Patterns of Development

are used to arrange

ideas to achieve the
writer’s purpose in
writing the text.
A. NARRATION
Narration is a pattern of
development in writing that is used to
tell a story. It is a sequence of events,
told by a narrator, happening in a
particular place at a particular time.
Narration is creating a world based on
the writer’s imagination.
Example:
A Once In a Life Time Experience
The one day I spent in Morocco, Africa was an experience of a
lifetime. When I finally reached Morocco and got off the bus, there were
four little girls standing shoeless in the hot sun. After I swallowed my
tears, I could not even try to picture this in America as it is not
something you often see in the U.S. Meanwhile my tourist guide
instructed me not to give them money as it encouraged the children to
beg; however, I was wearing four silver bracelets. As I walked over to the
girls, their eyes watched my every move. Then I kneeled down to their
level while I gave each girl a bracelet. They stood there gleaming at me,
for they were pleased. I felt completely in disbelief that this tiny gesture
could mean so much. Though this experience was upsetting, and a huge
culture shock, it will stay with me forever.
B. DESCRIPTION
Description is the pattern of
organization which goes into details
about a specific object, person, or
location, in order to firmly set its
appearance into the readers’ minds. This
is when the readers get to see with their
minds’ eye what the writer is trying to
present before them.
Example:
A Friendly Crown
On one corner of my dresser sits a smiling toy clown on a tiny unicycle–a
gift I received last Christmas from a close friend. The clown’s short yellow
hair, made of yarn, covers its ears but is parted above the eyes. The blue
eyes are outlined in black with thin, dark lashes flowing from the brows. It
has cherry-red cheeks, nose, and lips, and its broad grin disappears into
the wide, white ruffle around its neck. The clown wears a fluffy, two-tone
nylon costume. The left side of the outfit is light blue, and the right side is
red. The two colors merge in a dark line that runs down the center of the
small outfit. Surrounding its ankles and disguising its long black shoes are
big pink bows. The white spokes on the wheels of the unicycle gather in the
center and expand to the black tire so that the wheel somewhat resembles
the inner half of a grapefruit. The clown and unicycle together stand about
a foot high. As a cherished gift from my good friend Tran, this colorful
figure greets me with a smile every time I enter my room.
C. DEFINITION
Definition is a pattern of organization of
a text which explains a concept or idea by
expounding not only its actual meaning but
also its characteristics and functions that
distinguish it from other concepts or ideas.
In a definition text, the author shares his
special understanding about some idea or
thing.
Techniques in Defining a Concept
1. Denotation and Connotation
Example:
Denotation: A rose is a flower with a sweet smell that is usually white, yellow, red, or pink and that
grows on a bush which has thorns on the stem
Connotation: A rose connotes love and romance

2. Analysis – the process of breaking down a concept into its constituent parts
Example: The guitar is a musical instrument that produces sound primarily through strumming its
strings. Its sound is modified or manipulated through the interaction of the strings with the other parts
of the guitar, which are the headstock or simply the head, the tuners, the nut, the neck, the sound hole,
the body, and the bridge

3. Comparison- defining a term by using simile or metaphor

Example: “thinking…of passion as hot, strong, almost thick coffee… Coffee unleashes energy, has
full-blooded flavor, a touch of bitterness unpleasant to others but delicious to the drinker.”
4. Contrast – understanding how two similar concepts are different from each other.
Example: “Love is softness; passion is smoulder. Love might be contentment but passion is
adventure….”

5. Etymology - the history of the word

Example: "Pagan can be traced back to Roman military slang “paganus/pagus” which means an
incompetent soldier. In this sense, Christians who consider themselves soldiers of Christ are using
the term not only to suggest a person's secular status but also their lack of bravery.

6. Exemplification and Illustration

Example: Books are considered to be credible and reputable resource materials to consult when
you are trying to find the definition of a word. Some examples are dictionaries, thesauri,
encyclopedias, and manuals.

7. Extended Definition – a personal interpretation of an author to an abstract and multifaceted

concept
Example: “I believed that life with passion shimmers, shines, rises above the ordinary. Allow me
to seduce you into passionate existence. To think, to sing, maybe even to sigh – appassionato.”
8. Function – giving the use or purpose of the word or concept
Example: Whether it may be an ancient sundial, a classy pocket watch, a Rolex or Swatch
wrist watch, an antique grandfather’s clock, or the mighty Big Ben in London, a clock, first and
foremost, is a mechanical device or technology whose primary purpose is to measure time.

