Week 3 - Day 1

PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT IN WRITING ACROSS

DISCIPLINES
 ◦ The word “paragraph”originated from
the Greek word “parágraphos,”which
means “to write beside”.
◦ A paragraph is a group of sentences
that are organized and coherent and
The Paragraph are able to express a single idea.
 1. Unified

Every
2. Clearly related to the thesis
paragraph in a
paper should
be:
3. Coherent

4. Well-developed
Introduction: the first section of a paragraph; should include the topic
sentence and any other sentences at the beginning of the paragraph
that give background information or provide a transition.

Body: follows the introduction; discusses the controlling idea,

using facts, arguments, analysis, examples, and other
information.

Conclusion: the final section; summarizes the connections

between the information discussed in the body of the paragraph
and the paragraph’s controlling idea.

A paragraph has three main parts:

How are paragraphs developed?
v Paragraphs are developed by using a variety of
patterns that reflect our thinking about the
material or topic.

vThe organization/pattern you will choose will

depend on the controlling idea of the paragraph.
The Patterns
of
Development
in Writing
1. Narration
This paragraph requires
chronological ordering. Using
transitional devices that signal
time are highly recommended.
It is like telling a story.
2. Description
In this paragraph, writers
convey how something sounds,
smells, tastes, feels, and/or
looks. Using devices that
indicate location are often
recommended.
3. Definition
A paragraph demonstrating
this technique will include a
definition of the term, the class
to which it belongs, and the
details that differentiate it from
the other members of its class.
4. Exemplification
This paragraph uses specific
illustrations to clarify a general
statement. Using transitional
devices that signal examples
are recommended.
 5. Comparison
and Contrast
A paragraph that demonstrates
comparison and/or contrast
examines how given subjects are
either similar or different. Using
transitional devices that signal
comparison and contrast are highly
recommended.
6. Cause and
Effect
This techniques explores why
events occur and what happens
as a result of them. Transitional
devices that signal cause and
effect are highly
recommended.
7. Problem-
Solution
This pattern presents the
reader with a problem and
some facts or reasons why
it is a problem and the
corresponding solution.
8. Persuasion
It is a paragraph that requires
the convincing the readers that
the opinion of the writer on the
subject, is the right one. Here
the writer must consider the
type of audience and the
evidences that they are most
likely to accept.