Weeks

1-2
Reading and Writing
Skills
Patterns of Development in

Writing across Disciplines

Lesson 5 Comparison and Contrast

Sometimes, you’ll be asked by your teachers to perform tasks which would
require you to make intelligent choices. School writing activities may require
you to do comparison and contrast, in which you focus on similarities and
differences of ideas. By assigning you such writing activities, you are
encouraged to make connections between text and ideas and engage you in
critical thinking.

What’s In
Classification as pattern of development of writing makes you associate
similar things or process by grouping them into classes or categories. Try
this! Choose the word/s that do/does not belong on each line then write a
category name for each group (i.e. rose, banana, sun flower, daisy =
banana/flowers).

1. German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Persian Siamese, Siberian Husky

2. on land, by water, by air, by bus
3. carrot, cabbage, radish, onion
4. jazz, rock, pop, ballet
5. Coins, Dollar, Yen, Franc
Each item gives you a hint over a certain category. That’s similar to our
previous lesson about exemplification and classification. However, although
these words belong to the same group, each of them have similarities and
differences, which will be the focus of this lesson on comparison and
contrast.

What’s New
Using the Venn diagram, jot down words and phrases showing similarities
and differences between Junior High School and Senior High School.

What is It
Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar while contrast in
writing discusses elements or ideas that are different. A compare-and-
contrast essay, then analyzes two subjects comparing them, contrasting
them, or both. However, its purpose is not to simply state the obvious but
rather to illustrate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two
subjects.

As a writer, you should help the readers see how these two ideas are similar
or different by showing them its advantages and disadvantages so they are
able to weigh the pros and cons before they make judgment or decision.
Take a look at this example.

Source: Jenn, Kepka, Oregon Writes Open Writing Text. 2015, accessed May 21, 2020,
https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/oregonwrites/chapter/comparison -and-contrast/

My sisters are as different as yin and yang in terms of personality,

appearance and intelligence. Tina, the middle child in the family, prefers
staying at home than going out with her friends. She is slim, petite and has
dark skin. As she is not sociable, she finds friends with the characters from
the books she reads most of the time. In addition, she is very clever in
subjects like Math and Science which made her graduate with Highest
Honors from Senior High School. In contrast, my youngest sister, Joni, is the
opposite. She has an outgoing and friendly personality. There is never a dull
moment as she is always ready with stories to tell. She is tall with a round
plump face and fair skin. Being the youngest in the family, she is often asked
to perform during family gatherings since she sings and dances well. My
sisters may be different from each other but they adore one another.

There are two common ways to organize comparison/contrast paragraph or

essay. The Block Method is used to compare and contrast two subjects one
at a time. You may begin by saying everything you have to say about the
first subject you are discussing then move on and write everything about
your second subject. If you are writing a short paragraph or essay, you might
be able to fit all of your points about each item. However, if you would want
to address one subject at a time, you may use Point-by-point comparison.
Some cohesive devices you can use in showing similarities are likewise,
similar to, same with, like, in the same manner. To show contrast, cue words
such as: on the other hand, however, while, different with, in contrast and
the like.

Source: Williams, Madalyn. February 21, 2017, accessed May 20, 2020
https://prezi.com/hdigz1iuziht/comparing-the-block-method-and-the-point-by-point-method/

What’s More
Create compare-and-contrast paper outline using either Point-by-point or
Block Method by comparing or contrasting Junior High School and Senior
High School. Be guided by the rubric below.

Description Highest point Your Score

Has a clear and strong-hook topic sentence 5 points
Evidences and examples are specific 3 points
Has no errors in grammar, spelling and 2 points
punctuation marks
Total 10 points
What I Have Learned
Complete the following statements to summarize what you have learned in
this lesson.
• A compare-and-contrast writing analyzes two subjects by __________.
• The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state
what seems so obvious about the things being compared but __________.
• The two main organizing strategies for comparison-and-contrast writing
are:
__________ and __________.

What I Can Do
Write a five (5) to seven (7) sentence paragraph based on the outline you
created regarding the similarity/difference of Junior High School and Senior
High School.
Description Highest point Your Score
Has appropriate quality of well-organized 5 points
points to support the topic
Uses specified format/style 3 points
Grammar, spelling and punctuation marks are 2 points
correct
Total 10 points

Additional Activities
Brainstorm an essay topic leaning towards comparison or contrast. Choose
one among the three items then come up with at least one similarity and
three differences. The rubric in “What’s More” segment may still apply to
this activity.

