In academic texts there is a general convention that clusters of information are presented in a particular linear order. This might, for example, be chronological - tracing research in the field over time, or it might simply describe the steps taken in the process of your own research.

Other types of argumentation also tend to observe particular linear sequences. For example:

• we generally present old information or known information before we present new concepts;
• we generally describe a topic in broad terms before we describe it in detail;
• we generally argue in favour of something before we argue against it;
• We tend to discuss a cause before an effect; and
• We tend to state problems before we propose solutions
• We tend to argue in favour of something before we argue against it.