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Patterns OF Development Module 1

AB English (Camarines Norte State College)

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PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT/MODES OF PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT

When we write, we have a purpose in mind. Some of the most common purposes are to inform, to entertain,
and to persuade. It is important for us to know our purpose because it would guide the way we develop ideas in our
composition. Depending on your purpose—what you want to accomplish—you can use several methods of
development.

Hence, before you are able to write about your topic of choice, it is important to be acquainted with various
patterns of development. Knowing these different patterns would not only allow you to appreciate the texts you read
but help you to develop your own original works too. You can also control your paragraphs more successfully if you are
familiar with the patterns of developing a paragraph.

Development is the process by which you support or explain the central idea of a paragraph, essay, or other
piece of writing.

This lesson will help you to distinguish between and among patterns of development in writing across the
disciplines.

In this lesson, you will learn about the different patterns of development/organization that will help you write
an essay for a specific purpose. Basically, the four types of discourse are: narration, description, exposition, and
argumentation.

We cannot just put all our ideas together. They need to flow well and hang together to form a unified whole.
Hence, it is important for us to learn how to develop our paragraphs. Simply put, we must use patterns of
development—patterns a writer uses to express his/her ideas in a coherent and effective manner.

Patterns of development are methods of organization that writers use to organize their ideas about a topic.
In other words, patterns of developments are the logical arrangement of ideas. The pattern helps you follow ideas
easily and understand a text better. The selection of patterns of development in writing is dependable on the writer’s
purpose. In determining the pattern of development of ideas in a text, note the signal words used for these may help
you identify the pattern of development. Remember: Each method/pattern can be used separately or in
combination with any of the others.

A. NARRATION – A narrative paragraph or essay tells a story and explains how something happened. Narration is
drawn upon by the inherent human need to tell and share stories largely for entertainment. What makes a narrative
effective and memorable is in the writer’s skill to pace the story and also in the story’s relevance to anyone who would
read it.

Telling a story, whether real or fictional, is what you do in narrative writing. you use your memory and imagination
to not just create stories, but also to interpret them. Any narrative has to have vivid description of details,
consistent point of view, and verb tense, and a well-defined point or significance. The most effective narratives
do not just have vividness, consistency, and significance; they are those which continuously pique the reader’s curiosity,
tickle one’s imagination, and leave an indelible mark in the reader’s memory.

Narration, in its basic definition, is storytelling. It is a sequence of events, not necessarily arranged in chronological
order, told by a narrator, happening in a particular place at a particular time. Narration is creating a world based on
the writer’s imagination. It is also revisiting a world based on the author’s memory. In either case, the reader is aimed
to be transported from one’s real world to the reality of the story being read.

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An effective narrative is that which makes the reader think and compel him/her to read the narrative again. To
achieve this effectiveness, writers should make sure that their narratives have a vivid description of details, a
consistent point of view, verb tense, and a well-defined point or significance.

Some examples of narration are as follows: short story, novel, biography, autobiography, news stories, legends, epics,
myths, fables, and folktales. Remember that a narrative involves six elements – characters, setting, plot, theme,
conflict, and point of view.

B. WRITING A PARAGRAPH USING DESCRIPTION (Sensory and Spatial)

Descriptive paragraphs are often used to describe what a person looks like and how s/he acts. You can also
describe a place, thing/object, or situation/event. In writing description, you should remember to create an impression
using descriptive words. Description appeals to the sense of sight. Observation is implied by description when it brings
the sense of sight (visual), touch (tactile), smell (olfactory), taste (gustatory), and hearing (auditory) to enrich the
sense of sight. Simply put, when you write a description, you create a clear picture in the reader’s mind. The reader
should be able to envision the picture that you had in your mind as the writer. To do that, you use all your senses, your
memory, and sometimes your imagination to make a picture with your words.
A descriptive pattern basically provides details on the idea by using either a sensory or spatial pattern.
Through a sensory pattern, ideas are arranged based on one or all of the five senses. A spatial pattern, on the other
hand, arranges ideas by location or physical space. Description is often paired with the narrative because a good
narrative contains description of sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and even emotions.

Sample Text 1:

I am forty years old, rather tall and I have black eyes and short black hair. I wear casual dress
as I teach students in a relaxed atmosphere. I enjoy my job because I get to meet and help so many
different people from different countries. During my spare time, I like playing badminton which I play
at least three times a week. I also love listening to classical music and I must admit that I spend a lot
of money buying new CDs! I live in a pretty mountainside town on the north of this region. I enjoy
eating great Filipino food and laughing with the likable people who live there.

