Paragraph Patterns

Lecturer. Windy Adnin B, M. Pd.

 4 common patterns
There are four common patterns how ideas in a
paragraph is organized.
1.

1. Listing
2. Sequence
3. Comparison/ Contrast
4. Cause-Effect
 WARNING!
Read all the slides, then at the end you need TO
DO SOME TASKS to enhance your
comprehension for this topic lesson.
Listing
Writers develop their ideas in a paragraph by listing their supporting
statements. They simply list or enumerate a series of details that
support a point. The details maybe examples, reasons, or types of things,
and they are often, but not always numbered.

Key words/ phrase in the Signal words:

main idea For instance
Many First
Several Second
A number of Another
A variety of Also
A few of Besides
Kinds of In addition
Final
Last
Most important
 Listing, example
There are several different theories about the origin of the Moon. One theory,
called the fission’ theory, states that early in the life of Earth, a piece broke off,
and that piece became the Moon. A second, closely related theory is that the
Moon is composed of several pieces of Earth that broke away from our planet.
Yet another theory is that the Moon formed elsewhere in the solar system and
was captured by Earth’s gravity.’ The final theory states that a huge piece of
planetary rock struck Earth and broke up into pieces. One of the pieces
became the Moon.
(From: Mikulecky, B. S. and Jeffries, L. 2007: 135)

Explanation:
This paragraph discusses about “Theories about the origin of the Moon”. This is the
topic. In relation to the topic, writer states, “There are several different
theories about the origin of the Moon.” This is the main idea. To make this
idea convincing, he lists four theories. That’s why the organizational pattern of this
paragraph is listing.
Sequence
In the sequence pattern, writers explain the main idea with a
series of events or steps in a process that follow
one after the other in time order.

Key words/ Phrase in the Signal words:

main idea First
Began Second
Account Then
Story Next
Process After
History While
Sequence Later
Over time
The next step
The following week
 Sequence, example
Albert Einstein was born near the end of the 1800s in Ulm, Germany. He
graduated from the University of Zurich in Switzerland at the age of
26. Fourteen years later he won the Nobel Prize for Physics. For the next ten
years he lived in Germany. Then, in the early 1930s, he had to leave Germany
because of Hitler and the Nazi Party. He moved to the United States, where he
lived until the time of his death at the age of 74. He lived a long and
productive life.

Explanation:
This paragraph discusses about “Albert Einstein”. This paragraph focuses on the
sequence telling a brief story of Einstein’s life. Of course, this reflects the sequence
of time from the beginning till the end.
 Comparison/ Contrast
In the comparison/contrast pattern, the writer’s main idea is a general
statement about two things and how they are similar
and/or different. A comparison can include both similarities and
differences, or only the similarities. A contrast states only differences.

Key words/ Phrase in the Signal words:

main idea Similarly
Similarities Also
Differences In the same way
Both As
In common Like / unlike
Same Both
Different However/ but
Compare On the other hand
Comparison Although
While
In contrast
 Contrast, example
Earth differs greatly from its two closest neighboring planets, Venus and Mars. The
Venusian and Martian atmospheres are composed almost entirely of carbon dioxide,
while Earth’s atmosphere contains very little. The dominant material in our
atmosphere is nitrogen (77 percent). The other major component of Earth’s
atmosphere is oxygen (21 percent), a gas that is almost nonexistent on Venus and
Mars. Our planet has an abundance’ of water, which covers about 70 percent of
Earth’s surface and supports life on our planet. In contrast, Venus and Mars are
extremely dry planets and incapable of supporting life.

