Patterns of Organization Exercise 4

Read the selection to determine the patterns of organization and the signals used to indicate the pattern.

Suicide is the taking of one's own life intentionally, and it has become a phenomenon of great concern in America. In 1997, suicide became the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, in 1997, over 30,000 deaths were attributed to suicide compared to 19,000 homicides or murders. Many people attempt suicide and fail; approximately a half-million Americans attempt suicide each year, but do not succeed. Those most likely to commit suicide in America are white men over the age of 65; however, of great concern is the fact that since 1980 the suicide rate of children between the ages of 10 and 14 has doubled.