Sample Text 2:

As I approached the conference registration area, I saw a young man in his early twenties,
wearing long-sleeved shirt. He greeted me with a smile, flashing his white glistening teeth. As a
smiled back at him, I noticed his dimpled face and his thin, reddish lips. He was about six feet tall
with a white complexion and a slender physique. He had so much finesse in his speech and action.

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The following signal words can help you write a good descriptive paragraph.

Properties Measurement Analogy Location

size length is like in/inside/out/outside
color width resembles above/top/atop
shape mass/weight is similar to below/under/beneath
purpose speed beside, across
near/nearby/close
behind/back of
left/middle/right
farther
on/off

Example Question: Write an essay describing the tarsier.

Introduction: Introduce what a tarsier is.
Supporting paragraphs: 1. Describe where the tarsier lives.
2. Describe the body of a tarsier.
3. Describe what the tarsier eats.
Conclusion: Summarize what a tarsier is.

EXERCISE. Whole Class Work: Choose a person in your class. Don’t tell your classmates who s/he is. Take turns. Let
your classmates ask questions to guess the person you chose.
Example:
A. Is your choice a man or a lady?
B. A man.
A. How tall is he?
B. He’s fairly short.
A. What color is his hair?
B. ……

C. DEFINITION – When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and explain what it is. Definition
gives an outright explanation of the meaning of a word by introducing or describing it within the same context.
Definition begins by stating the term (species) being explained, followed by its reference to the general category
where it belongs (genus) and ends up with its description of its unique character trait that shows its difference to
others in the same category. It explains a single idea by differentiating it from and individualizing it with the other
ideas/members of its class. With more details and examples added, the definition is made clear, more vivid, and
more interesting to the readers. Using definition to develop an idea helps to clarify and explain concepts by
answering the question “What does it mean?” Take note of the term to be defined and the detailed explanation of
the term, as these are the most important parts of this pattern. This pattern explains the information through the
use of illustrations, examples, and descriptions. It may also include one or more different patterns.

Signal words for definition:

- “is defined as”  A pest is defined as any animal or pest that damages crops, forests, or property.
- “is a kind of”  Jazz is a kind of music that is lively and inviting.
- Other signal words: “is,” “means,” “refers to,” “to define”

Sample Text 1:

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Social engineering is defined as any method which tricks people to share personal information through the use
of technology. The ‘social’ component in this scheme means that there is reliance on various psychological tricks and
on the gullibility of users rather than technical hacking. Social engineering also refers to various malicious acts online,
such as phishing, spamming, and pretexting.

Sample Text 2:

A stunt is a complex set of movements that may include tumbling, lifting, forming pyramids, and other
remarkable physical feats. Most stunts are done by two or more persons who are assigned with different tasks.

TYPES OF DEFINITION

1. Formal definition – this consists of two parts: general class (genus) and distinguishing characteristics
(differentia). Genus refers to the classification of the word, term, or concept defined. For example, when you
define the word ‘chair,’ its genus or category is furniture. Its differentia is that it is made to sit on, unlike a
table which is another piece of furniture that is made for other purposes such as a dining table where we can
eat or an office table where we can work.

Below is a definition paragraph wherein photosynthesis is defined. Notice how the two parts such as genus and
differentia are integrated into the paragraph.

Photosynthesis is a process by which plants manufacture their own food. Every plant has a chlorophyll,
a green coloring pigment found in the plant’s leaves. Chlorophyll traps the sunlight that is needed in
manufacturing food. It also absorbs some water essential in producing food.

2. Informal definition – this type of definition does not follow any format. You can start providing the meaning
of a term or a concept by citing examples or details. You may also be creative in defining meaning by using
similes and metaphors. To give you an idea on how informal definition is written, you may read the sample
that follows.

Vacation

Vacation has different meanings to different people. For students, vacation is a relief from stressful
schoolwork, e.g., tests, quizzes, projects, and homework. For parents, it is a time for relaxation, freedom from the
responsibilities of preparing meals for kids as they go to school and of helping them with their school assignments. For
the religious, vacation is a time for prayer, a communication with God, a recollection, a retreat, and a renewal of their
commitment to serve God and his people. Finally, for the excursionists, vacation is an opportunity to travel to some
places to see their beauty and the amenities they offer. It is also a time to get immersed in others’ cultures to learn
their history, values, traditions, and customs.

