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Patterns of Writing Development

The document outlines various patterns of writing development, which serve as frameworks for organizing information effectively. It details nine common patterns, including narration, description, definition, exemplification, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, process analysis, division and classification, and problem-solution, each with its purpose, key features, and signal words. These patterns help writers convey their ideas clearly and logically.

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Nicole Calidro
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3 views

Patterns of Writing Development

The document outlines various patterns of writing development, which serve as frameworks for organizing information effectively. It details nine common patterns, including narration, description, definition, exemplification, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, process analysis, division and classification, and problem-solution, each with its purpose, key features, and signal words. These patterns help writers convey their ideas clearly and logically.

Uploaded by

Nicole Calidro
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Patterns of Writing Development

Introduction
Writing is a powerful tool for communication and expression. To effectively convey
our ideas, we need to structure our writing in a clear and organized manner.
Patterns of development provide a framework for organizing information and
presenting it in a logical and compelling way.
What are Patterns of Development?
Patterns of development are the different methods used to organize information
within a piece of writing. Each pattern serves a specific purpose and helps the writer
achieve a particular goal.
Common Patterns of Development:
1. Narration:
o Purpose: Tells a story or recounts an event.

o Key Features:

 Chronological order (beginning, middle, end)


 Use of sensory details and vivid language
 Focus on plot, characters, setting, and conflict
o Signal Words:

 First, then, next, after, finally, meanwhile, during, subsequently,


prior to, afterward
2. Description:
o Purpose: Creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind using sensory
details.
o Key Features:

 Focus on sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)


 Use of figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification)
 May be objective (factual) or subjective (personal)
o Signal Words:

 For example, such as, for instance, to illustrate, specifically, in


particular
3. Definition:
o Purpose: Explains the meaning of a term or concept.
o Key Features:

 May provide a formal definition (dictionary definition)


 May use extended definition (providing examples, comparisons,
and contrasts)
 May focus on etymology (origin of the word)
o Signal Words:

 Means, refers to, consists of, is defined as, encompasses,


involves
4. Exemplification:
o Purpose: Supports a generalization with specific examples.

o Key Features:

 Uses concrete examples (facts, statistics, anecdotes) to support


a main point
 Examples should be relevant, specific, and convincing
o Signal Words:

 For example, for instance, to illustrate, specifically, in particular,


such as, as evidenced by
5. Comparison and Contrast:
o Purpose: Shows similarities and/or differences between two or more
subjects.
o Key Features:

 May focus on similarities (analogy), differences (contrast), or


both
 Uses transitional words to clearly indicate comparisons and
contrasts
o Signal Words:

 Similarly, likewise, in comparison, in contrast, however, on the


other hand, whereas, although
6. Cause and Effect:
o Purpose: Explains why something happened or what the
consequences of an event are.
o Key Features:

 Identifies causes and their resulting effects


 May focus on multiple causes for a single effect or multiple
effects of a single cause
o Signal Words:

 Because, since, as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, due


to, owing to
7. Process Analysis:
o Purpose: Explains how something is done or how it works.

o Key Features:

 Presents information in a chronological order (step-by-step)


 Uses clear and concise language
o Signal Words:

 First, next, then, after, finally, subsequently, prior to, afterward


8. Division and Classification:
o Purpose: Divides a larger topic into smaller parts or classifies items
into categories.
o Key Features:

 Uses clear and consistent criteria for dividing or classifying


 Organizes information into logical groups
o Signal Words:

 Divided into, classified as, categorized as, grouped by, consists


of, comprises
9. Problem-Solution:
o Purpose: Identifies a problem and proposes solutions.

o Key Features:

 Clearly states the problem


 Explores possible solutions
 Evaluates the pros and cons of each solution
o Signal Words:

 The problem is, one solution is, another option is, to address this
issue, to solve this problem

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