Lesson 1: Using Appropriate Grammatical Signals or Expressions to Each Pattern of Idea Development

Idea development is essential in writing. This is done by organizing ideas logically and that suits the writer’s
purpose. To achieve this, it is necessary to use appropriate grammatical signals or expressions.
Grammatical signals are writing devices such as transitional devices, connectors, determiners, and repetitions
that are used to maintain text coherence. Coherence establishes a logical connection between ideas in sentences and
paragraphs. These ideas can be developed through different patterns depending on the writer’s purpose.
Pattern of idea development refers to the structure of writing on how the ideas are being presented. Five of the
commonly used patterns of idea development are discussed in this module. These are the general to particular, cause and
effect, claim-counterclaim, problem-solution, and persuasion.

Types of Patterns of Idea Development

A. General to Particular
This pattern of idea development discusses the general topic by presenting specific details that support the topic.
The writer starts with
the general idea stated in the topic sentence. Then, it is elaborated and explained through specific details and examples. In
other words, general to particular patterns is a deductive method of organization.
B. Cause and Effect
This pattern of idea development explains the causes or the effects of something. When a writer presents reasons,
he or she is explaining the causes. When a writer explains the results, he or she is explaining the effects.
These are the other grammatical signals that can be used for cause-and-effect patterns of idea development:
Cause: if, for, since, due to, because, owing to, because of, one cause, and resulting from
Effect: so, thus, hence, then, therefore, as a result, in effect, as consequence, consequently, leads to, one of the
effects is, that is why
C. Claim and Counterclaim
This pattern of idea development refers to the structure of presenting a side of an issue in an argumentative
manner. A claim is the writer’s stand on a topic supported by evidence and logical reasoning. Also, the writer presents the
counterclaim or the opposite stand of an issue to disprove it through evidence and logical reasoning.
Here are the other transitional devices that can be used for the claim-counterclaim pattern of idea development:
however, nevertheless, on one hand, on the other hand, admittedly, some people say, some may say, of course,
nevertheless, and
but not only that.
D. Problem-Solution
This pattern of idea development is used when a writer identifies a problem and addresses it by presenting one or
more solutions. A problem refers to an unsatisfactory situation that causes troubles or difficulties. A solution, on the other
hand, refers to the ways in solving or minimizing the problem.
Here are the grammatical signals to be used for the problem-solution pattern of idea development:
because, cause, since, as a result, in order to, and so that, as a solution, and one way.
E. Persuasion
This pattern of idea development is intended to convince the readers to do or believe in something. It allows the
writer to express his or her viewpoints about a topic to convince the readers. This pattern of development is based on
opinions and emotions. Below are the grammatical signals to be used in a persuasive pattern of idea development.
Here are some of the other grammatical signals and expressions of persuasion:
come, free, need, must, must not, necessary, latest, hurry, join, help, best, better, great, proven, trusted,
create, come along, urgent, amazing experience, avail now, I believe, I urge, don't miss, can do it, and one of a
kind.
Lesson 2 – Outlining: Sentence and Topic Outline

What is an outline?
 An outline is a tool for improving and organizing written ideas about a topic into a logical order. Writers use
outlines when writing their papers to know which topic to cover and in what order.

What are the types of outlines?

 The type of outline to be used by the writer depends on the nature of the topic and the purpose of the writer.
Topics that are information-heavy may require more major topics and subtopics since the writer’s purpose is to
be as informative as possible. However, if the writer wants to be persuasive, an outline should only
accommodate what is important to the audience’s needs.

1. Sentence Outline
• It is an outline that presents the thesis statement, major topics, subtopics, and supporting details in
sentence form.
• It allows you to include those details in the sentences instead of having to create an outline of many
short phrases that go on page after page.
• Also, it follows a hierarchical structure composed of sentences and headings around the subject of
the speech or essay.
• These characters are used in this order in bullet formatting:
 Roman Numerals
 Capitalized Letters
 Arabic Numerals
 Lowercase Letters
2. Topic Outline
 It is an outline that presents the major topics, subtopics, and supporting details in words and phrases.

Five Steps in Writing an Outline Contents/Parts of an Outline

Sources of Information
1. Primary sources are firsthand information taken from original evidence such as reports on discoveries and
events and interviews from people in authority.
Examples of primary sources include:
 diaries, letter correspondence,
 Original documents e.g. birth certificates, trial records
 interviews, speeches, oral histories
2. Secondary sources are secondhand information taken from the primary
sources.
Examples of secondary sources include:
 journal articles that comment on or analyze research
 textbooks
 dictionaries and encyclopedias
 books that interpret, analyze
Lesson 3 – Synthesizing Information
What is Synthesizing?
The prefix “syn” in synthesis means together. Hence, synthesizing is pulling together different ideas to come up with a new, bigger
idea. It is an ongoing process where old and new knowledge, experiences, and opinions add up, blend, and fit together to create
new understanding.