• Cell phone units and brands

• Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants
• Enrolling in college or getting employed after Senior High
School

Lesson 6 Cause and Effect

Reasons and results are two things that interest readers. Thus, it is
important for writers like you to learn how paragraphs of this kind should be
developed.

What’s In
We have learned in our previous lesson that the use of comparison and
contrast in developing paragraph is very effective when you want to show
similarities and difference between two ideas. Although a comparison and
contrast essay is set to demonstrate both similarities as well as differences,
sometimes it only shows similarities, and at other times, only differences.

The next pattern of paragraph development focuses on how you can state
details through giving reasons or results of a topic.
What’s
New
Read the passage carefully. Then, complete the diagram below.
Discoveries and invention of devices are always welcome until we, humans,
find a way to abuse its benefits and be adversely affected by it. This was the
case when Wilhelm Roentgen discovered x-ray and within five years, the
British Army was using a mobile x-ray unit to locate bullets and shrapnel in
wounded soldiers in the Sudan. TV was also invented with positive thoughts
in mind – there would be no national borders, education and communication
would be worldwide, etc. However, we are now trying to overcome its
physiological and psychological adverse effects on human beings.
(Excerpt: Emmanuel Tatah Mentan, English Essay Writing Handbook Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse,
2019.) CAUSE EFFECT

Answer the following questions on a separate sheet.

1. What is the main idea of the text?
2. What states the cause of the idea?
3. What states the results of the idea?
What is It
Cause and Effect is a text development pattern which explains why
something happens. It also states what results a particular event produces. It
usually gives a statement emphasizing the cause and another emphasizing
the effect.
The following guide questions can be used for cause-effect development:

• Why did it happen?

• What caused it?
• What does it cause?
• What are the effects?
• How is it related to something else?

Further, in developing your texts you can use signal words like as a
consequence of, as a result of, because, because of, now that and since to
express cause while accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, and

this resulted in to signify effects. What’s More

Put a check (✓) if the item is suited for a cause-and-effect text or a cross (x)
if not.
1. How to play drums
2. Impact to technology in education
3. Importance of daily reading habit
4. Increased drop-out rate in a school.
5. The act of kindness

What I Have Learned

Complete the given statements to sum up your learning for this lesson.
1. Cause and effect is a text development pattern explains ___________
something happens and states ___________results a particular event
produces.
2. ___________focuses on: why did the topic happen; what caused it; what
does it cause; what are its effects; and, how is it related to something
else.
3. Signal words used in introducing cause include: _______________________
4. Signal words used in introducing effect include: _______________________
What I
Can Do
Typhoon Yolanda took the lives of over 6,300 Filipinos and displaced
thousand others. Write a five-sentence paragraph that explains why there
were so many casualties even when they were warned of a storm surge. Use
cause and effect pattern of development. The rubric below may be used in
this output.

5 points 3 points 1 point

The paragraph states
The paragraph states The paragraph states no cause and effect
cause and effect and cause and effect but and it uses
all transitional devices few transitional inappropriate
are properly used. devices are used. transitional devices.

Additional Activities
Reflect on the quote: “Working out of cause and effect is eternal” (Deepak
Chopra). Develop a cause-and-effect paragraph to express your insights
about this. The previous rubric may still be used for this writing task.

Lesson 7 Problem-Solution
In this lesson, you are expected to plan, structure, and write interesting and
meaningful paragraphs applying the problem-solution pattern in your essays
about different topics, issues or recent developments in various fields.

What’s In
With your previous learning about cause-and-effect pattern of development,
you can readily write a full-blown essay addressing any issue that interests
you. After answering the “why” and the “what happened”, we now move on
to the “how” – how will we do things and how can we resolve issues or
concerns around us. This time, you will apply the problem-solution pattern of
development.

