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Patterns of
Paragraph
Development
Narration
• tells a story or recounts a series of events
• arranges the events or ideas in a
chronological order which means the events
are organized from beginning to end
• can be based on personal experience or on
knowledge gained from reading or
observation
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 Narration
Example:
My most memorable trip is my last vacation. For me, it is a
very special moment because my family was finally complete
after ten years. The plan was to go in a white island where the
sea was as clear as crystals. It is one of the booming tourist
destinations in our country. When we reached the place, we
were all fascinated with the beauty of nature. Since it was a
rare occasion that we were all complete, we immediately took
the chance to have our first family photo. This makes my last
vacation to be the most memorable get away.
5
Description
• is characterized by using more
adjectives or vivid sensory description
• creates a mental picture of the idea or
the topic by describing how it sounds,
smells, tastes, feels, and/or looks
• is often recommended to use
transitional words and phrases that 6
 Description
Example:
One of the most visited tourist attractions in
Caraga is the Enchanted River of Hinatuan, Surigao del
Sur. It is a deep cold spring river with bright blue color
that sparkles when the sun hits the clear water. The
blue river is surrounded by trees and jungle vines of
scenic green. Beneath the water lies a cave system that
consists of tunnels leading to an unmapped territory
making it mysterious. But, what is more mysterious is
how the river got its name “Enchanted”. Locals believe7
 Description
Continuation…
Another enchanting event happens every 12 noon. The
caretaker rings a bell that signals everyone to leave the
water. When everyone is out, the “Hymn of Hinatuan” is
played. Then, a large variety of fishes gathered for the
feeding which is done by the staff members. The fishes
are fed with rice, minced meat, shrimp, octopus, and
other scraps of food. Once the feeding is done, these
fishes simply disappear returning the water back to its
calm state. These are the reasons why Hinatuan’s 8
Process
• is usually used to explain a process on how
to do something
• 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 9
 Process
Example:
Cooking spaghetti is very simple. First, cook pasta
according to the instructions on the packaging. When
pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside. Second, sauté
garlic and onion in butter. Third, add ground beef and
cook for 5 minutes. Next, add hotdog and cook for 2
minutes. After that, add tomato sauce, banana
ketchup, and a small amount of water to make a
spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes until cooked.10
Exemplification
• uses series of examples to support
the topic sentence
• to further explain the topic, the use
of specific examples must be
provided
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 Exemplification
Example:
Potential energy refers to an energy that is
at rest or without motion. For example, you are
sitting on a chair. The stored energy while on a
sitting position is referred to as potential
energy. Similarly, a boy who is sleeping on a
bed is another example of potential energy.
Therefore, potential energy is the stored 12
Comparison/Contrast
• is used when a paragraph demonstrates
comparison and/or contrast or examines
how given subjects are either similar or
different
• Comparison examines how the subjects
are the same while contrast examines
how the subjects are different.
13
 Comparison/Contrast
Example:
Crocodiles and alligators are different species. They don’t
belong to the same biological family. Crocodiles came from the
family of Crocodilia while alligators came from the family of
Alligatoridae. In terms of their habitat, crocodiles prefer to live
in saltwater while alligators live in freshwater like rivers and
lakes. The main reason for this geographical separation is that
Crocodiles have well-developed salt glands on their tongue that
expel large amounts of salt, enabling them to live in more salty
waters. However, alligators' salt glands don't function well,
leading them to stick to freshwater habitats. Another way to
differentiate the two is by looking at the shape of their snouts.
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Definition
• aims to give a complete working
definition of a term, concept, or idea
• it tells both what the term is and what it
is not
• it defines the boundaries of a term, so
the readers can better understand it
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 Definition
Example:
E-mail is not something you can hold in your hand
and send in the mail. Simply, it is a mail put into digital
form and sent to its recipient through the Internet. Also,
you don’t need a stamp to send it. E-mail has been
turned into something electronically made that can be
sent in anyplace, anytime, as long as the recipient has
an internet connection. For example, a person does not
need to go to the post office just to send an important
letter or message. All he or she has to do is simply open
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Classification
• presents a topic and classifies it into
component parts, types, kinds or categories
• distinguishes its parts by presenting the
characteristics of each
• 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 17
 Classification
Example:
Some of us think that verbs are only those action
words. But actually, verbs have different classifications.
They can be actions, linking, and auxiliary verbs. On one
hand, action verbs are those words that show actions like
jump, write, and talk. On the other hand, linking verbs
such as is, are, was, were, and am, are words that
connect the subject of a sentence to its predicate.
Meanwhile, auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs,
are those verbs used to help a main verb. For example, in
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Let’s check your
understanding!
• This pattern of development is usually used to
explain a process on how to do 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, orPROCESS
to give instructions.
19
Let’s check your
understanding!