Reading the paragraph above, we get to see from different lenses various meanings of vacation. Vacation, then,
is defined informally. Words like relief, time, and opportunity all refer to vacation.

D. CLASSIFICATION/DIVISION– When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas into specific
categories. A classification paragraph or essay explains a subject by dividing it into types or categories. This
classification pattern organizes information about a topic dividing it into parts. This pattern can be used when
classifying people, objects, events, things, places, and other items.

Classification paragraph is used when a writer wants to group, classify, specify, and categorize things or ideas.

Classification and Division Paragraphs develop ideas by grouping similar things or concepts by classes. This kind of
pattern also breaks down the main idea into smaller thoughts to make the main idea of the text easier to understand.

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Example Question: Write an essay discussing the three types of local government in the Philippines.
Introduction: Give background information about local government in the Philippines.
Supporting paragraphs: 1. Define and describe the provincial government.
2. Define and describe the municipal government.
3. Define and describe the barangay government.
Conclusion: Summarize the local government in the Philippines.

Other examples: Types of Shoppers, Branches of Science, Types of Schools, Bodies of Water, etc.

Signal words for classification:

can be divided into fits into

falls under is grouped with
belongs to the first category
is a part of another kind, this type
classified as, can be categorized as the last group

Sample Text 1:

Earthquakes can be classified into three main types based on the plate movements. The first type is known as a
convergent boundary. Also known as destructive plate boundary, this type of earthquake happens when two tectonic
plates move toward one another and collide. The second type of earthquake is called the divergent boundary. During
this type of earthquake, two plates are forced to move away from each other resulting in a rift zone. The last type is
called the conservative plate boundary or transform fault. During this type of earthquake, two tectonic plates slide
past one another.

Sample Text 2:

There are many types of stringed instruments. The violin family is made up of the violin, viola, cello, and
double bass. Fretted instruments (frets are strips that show players where to put their hands) include the banjo,
mandolin, lute, ukulele, and guitar. Related to these instruments are the lyre and the harp. The dulcimer, zither, and
psaltery form another family, whose strings are stretched over flat sound boxes. Finally, there are the keyboard
stringed instruments such as the piano, clavichord, and harpsichord.

D. WRITING A PARAGRAPH USING EXAMPLE/EXEMPLIFICATION/ILLUSTRATION

When we use this development pattern, we use a deductive form of reasoning by supporting our central and
main ideas with specific examples. The point is that the examples we provide should support and elaborate on our
central and main ideas. This develops a general statement – the topic sentence with one or more concrete examples.
Not only do these examples illustrate and explain the topic sentence, but they also make your writing more interesting
and more convincing. An example paragraph or essay makes a point about a topic by providing examples to support it.
listing, enumerating, and giving examples are very useful techniques in elaborating a topic or a subject.
Elaboration or explanation by giving examples is called exemplification. Exemplification as a mode of paragraph
development is very useful in discussing complex topics by way of enumerating or listing subtopics that are considered
familiar to the target readers. This pattern organizes ideas in a paragraph by showing instances and cases to clarify
the main idea of the paragraph.
An exemplification pattern presents the general statement and then provides specific and concrete examples to
expound on the main idea. Simply put, this pattern is used to provide an example of something. Examples may take the
form of stories, researches, statistics, or testimonies.

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Sample Text: Spices and herbs can be added to foods to improve their taste. Various dishes are usually enhanced with
salt and pepper or basil and oregano. A simple pasta dish becomes more appetizing with just a dash of freshly ground
pepper and an extra garnishing of cilantro.
A very practical purpose or function of explication is that examples can make abstract ideas more
understandable to human perception. Exemplification can also provide specific instances to support a claim. The
following are some techniques that you can use as evidence to establish credibility in your arguments.
Visual Illustrations – these appeal to the sense of sight. Since the eyesight is given primacy over the other human
senses, you can use visual illustrations to concretize abstract concepts like poverty and love.
Facts – facts are concepts, ideas, and statements that are generally assumed true, real, and/or existing. Facts given as
examples are very useful in supporting your point as most people accept these facts as already part of reality that they
are usually uncontested. To support your proposal of having air condition units installed in classrooms, for example,
cite the facts that the Philippines is a tropical country and so it is generally warm all year round, and that summer
days, particularly in April and May, have temperatures of at least 30 degree Celsius which can cause dizziness and
fainting spells.
Anecdotes – anecdotes are brief narratives within a piece of writing. They do not necessarily serve as the focus;
rather, as supporting points or claims that explain or elaborate the author’s intended argument. Anecdotes are
powerful instruments of persuasion. They are told based on the author’s own memory and portrays him/her in a very
relatable and understandable way because anecdotes, ultimately, humanizes the storyteller.
Details – detailing entails analyzing, which is the process of breaking down a concept or idea into its constituent
parts. When enumerating details, you zoom in and focus on the minute parts.
Opinions – as opposed to facts, opinions are individual interpretations of people on certain events, situations, ideas,
and/or concepts. Opinions naturally vary from one person to another due to people’s different backgrounds and
personalities. While not as pertinent support as facts, opinions can still have the power to make a claim well-founded
as these are first-hand reactions or reviews from people.
Observations – similar to describing, observations also make use of description --- appealing to the five senses.
Observations can be done anytime. All you need are your five senses.
In summary, visual illustrations, facts, anecdotes, details, opinions, and observations are some examples that a
writer can use as techniques for exemplification to concretize ideas and concepts.