What’s New
Read the essay below. Identify the problem/s and solution/s cited in the
passage
Healing a Child’s Stitches and Burns
By Emerson T. Armero
There can be no doubt that a large number of CIFL or children in conflict
with the law may commit more juvenile crimes despite the intense effort of
teachers, the barangays, the police and the guidance offices. This poses a huge
challenge to government authorities and the whole society as well since these
minors are protected by law and should not be harmed by all means.
Basically, while being interrogated upon, these child offenders do not take
their case seriously. They sometimes treat their offense as a practical joke
similar to an amusing snapchat or a tiktok moment. Others consider their
waywardness as part of their growing up years – their being young, wild and
free. And they blend with the other CIFL regulars, thereby establishing an
organization of future gangsters. Unfortunately, they are not given the chance to
reform their character because they cannot go to jail and should be with their
parents’ custody within 24 hours. Additionally, some of them turn to substance
abuse.
There might be two doable solutions to overcome the problem mentioned
in the previous paragraphs. The first step would be to give them the opportunity
to intensely rehabilitate and provide educational programs suited to their needs
and abilities which will prepare them in the harsh realities of life. It is also
equally important that they get the full support and encouragement of their
parents and fellow learners.
It is reasonable to conclude that education still paves the way for CIFL
learners to mend their ways. Furthermore, it is still everybody’s responsibility to
help them change, to motivate them to change and stay away from temptations
that may inevitably arise.

What is It
A problem/solution essay presents a problem, usually discussing several
aspects of the problem, then concludes by discussing solutions to the
problem. The problem may be addressed in the following ways:
Effects only  Describe the problem only in terms of its effects.
 Use examples.
Causes and • Outline the causes of the problem.
effects • Discuss solutions in terms of preventive measures.
Extended  After a topic sentence, illustrate the problem by using an
example extended example (through a story or an anecdote from your
introduction).

The solutions may be presented in various ways and you have to think about
which way would be the most appropriate for the particular problem you are
discussing.

Here are some ways to present solutions:

Preventive • Ways to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place
measures • For example: How to prevent Covid-19
A series of • Suggest the easiest and most obvious solution first, but if that
steps doesn’t work, try something else, etc.
• For example: if you have a neighbor who does not wear mask
nor practice social distancing, you might first talk to him/her; if
that doesn’t work, arrange for a mediator; etc. (a last resort
might be to call the police).
Advice  Give some advice and helpful hints.
A choice of  Include solutions that have already been tried, have been
solutions unsuccessful, and new solutions which you are proposing.

The following transitional devices can also help you develop your text.
 Introduction Middle Section/ Conclusion
Body
 Nowadays… • For instance… • In conclusion…
 It is a common trend that… • Such as/like… • To conclude…
 Society is becoming • Namely… • To sum up…
increasingly concerned
about…
What’s More
Choose a specific problem in your place and try to propose solutions for it.
Write your insights in a short paragraph following the problem-and-solution
pattern of development. Make use of correct transitional devices in your
text. Be guided by the rubric below.
5 points 3 points 1 point
The paragraph states
The paragraph states The paragraph states no cause and effect
cause and effect and cause and effect but and it uses
all transitional devices few transitional inappropriate
are properly used. devices are used. transitional devices.

What I Have Learned

Arrange the following steps in developing a problem-and-solution text.
_____ Brainstorm to identify several solutions.
_____ Gather supporting information.
_____ Define the problem to be solved.
_____ Decide how to organize your writing.
_____ Write a thesis statement.
_____ Support your thesis with examples and details.
_____ Write a strong conclusion.

Additional Activities
List down the top three problems of millennials today. Then propose possible
solutions to each of your identified problem. You can use this as a
springboard in writing a problem-solution text.

Lesson 8 Persuasive

What’s In
By this time, you should have learned seven different patterns of paragraph
development. The latest of which is the problem-solution text, which focuses
on either a problem or solution in a particular area or situation. It a type of
text expressed as a dilemma or concerning issue (problem) and something
that was, can be, or should be done to remedy this issue (solution or
attempted solution).
The last pattern of paragraph development featured in this module focuses
on how you can state details through presenting your views and encouraging
your target readers to accept your argument.

What’s New
Complete the table below after reading the paragraph.

Is iPhone 11 worth spending? One of the company’s recent novelties is

the iPhone 11 – a newer and more advanced version of the most
popular phone in the world. However, the previous model – iPhone XR
– seemed to have been satisfying people’s needs just fine as well. So,
what is the difference?

ISSUE ARGUMEN EVIDENCES

T

Now, answer the following questions:

1. What is the main idea of the text?
2. What issue has been presented in the text?

3. What does the text want us to do? What is It

Persuasive text can be in the form of an argument, discussion, exposition,
review or even an advertisement.

In developing your own persuasive text, a writer must first state the issue.
This will serve as a background information about the topic. Then, it should
be followed by a clear, strong and specific argument.

An argument is one’s claim or position that can either support or reject the
issue previously stated. Arguments shall be supported with a well-
researched evidences, which will give details on how and why it supports
the argument. Evidences can be factual, logical, statistical or anecdotal in
nature. It can also explain counterarguments not because the writer wants to
prove which claims are wrong or right but to enlighten the readers about
other positions.