9. Negation - a technique that can be used to define a word by explaining what it is not
Example: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor
others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does
not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)

Example
Anger is having a feeling of hatred toward someone or something. It is one of our basic
emotions and can be most dangerous if it is not carefully controlled. A person can become angry
when he cannot fulfill some basic need or desire that is important to him. For example, a child
may become angry when he cannot play outside with his friends. An adult may become angry
when he does not receive a raise in pay that he expected. Mentally, anger can interfere with our
thoughts, making it difficult to think clearly. Physically, it may cause violent reactions in the
muscles and in the nervous system. This causes an angry person to flush and tremble and to
show other signs of disturbance. A person can be dangerous if he is in an angry mood because
he can develop feelings of hostility and hatred toward another person, which can then often turn
violent.
Example
Anger is having a feeling of hatred toward someone or
something. It is one of our basic emotions and can be most
dangerous if it is not carefully controlled. A person can become
angry when he cannot fulfill some basic need or desire that is
important to him. For example, a child may become angry when he
cannot play outside with his friends. An adult may become angry
when he does not receive a raise in pay that he expected. Mentally,
anger can interfere with our thoughts, making it difficult to think
clearly. Physically, it may cause violent reactions in the muscles and
in the nervous system. This causes an angry person to flush and
tremble and to show other signs of disturbance. A person can be
dangerous if he is in an angry mood because he can develop
feelings of hostility and hatred toward another person, which can
then often turn violent.
D. CLASSIFICATION/EXEMPLIFICATION
Classification is the method by which one divides
things into groups, classes, or categories;
exemplification on the other hand, is the method of
providing examples and illustrations in order to further
clarify or explain a concept or subject matter. When
you provide example, you are actually taking one of the
things that are classified. For instance, when you
provide an example of outdoor hobbies, you say,
running. Thus, running is classified under outdoor
hobbies, and taking running as an example of that type
of hobby is an exemplification.
Example
Daters Beware
Men can be categorized by the way they treat women while dating into three groups: a
social addict, a content lover, or a keeper. The first type, a social addict, is the type of man
who is constantly late and everything is on his time. A social addict is particularly self-
absorbed. On your birthday, this type of dater will give you a gift such as a necklace, so that
everybody can notice it. When it comes to emotions and feelings, a social addict will say
whatever he assumes you want to hear at any given moment. The second type of dater, a
content lover, is a guy who will come and go as he pleases. This man just seems to be in
attendance but not involved. When he is with you, he will not open up and share his
thoughts. A content lover will forget your birthday all together. Lastly there is the keeper
who will not keep you waiting; in fact, he always plans ahead and involves you in the
decision making. To him, your birthday is tremendously important. He will give you time for
your friends and family; in addition, he always makes unique plans for the two of you later
that evening. Unlike the other types of daters, the keeper will attempt to be 100% in touch
with his feelings towards you and is willing to talk about them. Men’s dating styles differ;
nonetheless, it all comes down to what behavior you are in the mood for. ~© 2005 Kayla
Maire Anfinson~
E. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
Comparison and contrast as a pattern of
development in writing is used when a writer would
like to critically discuss two things in relation to each
other by citing their similarities as well their
differences.
Writers opt to use comparison and contrast when
wanting to do an unbiased discussion or give an
attempt to persuade a reader into believing particular
perspectives about the world we live in. It also helps
us make choices, whether trivial or serious, as well.
Example:

The harpsichord and the piano are closely related. Both are
keyboard instruments, and both produce sound when jacks or
hammers attached to keys strike metal strings. The piano is a direct
descendant of the harpsichord and takes its shape from that
instrument. In fact, many musical compositions played on one can be
adapted to the other.
However, today the piano is the more popular of the two
instruments. It is capable of producing greater volume and variety of
tone, and it is more versatile than its predecessor. Pianos provide
accompaniment for vocalists both classical and popular, and they are
used in every instrumental group from the small dance band to the
grandest symphony orchestra.
F. CAUSE AND EFFECT
Writing a cause and effect essay is basically
explaining the reason why an event or phenomenon
occurred and\or what its results could be. This pattern ox
text development is often used in research papers whereby
the writer provides an overall impression – that is, positive
or negative – of the causes and/or effects of the
phenomenon or event. When you as a writer, use this
pattern, you should be able to support your ideas well with
relevant pieces of evidence for your point to be accepted by
your readers. Furthermore, you should use transitions that
signal the cause-and-effect pattern.
Example:
An avalanche is a huge snow slide that rushes
down the side of a mountain, carrying large trees,
rocks, and other debris in its path. Avalanches are
similar to landslides but can be more dangerous
and destructive. Avalanches can occur when huge
amounts of new snow fall on layers of snow and ice
that have become unstable because of melting.
They can also be triggered by explosions or
earthquakes.
G. PROBLEM-SOLUTION
Problem-solution pattern is the pattern of development that focuses
on either a problem or solution in a particular area or situation. In this
pattern, the writer’s topic could be a problem; while the writer’s points
would be solutions to the problem. Problem-solution texts are probably
the most useful pattern of text development in terms of expressing the
writer’s concern for the people. With this pattern of development, you will
be able to write about the problems in your community or society that
need to be addressed and be able to offer a solution. This pattern is used
by people who write editorials, letters to the editor, newsletters, office
memos, and many other types of writing that are designed to call the
attention of people concerned with a particular problem that affects many
other people.
Example:
Consumption of processed and convenience foods and our dependence on the car have led to an increase
in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones,
the number of obese people can amount to one third of the population. This is significant as obesity and poor fitness
lead to a decrease in life expectancy, and it is therefore important for individuals and governments to work together
to tackle this issue and improve their citizens' diet and fitness.
Obesity and poor fitness decrease life expectancy. Overweight people are more likely to have serious
illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, which can result in premature death. It is well known that regular
exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which means that those with poor fitness levels are at an
increased risk of suffering from those problems.
Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life expectancy. There is a
reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which have a high fat and sugar content. By preparing their
own foods, and consuming more fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more
balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. In order to improve fitness levels, people could choose
to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking the car. They could also choose to walk up stairs instead of
taking the lift. These simple changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels.
Governments could also implement initiatives to improve their citizens' eating and exercise habits. This
could be done through education, for example by adding classes to the curriculum about healthy diet and lifestyles.
Governments could also do more to encourage their citizens to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, for instance
by building more cycle lanes or increasing vehicle taxes. While some might argue that increased taxes are a
negative way to solve the problem, it is no different from the high taxes imposed on cigarettes to reduce cigarette
consumption.
In short, obesity and poor fitness are a significant problem in modern life, leading to lower life
expectancy. Individuals and governments can work together to tackle this problem and so improve diet and
fitness. Of the solutions suggested, those made by individuals themselves are likely to have more impact, though it is
clear that a concerted effort with the government is essential for success.With obesity levels in industrialized and
industrializing countries continuing to rise, it is essential that we take action now to deal with this problem.
H. PERSUASION
A persuasion text is a piece of writing used to convince readers to agree to an
argument or claim about a particular topic. Writers of persuasive texts usually would like
the readers to do something that is related to the main idea of the text. Sometimes, the
writer simply wishes for the readers to change their minds.
In writing persuasive texts, you must be prepared to provide strong relevant
pieces of evidence that will support your arguments so that your writing will be
convincing. Pieces of evidence which you can use include statistical data, testimonies,
results of a case study or other research, and examples.

Methods of Persuasion
Facts
Referring to authority
Examples
Predicting the consequence
Answering the opposition
Example:
In this age of technology all students in the Montana University System
should be required to learn Internet use, and there should be a course to teach it as
a core requirement. The first reason is going to school in the twenty-first century
almost all classes require some computer use. Every time you go to the library at
M.S.U.C.O.T, you need to know how to go online as there are very few books
anymore, and almost everything is on the Web. Following that when you go to find a
job, more and more companies are using computers. It's getting almost impossible
to find a job that doesn’t require computer skills of some sort. One of the big things
is communications within the company. Most companies use electronic
communications of some sort, such as e-mail or memos on line. Even the jobs
people used to think of as unskilled labor such as a mechanic is using computers.
All cars built today have a computer built into them. The mechanic uses it to figure
out what's wrong with the car, then a lot of time they go online to find out the best
way to fix it faster, saving time and money. Some people might say that the courses
that need to have computer skills have them built into them, but I say we should get
a jump on the future and have all students learn the internet. If people don't learn it,
they will fall behind in the job market and in life.
Bring
Old/Used Newspaper/Tabloid,
Pair of Scissors,
Short Bond Papers and
Glue