Signal Words for Exemplification

after all for instance namely that is
as an example in other words put another way to be specific
consider the following in particular specifically to clarify
for example in short stated differently to illustrate

Sample Text:
While the Internet offers so many benefits to man, it also has its downsides. One of these is phishing, which
refers to the act of obtaining personal information, such as passwords and credit card details, through online means.
In other words, phishing is a form of cybercrime. As an example, let us consider the case of Mr. X. He received an email
stating that his Gmail account has been compromised and that he needed to click a link to update personal
information. If Mr. X clicks on the link, his personal information will be illegally acquired by cybercriminals.
E. WRITING PARAGRAPHS BY COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

The comparison-contrast pattern is used when similarities and differences of two or more actions, ideas, or
events are being discussed. In other words, this explains how two or more subjects are similar or different.

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Comparison entails dealing with the similarities or likeness of at least two subjects. Contrast, on the other hand, is
tackling the differences between or among topics. A paragraph may discuss only similarities or only differences.

Example 1: Paragraph showing differences:

Most beginning colleges students quickly realize that college is different from high school. They can build their
own time schedules, choose their own instructors, and decide whether to attend classes. In high school however,
freedom is more restricted. Most high schools operate within a controlled time frame; teachers and students are
assigned, not selected by the students, and class attendance is required.

Example 2: Paragraph that compares

Tina and her father are both canny consumers. They grocery shop together because they share similar delight
in reading labels. Tina’s suspicion of fancy packaging is like her father’s. Also, both can spot a bargain four aisles off!

Preparing a chart can help you organize information before writing a paragraph that compares. Study this
chart below:

Categories Sling Bag Back Pack

1. Cost P150.00 P250.00
2. Versatility Limited Greater
3. Capacity Few things More things

Example 3: Paragraph showing both similarities and differences

Divina thought over whether to buy a sling bag or a back pack. The sling bag costs only P150.00, compared to
the P250.00 price tag on the back pack. However, the back pack was more useful than the sling bag. On the other hand,
the sling bag could carry her things. Divina preferred to put all her books and notebooks in a back pack.

Note that the things being compared, the sling bag and the back pack, are included in the topic sentence. The
comparison inside the chart become the detail sentences.

When you write a comparison-contrast paragraph, try to determine if the paragraph you wrote clarifies one
item or idea by comparing and contrasting. You can expect to find the comparison and contrast in social science
articles where government, economics, cultures, groups, behavior, etc. are studied. Many literary essays also use this
pattern.

The following signal words can help you write a good comparison and contrast paragraph:

Similarities Differences
is similar to, the same on one hand, on the other hand
both however, nevertheless, although
also but, while, yet
too, just as so in contrast, otherwise
as well (as), like, likewise differs from
while unlike, whereas
equally, similarly as opposed to, on the contrary
in a similar fashion/in the same way/manner conversely

Comparison and contrast also banks so much on the use of figurative language as the use of such adds artistic
and literary value to, and deepens the meaning and interpretation of discourse.

A simile is done when there is a direct comparison between or among objects. Expressions with similes are almost
always done with the use of the words “like” and “as.”

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Examples:

She was a peasant girl like Joan of Arc.

Your eyes are as bright as the stars in the night sky.

As opposed to simile, a metaphor is done when there is an indirect comparison between or among objects.

Example: Time is gold. (Time is being described as having the same high value as gold.)

