Writing Patterns, Exercise 1

Directions: For each item select the letter of the answer choice that best completes the statement of answers the question.
Remember to watch for clue words and signals in each item.
D) definition

1
If you want to write a
paragraph describing how
to change a flat tire on a
car, which pattern would
you be most likely to use?

6
Which pattern would you
use to let your roommate
know the things you need
from the grocery store?

A) list

A) list

B) sequence
comparisonC) contrast

B) sequence
comparisonC) contrast

D) definition

D) cause-effect

2
If you want to explain to
someone what a rain forest
is, which pattern is
probably the most logical
one to use?

7
Which pattern would you
be likely to use if you wrote
a paragraph describing the
development of a
hurricane?

A) list

A) list

B) sequence
comparisonC) contrast

B) sequence
comparisonC) contrast
cause-effect
D) Write to discuss
how different
people view love.

D) definition
3
Your criminal justice
professor tells the class he
is going to present the
differences between
misdemeanor crimes and
felonies. You expect that he
will organize the
information using which
pattern?
A) list

A) list
B) sequence
C) definition
D) cause-effect
9
Suppose you are asked on
a history test to explain the
causes of the American
Revolution. Which pattern
would you be likely to use
to organize the
information?

B) sequence
comparisonC) contrast
D) definition
4
If you write a paper
explaining the most
common reasons
employees lose their jobs,
you would probably
organize your thoughts
using which pattern?
A) list
B) sequence
comparisonC) contrast
D) cause-effect
5
If you tell your younger
brother how college is
different from high school,
you would use which
pattern?
A) list
B) sequence
comparisonC) contrast

A) list
B) definition
comparisonC) contrast
D) cause-effect
10
A paragraph in a health
textbook has the heading,
"Types of Food Additives."
What pattern do you
anticipate the author will
use to present the
information?
A) list
B) sequence
comparisonC) contrast
D) cause-effect