We　propose　a　scheme　for　generation　of　the　W　state　and　the　Greenberger-Horn-Zeilinger　(GHZ)　state　of　atomic　ensembles.　The　scheme　is　based　on　the　dynamics　of　a　single　control　atom　and　atomic　ensembles　interacting　with　a　nonresonant　cavity　mode.　By　choosing　the　appropriate　parameters,　the　effective　Hamiltonian　describing　the　interaction　between　the　control　atom　and　the　atomic　modes　shows　complete　analogy　with　the　Jaynes-Cummings　Hamiltonian.　The　required　time　for　preparing　the　W　state　(GHZ　state)　keeps　unchanged　(increases　linearly)　with　the　increase　of　the　number　of　atomic　ensembles.　The　effects　of　dissipation　and　the　detuning　between　the　atomic　modes　and　the　control　atom　on　the　prepared　states　are　analyzed　by　numerical　simulation.　©　2013　Elsevier　B.V.　All　rights　reserved.