Analogy is a common technique that writers use to demonstrate comparison and contrast. It is a comparison between
two things that are similar in some way, often used to explain something or make it easier to understand.

Examples: Just as a sword is the weapon of a warrior, a pen is the weapon of a writer.

My friend is a wilting flower. She was a bud, full of anticipation for all the eyes that will glorify its beauty. Once
it bloomed, it showed splendor to everyone who cared to look. But after a while, all the bees and butterflies found
better things to do and left the poor flower alone. Now, she is wallowing in self-pity and despair.

Personification is done when non-humans (e.g. animals, inanimate objects, abstractions) are assigned human
characteristics and/or actions. Personification literally means “the process of making something human.”

Examples: Love is blind, time is a betrayer – a villain, the wind is howling.

Writers do a creative approach in using comparison and contrast through the use of figurative language.
These add color and a deeper meaning to what the author is trying to point out in a given piece of writing.
F. DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH USING CAUSE AND EFFECT (CAUSAL ANALYSIS)

Causal Analysis means identifying the causes and effects of a particular situation, event, or phenomenon. A
cause is what prompted something to happen. An effect is what yielded after something else took place.

Another method of paragraph development is the cause and effect framework. Cause and effect shows the
relationship between two things when one thing makes the other thing happen. This pattern explains the reasons
(causes) why something happened and describes the results/consequences (effects) of an event, action, or
condition. If you can put the two things into a sentence using “if… then…”, then you have the requirements for cause
and effect.

Cause-effect paragraph is also called as explanatory paragraph because you need to explain how or why
something happens. Very often in social studies classes, you will be asked to explore the causes and effects of certain
events.

When using this paragraph development tool, we may opt to focus on one or the other.

For instance:

If you will not review for your examination, then most likely you will fail.

Example 1: Cause

Before she could stop herself, Mila blurted, “I think the theme for the dance is boring.” The remarks brought the
entire committee to a shocked stop. Four heads turned towards Mila. Jess said finally, “Mila, maybe you don’t belong on
the Dance Committee.”

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The topic sentence tells Mila blurted her opinion. It states the cause. The details tell what happened as a result
of Mila’s remark. These are the effects. They are listed in a logical order.

Example 2: Cause and Effect

Filipinos move continuously to the United States because they want to have better living conditions there. The
large influx of people the U.S. was due to economic pressures in the Philippines. Living conditions were terrible.
Consequently, many Filipinos move to the United States.

The topic sentence tells that Filipinos moved to the U.S. It states the effect. The details tell the reasons why
Filipinos had to move out. These are the causes.

Sample Text:

The advancement of technology and economy has created major changes in modern society. One of these
changes is globalization. As we know, globalization has affected the world in many ways. First, it served as a catalyst
to worldwide trading, thus allowing countries to access foreign products. Although this had positive effects, it also
posed a real threat to the merchandise of local traders. Second, globalization affected the financial market. As a result ,
different countries had more access to funds, and the exchange in national currencies dramatically increased. Finally,
globalization also led to the privatization of various facilities, such as public health institutions. These institutions
were being privatized due to the idea that the private sector can better manage and provide health services. In
consequence, health policies become more and more of a commodity on a global scale.

The following signal words can help you to write a good cause-effect paragraph:

Cause Effect
because therefore
since thus
as a result of consequently, as a consequence, in
consequence
is due to hence
is caused by If … then
the first cause/reason as a result (of this), because (of this)
(second, third, …)
another factor another outcome is …

EXERCISE (Written) Copy any of the following topic sentences. It tells an effect. Then list only the details that give
causes for the effect. Write three causes for the effect. Develop these in a paragraph.

1. Street children become snatchers.

2. Beverly speaks English proficiently.

G. WRITING A PARAGRAPH USING PROBLEM-SOLUTION

One practical application of Causal Analysis is a Problem-Solution type of paper. This pattern is similar to
Causal Analysis in such a way that we present (or often persuade) our readers of a specific problem and the reasons
why it is a problem. We then move to enumerating possible solutions to the problem. A problem-solution paragraph or
essay identifies a problem (cause) and proposes one or more solutions (effect). In other instances, the problem could
also be the effect of another event and/or the solution could be the cause of another. In either case, the situation can

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result to a causal chain (domino effect) in which multiple sets of cause and effect are somehow connected to each
other.
A problem-solution pattern organizes ideas into problems and proposed solutions. The problem section usually
includes the what, who, when, why, and how of the problem. The other part then presents the major effects of the
problem and the possible solutions to address it, as well as the steps in implementing the solution. Note not to use the
first person point of view in this pattern.
The following signal words will help you in identifying this pattern.

