RWS – REVIEWER

Patterns of Development help you sort out information and shape paragraphs or essays. They will lead you to the
purpose of your goal in expressing your ideas using these different patterns of development:
• Narration
• Description
• Exemplification
• Definition
• Compare and Contrast
• Classification and Division
• Cause and Effect
• Process Analysis
1. A narrative paragraph simply tells what happened and establishes facts. It is sharing of personal
experiences that offer lessons and insights. It is more than just a chronological sequence of events that
happen to the different characters. It also contains elements of drama and tension.

Narration is the most common type of paragraph development. It has the following elements:
1. Setting. It is the time and location in which a story takes place.
2. Characters. The life-giving element of the story.
3. Plot. It is the logical series of events in the story.
The five essential parts of the plot are:
a. Exposition. It is the part of the story where the characters and the setting are revealed.
b. Rising Action. It is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the
story is exposed.
c. Climax. This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the story.
d. Falling Action. The events and complications begin to resolve themselves.
e. Denouement. The final resolution of the plot in the story.
4. Point of View. It is the perspective of the writer in narrating the story.
a. First person point of view . The story is told by the protagonist or one of the characters
using pronouns I , me , we.
b. Second person point of view . The author tells the story in second point of view using the
pronouns you , yours, and your.
c. Third person point of view . The narrator is not part of the story but describes the events that
happen. The writer uses the pronouns he, she , him, and her.

2. Description gives information of what a person, an object, a place or a situation is like. It appeals to the
reader’s senses. A descriptive paragraph has concrete and specific details, which are carefully chosen by a
writer to paint a picture in the mind of the reader. Descriptive writing emphasizes a reader’s ability to paint
vivid pictures using words on a reader’s mind. This relies on the writer’s ability to appeal to his/her five
senses: the sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing.
To rouse feelings, emotions and reactions from the readers is what descriptive paragraphs aim for. Simple
adjectives will not simply cut it for readers desiring for appropriate description of an event, thing, place or person.
Here is a word bank of sensory words to refer to when you want to add descriptive details to your paragraphs:
SIGHT SOUND SMELL TOUCH TASTE
sparkling yelp musty sticky spicy
gloomy shriek rotten grainy sweet
glossy whisper fragrant smooth sour
bright hiss fresh satiny bitter
dazzling screech pungent pointy bland
cloudy chortle fruity clammy creamy
blurred sneeze stinky furry delectable
 3. Definition explains a concept, term or subject. Its main purpose is to tell what something is.
It consists of three parts: (1) the term, concept or subject to be defined; (2) the general class to which it
belongs; and (3) the characteristics that differentiate it from the other members of its class. A definition
explains what a term means. When you want your readers to know exactly how you are using a
certain term or an unfamiliar concept , you use definition.
Definition is the main constituent of any dictionary. In developing a paragraph by definition, you should take account of
these things:
a) the term to be defined
b) the class to which the term belongs
c) the characteristics that distinguish the term from the other members of its class.
The following are the different types of definitions:
Formal Definition. The definitions provided in dictionaries.
Informal Definitions. The three common informal definitions are operational definitions, synonyms, and
connotations.
a. Operational Definitions gives the meaning of an abstract word for one particular time and place.
b. Synonyms or words that mean the same as another word.
c. Denotation is the exact meaning of the word
d. Connotation is an idea or meaning suggested by or associated with a word or things.
Definition Paragraph. It is a definition sentence which is extended into a paragraph by adding meanings,
descriptions, narrations , and other kinds of paragraph development to make clear the term being defined.

