead to improved overall health for their owners.
- Mental health benefits. Studies have shown that owning a dog can reduce stress and anxiety levels by providing a sense of purpose and routine. Dogs can also provide emotional support and help to combat feelings of loneliness or depression.
Note. The above paragraph is used for instructional purposes only. Search the topic for accurate information on it.
Note for Readers
When you read, it is important to identify the mode of organization as listing because it focuses your reading and improves comprehension.
Pay close attention to the items that the writer is listing. If you are taking notes, for example, your notes must have all the items that the writer lists in paragraph format. You can also further organize your notes into lists and sublists as the writer gives you further information in the text.
Up Next: Comparison-Contrast Mode
Continue the lesson to learn about the comparison-contrast mode of organization.