Signal Words for Problem-Solution

but nonetheless one solution is the problem
first, second … one reason for the … one way is the solution

Sample Text:
Today, most of the energy resources we have are generated from coal, oil, and natural gas. However, these
resources are limited. If continuously consumed at an alarming rate, fossil fuels necessary for generating power to
operate vehicles and factories will run out before long. Nonetheless, this problem can be resolved through the use of
alternative sources of energy and conservation efforts. First, using alternative sources of energy such as solar energy
and fusion energy would lesson pollution. These alternatives are actually more accessible and cost-efficient. Although
there are some potential risks in using fusion energy, these risks can be mitigated by implementing strict safety
measures. The second solution that governments can adopt is the enhancement of conservation efforts. To do this,
governments need to make the public more aware of the benefits of conservation, as well as ways of conserving energy,
such as recycling. Laws can also be passed to mandate the public and all stakeholders to recycle energy.
H. WRITING A PARAGRAPH USING PERSUASION (ARGUMENT)
A persuasive paragraph or essay tries to persuade the reader to accept your point of view or even to change his
or her point of view. The persuasion pattern organizes ideas to show how a set of evidence leads to a logical conclusion
or argument. Specifically, this pattern presents the issue, the position, and the supporting evidence that supports the
position. Make sure to check these three essential elements while reading a persuasion text. The use of persuasion as a
mode of paragraph development is based on the assumption that all essays are essentially assertive; the writer
always, whether consciously or not, fights for something in his/her paper.
Persuasive writing shows your readers your side of an issue, why should they agree with it, or why they
should take a certain action. First, you state your position clearly. Then you give facts, opinions, or reasons that
support it. You must back up your opinion with specific details so the reader knows why you feel the way you do.
Take the argument of air-conditioning all classrooms in your school, as an example. To support this position
with argumentation, mention the fact that the Philippines generally has a humid, tropical weather. Also, mention that
that with the advent of the 2015 ASEAN Integration, it won’t be long until virtually all institutions of learning in the
country would follow the August-May academic calendar shift to coincide with the rest of the ASEAN members’
academic schedule, with the goal of producing globally-competitive graduates. This means that there will be classes in
April and in May, the hottest months of summer. To cater to the teachers’ and the students’ needs, air-conditioning is
very much needed in classroom.
Argumentation is the use of facts and logic to convince an audience while in persuasion, there is an addition
of using emotional appeal or pathos.
Appealing to logic, or to known facts generally accepted as the truth, is known as logos (i.e., reference to
statistics, scholarly articles, case studies, etc.) Appealing to the emotions-particularly pity and compassion-of your
listener, on the other hand, is utilizing pathos (i.e., use of anecdotes, use of dramatic monologues, accompaniment of

