General to Particular

 Example:

1) It was a warm sunny day for

picnic. 2) On our faces and
foreheads blow the warm, summer
wind coming from the sea.
 1) Birds are insect controllers.
2) A 3-ounce baby bird will eat
51/2 ounces of insects. Birds eat
almost twice their own weight.
 Example:
Clouds can be classified into three major groups. High clouds
are a group of clouds that are 5-13 km. away from the Earth’s
surface. Examples of these clouds are known as Cirrus,
Cirrostratus, and Cirrocumulus. Middle clouds are another
group of clouds that are 2-7 km. away from the Earth’s surface.
Examples of middle clouds are Altocumulus and Altostratus. Low
clouds are the last group of clouds. They are 2 km. away from the
Earth’s surface. Specifically, these clouds are the Stratus,
Stratocumulus, and Nimbostratus. With these being said, these
clouds are grouped according to their distance from the Earth’s
surface.
 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 evidences and
logical reasoning. Also, the writer presents the
counterclaim or the opposite stand of an issue
to disprove it through evidences and logical
reasoning.
 Example:
People believe that rock music can make teenagers
rebellious because of its lyrics but, I don’t think it is enough
to make them go against society. They say rock music
concentrates mostly on antisocial subjects which influence
teenagers’ view toward society. However, a study shows
that an average teenager would not take the music
seriously, for he or she concentrates more on the musical
value of the song rather than the inner meaning of the
lyrics. Thus, even though the lyrics in rock music show
social rebellion, it does not make teenagers rebel against
society.
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.
 Example:
Regular exercise brings many benefits to your health. First, it
improves blood circulation and can result to a strong heart. Because
of these, it reduces the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and
diabetes. When you exercise, your bones and muscles will be
strengthened which can slow down the loss of bone density that
comes when you age. As a result, it can help you maintain or
increase your muscle mass and strength. Also, regular exercise
improves your mental health and mood. During an exercise, your
body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you
feel more relaxed. As an effect, it can help you deal with stress and
reduce your risk of depression. These are the benefits that you get
when you exercise.
 These are the other grammatical signals that can be used for
cause and effect pattern 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, and
that is why
 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 the unsatisfactory situation that
causes troubles or difficulties. A solution on the other
hand, refers to the ways in solving or minimizing the
problem.
 Example:
Drug abuse is one of the leading social issues in many
countries. This problem has been the cause of many crimes and
health concerns. However, the threat of prohibited drugs can be
fought. One way to solve this is through education. Everyone
needs to be educated about the dangers of using prohibited
drugs. People need to be aware of the harmful effects of these
drugs to their health, family, career, and society. Another
solution is to increase police manpower and create effective laws
to stop dealers. If the authorities will strictly impose these laws,
this problem will be addressed. Drug abuse is a threat, but if the
community and the government will act together, this problem
will be controlled.
 Here are the grammatical signals to be used
for problem-solution pattern of idea
development:
because, cause, since, as a result, in order
to, and so that, as a solution, and one way
Write on the Petals
Directions: Using the semantic web, give words or phrases that you
can associate to grammatical signals. Write your answer in a separate
sheet of paper.

1. 2.

example

Grammatical
5. 3.
Signals

4.
 Group Them Up!
Directions: Below is a list of grammatical signals that are commonly used by writers.
Classify these grammatical signals according to their category of idea development.
Copy the table and write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

one of a kind that is why join now I urge

amazing experience because consequently first solution
also leads to it is recommended in order to however
admittedly one way some people say come along
on one hand on the other hand for example as a result
specifically as a solution for instance such as
General- Claim - Problem-Solution Cause-and-Effect
Particular Counterclaim
Activity:
Directions: Identifying the Pattern Directions: To develop the
following statements, identify the suitable pattern of idea development
to be used. Used General-particular, Claim-Counterclaim,
Problem-Solution, Cause-Effect. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. Having a good study habit can greatly contribute to a person’s academic

success.

Suitable Pattern: _________________________________________________

2. Germs can be classified into several types.

Suitable Pattern: _________________________________________________

 3. Despite its contribution to the economy, cigarettes should still be banned
for they pose as a threat to people’s health.

Suitable Pattern: _________________________________________________

4. Swimming is the best sports for senior citizens.

Suitable Pattern: _________________________________________________

5. Global warming is the biggest enemy that the humankind is facing

today, but there are many ways to combat this problem.

Suitable Pattern:
_____________________________________________________