To be able to synthesize, you must also know how to:

Summarize -To shorten a long text by writing the main points in your own words
Paraphrase -To put a passage from source material into your own words similar in length to the original
Analyze - To break complex topics into smaller parts. Example: breaking down a cake into its ingredients.
Infer- To use observation and background to reach a logical conclusion

How to Synthesize?
The RES Method
For you to be able to synthesize essential information, this approach could help you.
R – Read two different sources about a topic and jot down important ideas.
E – Edit notes and put together similar concepts.
S – Synthesize by combining notes with what you already know about the topic.

Steps in synthesizing

Step 1: Organize your sources

After collecting the relevant literature, you need to organize your notes in a way that allows you to see the relationships between
sources. You can get relevant information from the following sources.

Print Sources > Books and Textbooks, Newspapers, Academic and Trade Journals, Government
Reports and Legal Documents, Press Releases and Advertising, Flyers, Pamphlets, and Leaflets
Digital and Electronic Sources > Multimedia, Websites, Blogs and personal websites, Social
media pages and message boards.

Step 2: Outline your structure

With a clear overview of the main connections and differences between the sources you’ve read, you need to decide how you’ll
group them and the order in which you’ll discuss them.

Step 3: Write paragraphs with topic sentences

What sets a synthesis apart from a summary is that it combines various sources. The easiest way to think about this is that each
paragraph should discuss a few different sources, and you should be able to condense the overall point of the paragraph into one
sentence.
This is called a topic sentence, and it usually appears at the start of the paragraph. The topic sentence signals what the whole
paragraph is about; every sentence in the paragraph should be related to it.

Step 4: Revise, edit and proofread

Like any other piece of academic writing, synthesizing literature involves redrafting, revising, editing and proofreading. In writing
your synthesis, the following verbs can be of help.

DON’T FORGET to use the following terms when quoting your source.
asserts highlights illustrates portrays suggests argues conveys
contends explains claims

To show agreement, use the following:

Similarly also likewise Equally Furthermore

To show disagreement, the following words can be used:

On the other hand on the contrary unlike Although despite otherwise
conversely where
Lesson 4: Composing an Effective Paragraph

What is a Paragraph?
 A paragraph is a group of sentences organized to discuss a topic. The main rule of paragraph writing is to focus
on one idea or topic. To be able to write an effective paragraph, one must have the essential parts.

What are the Parts of a Paragraph?

 There are three parts of a paragraph namely topic sentence, supporting sentence, and concluding
sentence. Each serves a different function in the paragraph.

Topic Sentence
- A topic sentence presents the topic of the paragraph. It will serve as a guide for the writer to keep his or her
writing under control. This is why a topic sentence is called the "controlling idea" of a paragraph.
Supporting Sentences
- The Supporting sentences serve as the body of your paragraph. This is where you elaborate on your topic by
including specific details or evidence. All the sentences in the body must relate to the topic sentence. These
sentences should be organized accordingly using transitional devices.
Concluding Sentence
- A concluding sentence restates what the topic of the paragraph is all about. It comes after all the details have
been included in the body of the paragraph. The box below contains the list of transitional devices used in
concluding sentences.
Conclusion: thus, hence, indeed, finally, therefore, consequently, in conclusion, to conclude, as a
result, in the end, and for all these reasons
Summary: so, accordingly, briefly, in brief, in sum, summing up, in summary, to sum up, as can be seen, given this
point, and to summarize

What are the Principles in Writing a Paragraph?

For a paragraph to be effective, the following principles must be observed.

Unity
 Unity means that all sentences in the paragraph talk about one central idea. This means that the writer will deal
only with one topic. It is important because it guides the writer with his or her idea.
Coherence
 Coherence refers to the connection of ideas in the paragraph in general. The idea in the topic sentence, as well
as in the supporting sentences and concluding sentences, is connected using transitional devices.
Development
 Development refers to the principle when a paragraph describes, elaborates, explains, and supports its topic
sentence. A paragraph is considered adequately developed if after reading it, the reader is left with no
questions.

What are the Different Patterns of Paragraph Development?

There are many ways to develop a paragraph. The following are the common patterns of paragraph development.

Narration
 In the narration pattern, the paragraph tells a story or recounts a series of events. It arranges the events or
ideas in chronological order which means the events are organized from beginning to end. Narrative
paragraphs can be based on personal experience or knowledge gained from reading or observation.