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emotionally-stirring background music, etc.) Last is appealing to your credibility (source credibility/authority) or to
what your listener already knows about you, is what is called ethos.
It is your choice which of the three aforementioned you would utilize to defend your situation. However, a good
strategy is to combine all these appeals (logos, pathos, and ethos).
Persuasion, as a mode of paragraph development, is almost always coupled with argumentation.
Argumentation make use of logos, or appealing to the audience’s logic; that is, when you argue, you use facts, and
well-supported and well-developed claims to support an argument. Persuasion, on the other hand, makes use of
pathos or appealing to the audience’s emotions (pity and compassion).
Besides logos and pathos, there is another appeal that must be mentioned and that is ethos, the appeal to
credibility. Having ethos means that as a source of information, you are credible, reputable, and respectable. You build
your reputation through honesty and sound judgement. This is where sufficient research (evidence) and effective
reasoning come in. Research means you know more than enough facts to support your arguments. Reasoning, on the
other hand, is the handling of knowledge and how you deliver it effectively to your audience.
When in the position of defending a stance, keep in mind that there are three types of audience that you have
to cater to. These types are the supportive audience, the wavering audience, and the hostile audience.
A. The Supportive Audience means you have spectators who are already briefed on the issue at hand. You no
longer need to tackle the nitty-gritty of your topic as your audience is already informed. Also, you can assume
that there is a very big possibility that they will side with your claims and arguments; hence, they are
supportive. Logos is not much needed in this kind of situation. Instead, maximize your pathos to drive your
point home.
B. The Wavering Audience means you have spectators who are not readily accepting your ideas. They may
listen to you but that does not necessarily mean they automatically believe what you’re saying. Unlike with
your supportive audience, brief the wavering audience with the issue at hand. Make use of your logos to win
their support. And since your audience’s belief in you is wavering, you may want to build up on your ethos as
well. Establish yourself as a credible, reputable, and respectable source of information.
C. The Hostile Audience is the most difficult to please and to win. You can even assume that they represent the
opposing stance of the issue you are about to tackle. Make no mistake in your claims and arguments as your
audience is not only hard to please, but also averse to your side of the story. Lessen the use of pathos on this
type of audience as it is quite difficult to do so given that they are antagonistic. Stick to your logos as you have
good chance of being somewhat believed-but not necessarily sided with-by the hostile audience.
To sum up, argumentation and persuasion are not usually used separately. People, whichever type of audience they
may belong to, are both rational and emotional beings. They both respond to logos and pathos. This is why the best
strategy to use when taking a position is to blend both argumentation and persuasion together.
A common persuasion pattern of development is Alan Monroe’s Motivated Sequence which follows five steps for
a reader to accept a proposition: (1) attention step, (2) need step, (3) satisfaction step, (4) visualization step, and (5)
action step. This is considered the most appropriate pattern of development whenever we want to propose a particular
policy or program.
1. The attention step is the opening paragraph of your essay. In this part, you need to capture the attention of
your audience. This can be done in a variety of ways such as telling a story or asking a rhetorical question. The
goal of this step is to “hook” the audience into reading your work.
2. The need step is the part where you present the problem. As the term suggests, you need to persuade the
reader that there is a “need” that must be addressed.
3. The next step is where you “satisfy” the “need” or the satisfaction step. This is where you present the solution
to the problem and highlight its basic premises. Here, you may use a variety of development patterns to
establish your case.

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4. The fourth step is visualization step. Here you make your readers “visualize” themselves in the future as
“enjoying” the benefits of the proposed action. This is called positive visualization. Negative visualization, on
the other hand, may also be employed, by highlighting how the readers will be adversely affected should they
choose not to adopt the solution.
5. Finally, the action step is the part where you conclude your essay by moving your audience to action.
Example: “Sponsorship Speech on S.B. No. 93 or the Iskolar ng Bayan Act of 2014 by Senator Pia S. Cayetano” (IBON
Book, p. 48)
Sample Text:
Euthanasia or mercy killing has been a widely debated issue. It is an act to end a person’s life to alleviate the
suffering brought about by a terminal or grave illness. While it may be supported by some, mercy killing is not only an
unethical medical practice, it is also a crime. After all, on the most basic level, euthanasia still takes a life. In fact,
majority of the countries in the world, including those that have legalized it, consider it as homicide. Aside from being
a crime, euthanasia is unethical in the medical context because it violates the principle of “primum non nocore” which
means “first, do no harm.” In their code of ethics, doctors have the responsibility of saving lives, not destroying them,
which is why euthanasia can never be acceptable.

Signal Words for Emphasizing a Point

again in that case to emphasize truly
for this reason indeed to repeat with this in mind
in fact

Signal Words for Concluding and Summarizing

accordingly consequently in brief inevitably
all in all due to in conclusion on the whole
as a result finally in short in essence
as I have said in any event in summary, in sum in a nutshell
to conclude to sum up

Signal Words for Conceding a Point

admittedly it is true that obviously true
assuredly needless to say of course undoubtedly
certainly no doubt to be sure indubitably
granted unquestionably

I. CHRONOLOGY/SEQUENCE/PROCEDURE – In a sequence paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events

or a process in sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time. In this pattern, the details are presented in the order
in which they happened. This pattern may also be called time order or chronological order of events. A narration
sequences events in the order in which they occurred in time, while a process organizes details based on stages or
steps. Process paragraphs show series of actions that are done to make things work.

Here are examples of sequence paragraphs:

Example 1: Order

A person who becomes a prime minister must possess the following characteristics. First, he needs to become a
leader of a political party. Second, he needs to win a seat in the House of Representatives. Third, his party must have a
majority of seats.

Example 2: Time

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He was recently elected prime minister. Previously, he worked as a lawyer in Los Angeles. He won the party
leadership last year. Afterwards, he won the election. When he won the party leadership, he was still working as a
lawyer. After winning a seat in the House of Representatives, he made sure he had a majority of seats.