Explanation:
This paragraph focuses on some differences between Earth, Venus, and Mars. This
paragraph highlights a contrast idea that the Earth is explained far more different
than the other planets.
Comparison, example
Visitors see some similarities between New York and San Francisco. Both cities, for
example, are exciting cultural centers. They are equally attractive to people from
many parts of the world. The cities are also alike because they both have many
beautiful buildings, large, lovely parks and grand bridges. On the other hand, the two
cities have important differences. One difference is the lifestyle. New Yorkers are
always in a hurry and are much less friendly than residents of San Francisco. The
streets in the California city are very clean, unlike New York, where the streets are
often dirty. Another major difference is safety: San Francisco has much less crime
than New York.

Explanation:
This paragraph talks about New York and San Francisco. The writer compares those
cities and found their similarities. However, in the middle of the paragraph, the
writers also mentions the difference between them.
So, comparison can appear both similarities and differences.
 Cause & Effect
In this pattern, the writer’s main idea is that one event or
action caused another event or action.

Key words/ Phrase in the main idea & Signal

words
Cause / is caused by
Leads to
Is the cause of
Results in
Creates
Brings about
Contributes to
Is due to
Is the result of
Comes from
Is a consequence of
Cause & Effect, example
In 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spilled millions of gallons of oil in
Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Biologists who have studied the local
wildlife have noted the consequences of the spill. It has resulted in a
great decline in the number of birds in the area. The spill also has
caused many young harbor seals to suffer from brain damage and
death. Killer whales also felt the impact of the spill. Since 1989, more
than one third of the whale population has disappeared.

Explanation:
The oil spill in Alaska resulted in many harmful effects on animals. The
signal words call your attention to each cause or effect that the writer
mentions.
Time To do
the Tasks
 (Example for doing the Tasks)
In 2003, two robotic rovers landed on Mars and began sending back data about the possible
existence of water on the red planet. This close examination of Mars was the result of new and
improved technology. Because of advances in telecommunication systems, scientists on Earth can
send commands faster and receive data in greater amounts. New software in the rovers led to
their increased ability to make independent decisions and avoid dangers and hazards on their
own. As a result of new technologies for severe environments, the rovers and their interior
computers were able to survive the extreme cold and hot conditions in space and on Mars. And
due to their new improved wheels the twin rovers could move around the rocky Martian
landscape with ease.

Topic : Closed examination on Mars

Main idea : This close examination of Mars is the result of new and improved technology
Key words in the main idea: The result of.
Pattern : Cause and Effect
Supporting facts : New and improved technology….. , close examination of Mars…….
Read this passage carefully, then mention the topic, main idea, key words
in the main idea, pattern, and supporting facts!

1. Only three and a half years passed between the first moon landing in 1969 and the
sixth and last moon landing in 1972. But while the first landing was an enormous
achievement in itself, the last landing contributed far more to the advancement of
scientific knowledge. On the first mission, the two astronauts were on the Moon for
only a few hours and remained close to the landing site. Their time on the Moon was
just sufficient to conduct several experiments and collect a small sample of lunar
rocks. On the last mission, however, the three men (one of whom was a geologist)
spent much more time on the lunar surface—three periods of about seven hours.
With their special moon vehicle, they could travel much further from the landing site
to investigate more of the lunar environment and collect a wider range of soil and
rock samples.

Topic :?
Main idea :?
Key words in the main idea: ?
Pattern :?
Supporting facts :?
Read this passage carefully, then mention the topic, main idea, key words
in the main idea, pattern, and supporting facts!
2. Students are not allowed to chew gum in my class. While some students think
that I am just being mean, there are many good reasons for this rule. First, some
irresponsible students make messes with their gum. They may leave it on the
bottoms of the desks, drop it on the floor, or put it on other people’s property.
Another reason why I don’t allow students to chew gum is because it is a
distraction. When they are allowed to chew gum, students are more worried
about having it, popping it, chewing it, and snapping it then they are in listening,
writing, reading, and learning. This is why I don’t allow students to chew gum in
my class.

Topic :?
Main idea :?
Key words in the main idea: ?
Pattern :?
Supporting facts :?
Read this passage carefully, then mention the topic, main idea, key words
in the main idea, pattern, and supporting facts!