Description
 In a description pattern, the paragraph is characterized by using more adjectives or vivid sensory descriptions. It
creates a mental picture of the idea or the topic by describing how it sounds, smells, tastes, feels, and/or looks.
 It is often recommended to use transitional words and phrases that indicate location.
Process
 This pattern of development is usually used to explain a process of doing something. It uses transitional devices
of enumeration (e.g., first, second, third) and time (e.g., then, next, finally). It is the right pattern of development
when your purpose is to help your readers understand the steps in a process or procedure or to give
instructions.
Exemplification
 This pattern of paragraph development uses a series of examples to support the topic sentence. This means
that to further explain the topic, the use of specific examples must be provided.
Comparison/Contrast
 This pattern of paragraph development is used when a paragraph demonstrates comparison and/or contrast or
examines how the subjects are either similar or different. Comparison examines how the subjects are the same
while contrast examines how the subjects are different. In writing this paragraph pattern it is highly
recommended to use transitional words and phrases that indicate comparison and contrast.
Definition
 This pattern of paragraph development aims to give a complete working definition of a term, concept, or idea.
One of the main features of this pattern is that it tells both what the term is and what it is not. In other words, it
defines the boundaries of a term, so the readers can better understand it.
Classification
 This pattern of paragraph development presents a topic and classifies it into parts, types, kinds, or categories. It
distinguishes its parts by presenting the characteristics of each. This pattern uses transitional phrases like can
be divided, is a kind/type/part of, can be classified, falls under, can be categorized, is related to, and associated
with.
Cause and Effect
 This pattern of paragraph development explains the reasons why something happened or explains the effects of
something. When an author gives reasons, he or she is explaining the causes. When a writer explains the
results, he or she is explaining the effects. To explain the causes, the following signal words may be used:
since, due to, because, consequently, and for this reason. To explain the effects, the following signal words may
be used: so, thus, hence, therefore, and as a result.

Remember:
Paragraph comes from the Greek word “paragraphos” which means a short stroke marking a break in sentences.
● A paragraph is a group of sentences developing one single topic.
● Topic Sentence is the general subject covered by the passage.
● Supporting details give more information about the topic.
● Concluding sentence sums up the information in the paragraph.
● Unity simply means that all the sentences in the paragraph are related to the topic.
● Adequate development means you do not limit the paragraph to a set number of sentences.
● Coherence means the sentences are arranged logically.
Lesson 5: Develop paragraphs that illustrate each text type

Text Types
 Refer to the forms of writing that follow similar features. They categorize writing according to its structure and
characteristics.
 Text types may be categorized in several ways. The following lists the more common text types you read
almost every day.

Different text types

1. Narrative – tells a story that can be fiction (made-up story) or non-fiction (real events). Short stories and other
traditional tales are examples of fiction, while biographies are examples of narrative non-fiction.
PURPOSE: To entertain through telling a story, develop real or imagined experiences
KEY FEATURES:
 Vivid details
 Interesting events
 Clear storytelling
2. Explanation/Explanatory - explains a particular subject or topic through ideas that support it. It is a kind of
factual text that explains how or why things are. It elaborates on how or why something occurs or gives
information on how to do something.
PURPOSE: To provide new knowledge, explain a process, or define a concept
KEY FEATURES:
 Specific topic
 Use of present tense
 Clear and objective discussion
 Well-researched information
3. Expository – are also informational texts that present factual data on a topic through description, sequence,
comparison and contrast, cause and effect, and problem-solution.
PURPOSE: To analyze a set of information, investigate an idea, or evaluate evidence
KEY FEATURES:
 Claim/ topic
 Supporting evidence
 Precise and specific
 Data presentation tools (graphs, diagrams, tables, charts, etc.)
4. Procedural text - lists a sequence of actions or steps needed to make or do something. Some examples
include recipes, science experiments, assembly manuals, or instructions for playing games. This should not be
confused with explanations on processes, because procedural texts are more directive and imperative. They
instruct readers on how to go about processes.

5. Recount - retells past events which may either be personal or factual.

Personal recount - retells past events that the writer was personally involved in. Diary entries and short
personal memoirs are examples of personal recounts

Factual recount - retells events that also happened in real life but may not be about the writer himself/herself.
News reports and witness statements are examples of factual recounting.

PURPOSE: To retell an event or experience – the writer did not experience the moment but wrote about it
(Factual) or the writer talks about an event that he/she experienced (Personal)
KEY FEATURES:
  Sequenced events
 Use of past tense
 Specific people, places, and things described
 Introduction, recount, end

6. Persuasive text - intends to convince the readers/listeners to believe, perform a certain action or change mind.
Examples of persuasive text types include advertisements, editorials, debate speeches, arguments, and
persuasive essays and speeches.
PURPOSE: To inform and persuade readers by presenting bias, advocacy, or argument.
KEY FEATURES:
 Proposition, Claim, Argument
 Discussion of supporting details and analysis
 Use of evocative and effective language
 Powerful verbs
 Summary or Call to action