Example 3: Process

Starting a relationship with someone can be easier said than done. Here are steps that may help one establish
a fruitful and worthwhile relationship. First, try to spend more time with a person. The next step is to express through
words or actions how you are feeling when you are with him or her. Then, let him or her know what kind of
relationship you would want to establish with him or her. Make sure to be sensitive of his or her feelings. With these
steps it will make establishing good relationships easier.

Other examples: The Water Cycle, Cooking, Enrolment Process, etc.

The following signal words can help you to write a good sequence paragraph.

Order Time
first, second, third, etc. recently
in the beginning previously, earlier
before after/afterwards, later
then when
after as soon as
finally immediately, now
at last eventually
subsequently during
next next/next week
currently, presently
meanwhile
yesterday, today, tomorrow

J. PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT USING EVALUATION

In any evaluation paragraph, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You need to
make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. In the paragraph, you will state your evaluation or
recommendation and then support it by referring to your criteria.
Example 1: Criteria
The use of pesticides such as DDT is bad for the environment. The belief that pesticides must be used incorrect.
The use of pesticides to control pests is immoral because it harms the environment. It is wrong to use pesticides
because they harm the environment. The issue of pesticides is an important one because it affects the environment.
Example 2: Recommendation
I suggest that pesticides should not be used to control pests. I recommend that pesticides should not be used
because they are harmful to the environment. I would advise farmers not to use pesticides if possible. I would argue
that pesticides should not be used because they harm the environment.

The following signal words can help you to write an evaluation paragraph:

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Criteria for Evaluation Recommendation
good/bad suggest
moral/immoral recommend
right/wrong/incorrect advise
important/trivial argue
most important/least important
better/best
like or dislike
pass/fail

EXERCISE (Oral) Evaluate Montalvo family’s situation. Identify the criteria that you need in your evaluation. Mention
your recommendations too.

Filipino families are changing. One important change is that most married women
now work outside the home. What happens when both parents work? Jeff and Dianne
Montalvo have three children: Kim, 10; Benjo, 8; and Fritz, 5. Jeff is a company nurse. This year,
Dianne is working again as a hospital administrator. The family needs money, and Dianne likes
her job. Everything is going well, but there are also problems.

APPLY. Write a paragraph evaluating whether husband and wife should help earn for their family living. Use helper
words for your criteria of evaluation and recommendation.

K. DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH BY CHOICE

In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you
prefer. Often, you will need to give your opinion on a choice of action or events.

Examples:

- I like the sport of hockey because it is fast and exciting.

- I hope that I can play hockey in the future. I feel that hockey is my favorite sport.

The following signal words can help you to write a good choice paragraph.

Point of View Personal opinion

In my opinion like/dislike
My belief/ I believe love/hate
My idea
In my understanding
I think that
I consider

EXERCISE (Oral) Identify what the paragraph states, a point of view or personal opinion? Say the words that help
clarify the paragraph.

I believe that speaking the English language proficiently gives more chances
to be employed by big companies. My idea is that speaking in English is fun and
fulfilling. My understanding is that speaking in English language enables me to gain
more friends and expand my circle of acquaintances. I prefer to speak in English and
be conversant rather than to be complacent and quiet.
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APPLY. Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to work abroad or in your own country. Use the helper
words to write a good choice paragraph.

Knowing these patterns of development can help you not only with writing your academic papers but also with
evaluating materials and information you may find. This makes academic writing more coherent and effective and
evaluation easier.

REFERENCES:

Barrot, J. (2016). Patterns of development. Academic Reading and Writing for Senior High School. Quezon City: C&E
Publishing, Inc.

Cequeña, M. et al. (2017). Patterns of organization. Fundamentals of academic reading and writing: A practical guide.
Quezon City: Trinitas Publishing, Inc.

Jose, L. & Larioque, R. (2016). Patterns of development. Reading and Writing Skills. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp.
Publishing Corp.

Joven, J. & Guiyab, R. (2016). Learning how to write a paragraph. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.

Malata, J. et al. (2018). Patterns of development. Reading and Writing Skills. Quezon City: Ibon Foundation, Inc.

Sandagan, L. (2016). Patterns in paragraph development. Reeading and Writing Skills. Pasay City: JFS Publishing
Services.

Tiongson, M. & Rodriguez, M. (2016). Modes of paragraph development. Reading and Writing Skills. Quezon City: Rex
Book Store, Inc.

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