Signing & Writing

Spatial

A spatial essay is organized based on how the elements of the topic are related to each other in a physical space. For example, a student might use this pattern to write about family-friendly adventures in Las Vegas.

1. Planet Hollywood Resort

   1. Restaurants

   2. Miracle Mile Shops

2. Paris Las Vegas Hotel

   1. Restaurants

   2. Gift Shops

3. The LINQ Hotel

   1. Restaurants

   2. High Roller ride

Compare-Contrast

A compare-contrast essay considers how two subjects are alike and how they are different. This pattern is best used when understanding an issue requires one to see it from more than one side and in relation to each side. For example, a student can compare and contrast attending a large state university versus a small private university.

1. Quality of education

   1. Large State University

      1. Large class sizes

      2. Taught by grad students

   2. Small Private University

      1. Smaller classes

      2. Access to professors

2. Cost of Tuition

   1. Large State University

      1. Less expensive

      2. Less financial aid

   2. Small Private University

      1. Way more expensive

      2. Possibly more financial aid options

3. Programs Offered

   1. Large State University

      1. Tons of programs

      2. Research focus instead of teaching focus

   2. Small Private University

      1. Fewer programs

      2. Faculty focused on teaching

Students can also organize this essay by writing about how the two universities are the same and then discussing how their are different.

Advantages and Disadvantages

This type of essay weighs the pros and cons of a topic. For example, a student who is considering whether to stay in a small rural high school or transfer to a large suburban one might write a using this pattern.

1. Advantages of a small rural school

   1. Smaller class sizes

   2. More opportunities to play school sports

   3. More access to teachers

2. Disadvantages of a small rural school

   1. Fewer electives

   2. Fewer social groups

   3. Less funding for resources

Significance

An essay organized around the significance of events or items can build in intensity or go the other way. For example, an essay written about how a student has grown as a writer.

1. Narrative describing a teacher praising student for a poem outside of class

   1. Commentary on how this was the first clue student could write

2. Narrative describing winning first place in a school-wide writing contest for a poem

   1. Commentary describing how this was exciting, but not entirely convincing

3. Narrative describing being selected to write for the yearbook staff

   1. Commentary describing how this selection and experience solidified the student’s desire to write

Problem-Solution

This essay structure describes a problem, often using a narrative format, and then offers one or more solutions to the problem. This pattern is often used for persuasive or argumentative pieces such as editorials or letters to the editor. An example would be an editor about the quality of water in a small town.

1. Problem: Poor water quality

   1. Ancient pipes leech chemicals into water

   2. Water is tinged orange

   3. Laundry is ruined

   4. Health may be damaged

2. Solution: Seek federal and legislative assistance

   1. Seek federal aid for upgrading pipes

   2. Townspeople lobby local representatives

Topical

The topical structure may work when others won’t. For example, if a writer could use this structure to describe the different types of pastries a chef may bake.

1. Types of pastries

2. Laminated

   1. Flaky

   2. Puff

3. Nonlaminated

   1. Shortcrust

   2. Choux

   3. Filo