Additional Resources:

Organizational Pattern: Topical
Thesis Statement: You should use these techniques while taking lecture notes.

I. Sit in the front of the classroom.
II. Listen for key phrases and changes in your instructor’s voice.
III. Don’t try to write every word.

Problems: There are two ideas in main point II 1. "key phrases" 2. "changes in your instructor's voice"

Org. Pattern: Problem/solution

I. Many students take notes poorly.

Thesis Statement: Students don’t review their work between classes.

II. “T” note-taking should be used by all students.
III. There would be many advantages to using “T” note-taking.

Problems: Thesis Statement continues speaking about the problem. It should begin step #2 and state a solution.

Org. Pattern: Problem/solution

I. Many students don’t review their notes.

Thesis Statement: Everyone should revisit their notes.

II. Revisit your notes within 24 hours of taking them.
III. Revisit all of your notes prior to each class session.

Problems: Main point III presents another solution. It should begin a defense step and talk about the advantages of using "T" note-taking. To correct this it is likely II. & III would become subpoints A & B under a new broader main point II such as "You should follow "T" note-taking review techniques.

Organizational Pattern: Procedural
Thesis Statement: There are many advantages to using “T” note-taking.

I. First, it will improve your grades.
II. Second, it will improve your recall of the material.
III. Third, it will improve your time management skills.

Problem: This is not Procedural order. The main points do not have to occur in the order they are presented. It is Causal order. In this case the "First", "Second" and "Third" are serving as transitions.

Organizational Pattern: Topical
Thesis Statement: You should use the following lecture note review techniques.

I. Sit in the front of the classroom during lectures.
II. Cover one of the lecture note columns with a blank sheet of paper.
III. Review on an organized schedule.

Problem: Main point I is irrelevant. It isn't a "review technique" as the Thesis Statement says it should be.

Org. Pattern: Problem/Solution
Thesis Statements: Morton College students should improve their study skills.

I. They should take “T” notes during class lectures.
II. They should highlight all assigned reading.
III. They should revisit their notes.

Problem: The organizational pattern is not Problem/solution. The three steps of Problem-solution order are (1.) Present a problem, (2.) Present a solution and (3.) Defend your solution. This speech presents three solutions so it would be Topical order.

Organizational Pattern: Topical
Thesis Statement: I’m going to tell you about the “T” note-taking system.

I. Necessary equipment
II. Classroom note-taking
III. Lecture note-taking
IV. Textbook note-taking
V. Revisiting your notes

Problem: Main point II "Classroom note-taking" and main point III "Lecture note-taking" overlap. They are the same thing.

Organizational Pattern: Causal
Thesis Statement: You should use the “T” note-taking system.

I. It is easy to learn.
II. Your lifelong recall of important concepts will improve.
III. You will get better grades.

Problem: Main point I "It's easy to learn" is not an effect of learning "T" note-taking. Although main points II & III are Causal (They are effects), main point I is a Topical main point.

Go back to What's Wrong? exercise.