Lastly, a conclusion restating the main argument of the text will be the end
of the text. This will be your final statement to persuade your readers.

Some guide questions in constructing a persuasive text include:

• What is the issue?
• What is your position or opinion?
• What is the opposing position/opinion?
• What are some reasons for your position/opinion?
• What are some cases or examples that support this? What’s
More
Read the text below and identify the issue, the argument/s and conclusion.

When we consider the ubiquity of cellphones, iPods, personal computers and

the internet, it’s easy to see how science (and the technology to which it
leads) is woven into the fabric of our day-to-day activities. When we benefit
from CT scanners, M.R.I. devices, pacemakers and arterial stents, we can
immediately appreciate how science affects the quality of our lives. When we
assess the state of the world, and identify looming challenges like climate
change, global pandemics, security threats and diminishing resources, we
don’t hesitate in turning to science to gauge the problems and find solutions.
And when we look at the wealth of opportunities hovering on the horizon—
stem cells, genomic sequencing, personalized medicine, longevity research,
nanoscience, brain-machine interface, quantum computers, space
technology—we realize how crucial it is to cultivate a general public that can
engage with scientific issues; there’s simply no other way that as a society
we will be prepared to make informed decisions on a range of issues that will
shape the future. (from
"Argumentative Essay," Literary Devices, last modified May 22,
2020, https://literarydevices.net/argumentative-essay/.)
What I Have
Learned
Complete the statements to sum up your key learning for this lesson.
1. __________ is a type of paragraph development that focuses on
presenting points of view
2. An __________ serves as a background information about the topic.
3. An __________ is one’s claim or position that can either support or reject
the issue previously stated.
4. Arguments shall be supported with a well-researched __________.
5. A __________ restating the main argument of the text will be the end of
the text.
What I Can
Do
Choose an item or a product that you frequently use. Develop a persuasive
text by making a transcript for product advertisement. The rubric below may
be used for your output.

5 points 3 points 1 point

The paragraph states The paragraph states The paragraph states no
persuasive text and it uses persuasive text and it little persuasive text and it does
appropriate arguments and uses appropriate not use appropriate
evidences. arguments and evidences. arguments and evidences.

Additional Activities
Write a persuasive text to encourage incoming senior high school to choose
the strand you are enrolled in. The rubric in the previous activity may still be
used for this writing task.

Assessment
A. Choose the correct transitional devices. Write your answers on a
separate paper.
a. So b. Due to c. First d. When
e. Where f. Second g. Lastly h. Similarly
 During my younger years of being a diligent worker, I would spend at least 10
hours working in the office and I would even bring home some paper works. Until,
one day I was brought to the hospital 1. _________ I experienced more anxieties. My
attending physician told me that I collapsed 2. _________ stress. 3. ________, I started
to follow my doctor’s advice. 4. ______ to spend at least three times a week for
exercise. 5. Another is to take stock of internal stressors I could control. 6. ________ is
to use meditation techniques whenever I felt overwhelmed and make sure that I got
sufficient rest. Lastly, is to take time to do things I enjoy. 7. _________, to pursue
some hobbies and pleasures to live a more balanced lifestyle.

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on your answer
sheet.

8. Which text focuses on presenting points of view and seeks on encouraging

its readers to accept a particular argument or act in a particular way?
A. Persuasive C. Cause and Effect
B. Problem-solution D. Comparison and Contrast
9. Which written text involves sensory images to figure out something?
A. Description C. Narration
B. Definition D. Problem Solution
10. What pattern shows similarities and differences of two subjects in a
paragraph?
A. Comparison and Contrast C. Narration
B. Cause and Effect D. Problem Solution
11. When giving the full meaning of a certain topic, which pattern is applicable?
A. Description C. Narration
B. Definition D. Problem Solution
12. If you were to tell a story, which pattern of paragraph development would
you use?
A. Description C. Narration
B. Definition D. Problem- Solution
13. What pattern presents the reasons and possible results of an event?
A. Description C. Narration
B. Cause and Effect D. Problem Solution
14. In this section, you need to mention an overview of the problem, the why of
the problem, and who should be concerned about the problem.
A. Introduction C. conclusion
B. middle section D. exposition
15. Which would best suit a text that aims to discuss the taxonomy of a group
of fossils that were recently discovered by a paleontologist?
A. Comparison and Contrast C. Narration
B. Classification D. Problem Solution