4. Classification paragraphs group items into categories, to establish a clear distinction.If the topic encompasses
a large body of information, one effective way of elaborating it is through classifying things of distinct
features into groups/classes. Classification groups items into categories to establish a clear distinction
between related or similar ideas. Similar items are grouped into categories for the readers to better understand
and analyze the material at hand.In a classification paragraph you tell readers how a collection of
items can be sorted into categories. It is an activity of sorting items (people, things , ideas ) into
categories.
1. Terms that signal classification
aspects kinds qualities traits
areas levels systems types
2. Transitional Expressions
can be divided can be categorized
can be classified the first type

5. A comparison tells how two things are similar. A contrast tells how they are different.A paragraph
developed by comparison and contrast has a unifying idea or purpose of attempting to weigh decisions
between two ideas or subjects. A comparison and contrast paragraph must be balanced in such a way that
there is an equal amount of information for each subject to avoid bias. There are two ways in writing a
comparison and contrast paragraph.
1. Subject – by - Subject Method. You present all of the facts and supporting details about one topic , and
then you give all the facts and supporting details about the other topic.
2. Point – by - Point Arrangement. You discuss each point for both subjects before giving on the next point.
3.
6. A cause is what makes a particular thing happen.
An effect is what results from a particular situation, activity, or behavior.
A paragraph developed by causal analysis must not only raise the question why, but also give answers to the satisfaction
of the reader
Cause and Effect paragraphs are written for the following purposes:
 to discuss why a certain phenomenon occurs
 to discuss the results of a phenomenon, event, feeling or action
 to understand a situation
 to solve a problem
 to predict an outcome
 to entertain
 to persuade

7. In composition writing, problem-solution is a method for analyzing and writing about a topic by identifying
a problem and proposing one or more solutions. Problem-solution paragraphs as the term implies, presents
and identifies a problem and proposes possible solution/s. In composing this type of essay, you must present
an argument or stand and support it with reliable evidence in order to persuade the readers to make a
particular move or action (Kemper et.al, 2016). According to Soles (2010), topics for problem-solution
essays “are typically framed in the form of questions.” Problem-solution essay can provide answers to 5W
and 1H (who, what, when, where, why, and how) questions. Soles (2010) added that this type of essay has
essentially two parts: “a full explanation of the nature of the problem, followed by an analysis of solutions
and their likelihood of success.”
Structure of paragraphs in a problem-solution essay:
Nordquist (1995) suggested the following structure of a problem-solution paper that may serve as a guide on what
to include in this type of essay:
1. Introduction. At the forefront of the essay, the introduction must serve to capture the reader’s attention. This
may contain the thesis statement wherein the problem or topic at hand is presented. This is where the problem is
defined, and the reason why it is significant to a specific group of people (or the target audience).
2. Problem Paragraph. This paragraph/s will dwell on the elaboration of the problem, effectively conveying the
importance of a solution. You may present reliable sources and evidence to support your stand.
3. Solution Paragraph. Present and describe a concrete solution to the problem. Explain how this solution is
better than other probable solutions.
4. Conclusion. Conclude the essay with connection between the problem and its proposed solution.

8. A persuasive paragraph tries to convince the reader that a particular point of view is worthy of
consideration. It wants you to consider both sides of an issue, but it reveals a bias in favor of one side over
another.
A persuasive paragraph intends to convince readers to do or believe in something.
Knowing how to write a persuasive paragraph allows you to express your personal conviction or opinion about an
issue or topic and make the readers agree with or adopt your conviction or opinion.
Much like problem-solution essays, persuasion essays seek to urge readers to take a particular action (Forlini,
et.al, 1990). The main goal of persuasive essays is to convince the reader to agree to the writer’s opinion or at the very
least, take it into serious consideration.
According to Forlini (1990), “the purpose of persuasive writing is to obtain the reader’s agreement on a matter of
opinion.”
The statements given in persuasive essays are heavy on opinion while based on facts. The opinions of the writer
must be (a) controversial enough or something that would inspire conversation and debate, (b) significant and interesting,
and (c) supported by evidence. (Forlini, 1990).
It is also vital that in order to prove your stand, you must thoroughly research about the issue you are about to
discuss. Make a list of your strongest arguments composed of facts and data. Introduce a new reason or fact with every
paragraph.
Some of the transitional expressions used in persuasive paragraphs are the following:
ANSWER THE
GIVE REASONS DRAW CONCLUSION
OPPOSITION
First (second, third, etc.) Of course Therefore
Another, Next Some may say Nevertheless Thus
Last, finally On the other hand Hence
Because, since, for Consequently
Although

DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS

One of the most important elements in writing is the form or structure. It is worth noting that without a solid structure in
place, the content you have gathered would fall apart. After constructing an outline and writing your first draft, it is time
to get on to paragraph writing. An effective paragraph shows the unity of the sentences used in developing the main idea.
A paragraph is made up of the topic sentence which contains the main idea, the supporting details and the conclusion or
the clinching sentence at the end.