• examines how given subjects are either

Comparison/
Contrast 20
Let’s check your
understanding!
• It tells a story or recounts a series of
events and it arranges the events or
ideas in a chronological order which
means the events are organized from
beginning to end.

Narration 21
Let’s check your
understanding!
• This pattern is characterized by using
more adjectives or vivid sensory
description. It creates a mental picture of
the idea or the topic by describing how it
sounds, smells, tastes, feels, and/or looks.

Description 22
Let’s check your
understanding!
• This pattern of paragraph
development uses series of examples
to support the topic sentence. This
means that to further explain the
topic, the use of specific examples
must beExemplificatio
provided.
n 23
Let’s check your
understanding!
• 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.
Definition 24
Let’s check your
understanding!
• This pattern of paragraph
development presents a topic and
classifies it into component parts,
types, kinds or categories. It
distinguishes its parts by presenting
the characteristics of each.
Classification 25
Guess the Pattern!
• Directions: The following paragraphs
talk about a single topic but apply
different patterns. Read each paragraph
and identify the pattern of development
used. Write your answers on your
notebook
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Guess the Pattern!
1. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a
global crisis. In December 2019, the virus
began in the province of Wuhan, China. After
few months, the virus reached the nearby
provinces of China and spread to the other
parts of the globe. On March 11, 2020, World
Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19
as a pandemic since it infected more than
100,000 individuals over 110 countries. Until
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Guess the Pattern!
2. Viruses refer to infectious microscopic
organisms that multiply only in living cells of
animals, plants, or bacteria. They replicate
themselves by integrating into the cell. When
this happens, the virus uses the cell’s chemical
machinery to keep itself alive. Viruses are
responsible for causing many diseases such as
measles, chicken pox, common colds, SARS,
and COVID-19. In conclusion, viruses are 28
Guess the Pattern!
3. Some scientists claim that Corona Virus can be
airborne. However, World Health Organization
(WHO) clarifies that the virus can be transmitted
through aerosolized respiratory droplets. It means
that a person can primarily get the virus through
droplets coming from the infected person who
coughs, sneezes or talks. The person can get the
virus if he or she is within 6 ft. perimeter, does not
have face mask, and inhaled the droplets. Also,
people can be infected by touching surfaces 29
Guess the Pattern!
4. Because of COVID-19 pandemic, there are safety
protocols that must be followed when entering some
establishments. First you must wear face mask and
face shield. Next, present your quarantine pass.
Then, the personnel will check your temperature. If
your body temperature is 37°C and below, you can
enter the establishment. After that, you will fill out a
form asking for your contact information. Once done,
you can proceed with your transaction but you will be
asked to observe social distancing. These measures 30
Guess the Pattern!
5. As COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow, comparisons
have been drawn between COVID-19 and SARS. These
viruses have similarities and differences in terms of their
symptoms and transmission. Both viruses have common
symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
However, other symptoms like fever and chest pain are
commonly experienced in SARS while sore throat and runny
nose are observed in COVID-19. In terms of transmission,
both viruses can be spread through droplets when an
infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. However, COVID-
19 has a wider scope of transmission than SARS because the
31
droplets from a COVID-19 infected person can reach up to 6
Guess the Pattern!
6. Despite the problems brought by the pandemic,
it has undeniably cultivated certain Filipino values.
Because of the situation, family ties have been
strengthened. Filipinos have valued more the
presence of the family members and enjoy the time
together. Also, the crisis made their faith to God
stronger. Further, they have better realized the
importance of proper hygiene, good nutrition, and a
clean environment. This led to a positive habit
formation that protects themselves and their loved32
Guess the Pattern!
7. When we were young, we thought that germs only
come from dirty things and places. But actually, they are
microorganisms that can cause diseases. As a matter of
fact, germs can be classified as viruses, bacteria, fungi,
and protozoa. Viruses are infectious microorganisms that
multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria.
Meanwhile, bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms
that get nutrients from their environments in order to
live. Fungi on the other hand, are multi-celled plant-like
organisms that get their nutrition from plants, people,
and animals while protozoa are single-celled organisms, 33
 Guess the Pattern!
8. It is definitely frightful to be infected with
COVID-19. Though a large number of patients
experience mild symptoms, turning it to a severe
condition is still a possibility. I could not imagine a
patient to experience chest pain, loss of speech
or movement, and difficulty in breathing. What is
worse is the patient is all alone when he or she
experiences all these struggles. Furthermore,
anxiety and self pity add to the struggle of the 34
Quiz Time!