3. The advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we communicate

and interact with others. The rise of social media platforms has had a significant
impact on how people communicate and share information. Social media has become
a primary source of news and information for many individuals. However, the overuse
of social media has also caused negative effects on mental health. The constant use of
social media can lead to addiction and feelings of anxiety and depression. Social
media has also become a platform for cyberbullying, causing harm to individuals'
mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the use of social media has resulted
in a decrease in face-to-face communication, affecting interpersonal relationships.
The effect of technology on communication has brought about both positive and
negative outcomes that continue to shape our daily lives.

Topic :?
Main idea :?
Key words in the main idea: ?
Pattern :?
Supporting facts :?
Read this passage carefully, then mention the topic, main idea, key words
in the main idea, pattern, and supporting facts!

4. BMX bikes and mountain bikes can be distinguished in many ways. BMX bikes are
great for tricks because they have a low, light frame and short tires. Mountain bikes
have a high, heavy frame and thick tires. This makes them great for off-road riding on
bumpy surfaces. Another way the two types of bikes differ is the number of gears.
Mountain bikes have many different gears, but BMX bikes normally have just one gear.
The number of gears relates to the main difference between the two bikes. BMX bikes
are built in a way that lets riders do tricks, while mountain bikes are built for off-road
riding, including up and down hills.

Topic :?
Main idea :?
Key words in the main idea: ?
Pattern :?
Supporting facts :?
Read this passage carefully, then mention the topic, main idea, key words
in the main idea, pattern, and supporting facts!
5. Two of the largest religions in the world are Christianity and Islam. People often think these
religions are very different, but there are actually some similarities between them. The first
similarity is that followers of both religions worship only one god, and this god is the source of
rules that must be followed. These include prohibitions on killing and stealing, and the
requirement to worship on a particular day of the week. A second similarity is that both religions
have a holy book. For Christians, this is the Bible; for Muslims, the sacred text is the Qur’an. Both
books provide guidance for followers of the religion with regard to suitable behavior. A third
similarity is that both religions have a long history of pilgrimage. All Muslims are required to travel
to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once in their lives. Christians do not have this exact
requirement, but many of the great cathedrals in Europe have long been sites of pilgrimage. A final
similarity, and perhaps the most important, is that both religions promote peace. While the conflict
in the Middle East receives a lot of attention in the news, Muslims are quick to point out that
Islam, like Christianity, is inherently a peaceful religion. Of course, there are differences between
Christianity and Islam, such as the role of women in society and Islam’s ban on eating pork and
drinking alcohol. However, it is worth remembering that the two religions have more in common
than people often think.

Topic :?
Main idea :?
Key words in the main idea: ?
Pattern :?
Supporting facts :?
Read this passage carefully, then mention the topic, main idea, key words
in the main idea, pattern, and supporting facts!

6. The continuous heavy rain for three days had made Jakarta flooding. About 80% of its area is
dipped with water. Here are some steps you could follow when you face the problem of flood.
First save your valuable documents in the safest place in your house. It can be put on the top of
cupboard or the space above the ceiling. Then you could also save your electronic on the higher
place. If you have thick and large plastic bag, it’s a good idea to wrap the appliances with it and
seal it. When the water has entered your house, don’t panic. Listen and do the instructions or
announcement from the local government about what to do. You should consider about your
family safety more than anything. If you should take a refugee, bring your most important
documents with you. Don’t panic, but your should stay alert.

Topic :?
Main idea :?
Key words in the main idea: ?
Pattern :?
Supporting facts :?
Grammar Exercise
Do grammar exercise from e-book “Longman English
Grammar Practice for Intermediate Student”
in FOLIO PAPER.
Part 1 The Sentence (1.1 Sentence word order, 1.2
The simple sentence: verb with & without object, 1.3 The
simple sentence: direct & indirect object
Thank You
I hope you can get useful knowledge from this
presentation. Good luck !