Topic sentence – it reveals the main or central idea of the paragraph. It does not necessarily have to be placed at the
beginning of the paragraph. It may be found in the middle of the first and the last sentence or at the end. If it is found at
the end of the paragraph, it may be used as a clinching or concluding sentence.

Supporting details – they give the paragraph life as it elaborates on the scope given by the topic sentence.

Clinching sentence – it closes your paragraph. According to Dagdag (2010), this “may be a restatement of the topic
sentence, a summary, or a conclusion based on the supporting details.”
For a text to be well-written, one must keep in mind these three properties:
Organization - this is the structural framework for writing. It is important to effective writing because it provides readers
with a framework to help them fulfil their expectations for the text. This is the logical progression and completeness of
ideas in a text. Organization is achieved when ideas are logically and accurately arranged.
Coherence – by coherence we mean that every part of a composition must contribute to one main unifying thought, which
means that the various parts of a text must follow one another in an order which makes their relationship clear.
Cohesion - means that the overall text has meaning.
Text organization is the way a text is organized that helps to guide the reader logically through it. This property makes
a text readable and its message clear. Organization can be achieved through the following techniques:

 Physical format
 Signal words
 Structure
Physical Format
The format is an aspect of the organization that is immediately apparent to the reader. It is seen in how the text
physically appears like headings and subheadings, bullet points or font emphasis. However, use this technique with
discretion as improper or superfluous formatting can be confusing.
Signal Words
Signal words are textual cues that readers can use to follow a text. They can “signal” the transition from one
point to another, the ordering of events and concepts, or the writer’s chosen text type (e.g., linear narration, question
and answer).
Structure
 The structure provides the framework upon which the text is organized. It consists of the following:
Beginning: introduction, thesis statement, hook
Middle: supporting details
End: conclusion, summary, final message

Beginning: Introduce topic of aura

Middle: Definition and evidence of existence of auras
End: Ending message about forces in the world
By adhering to the structure, the writer can produce a text that is still easy to follow. The topic, supporting details and
concluding message is still clear to the reader.
Text organization makes a text easy to read. It prevents the reader from becoming confused by a jumble of words,
sentences, and paragraphs that are in no particular order.
Organization can be achieved through the physical format, signal words, and structure.

Coherence and Cohesion – by coherence we mean that every part of a composition must contribute to one main
unifying thought, which means that the various parts of a text must follow one another in an order which makes
their relationship clear. On the other hand, cohesion means that the overall text has meaning.
A text with coherence has ideas that are logically sequenced in a way that is easy to follow for the reader .
Although without cohesion, no central concept links all these ideas together. The main point of the text remains unclear
for readers.
Language Use – refers to the appropriateness of word/vocabulary use.
An effective language is specific, concise, familiar, correct and appropriate.
It is important that you make good choices when it comes to language use because how you use language affects the
tone of the text and the readers’ interpretation of it. Before writing, you have to think about and consider your target
audience.

Determine when it is appropriate to use formal language or when informal language is acceptable.

Mechanics - refers to a set of conventions on how to spell, abbreviate, punctuate and capitalize. Mechanics are
conventions that have to be considered in writing. Some of these conventions are spelling, punctuation,
and capitalization. It is important to know and observe these conventions in writing to avoid confusion.

Spelling
When you write, always make sure that you are consistently using one standard with regard to the spelling of your
words. Remember that there are slight differences in American English spelling and British English spelling.
Punctuation
Punctuation is the act of using a system of symbols such as the comma, period, quotation marks, question marks,
etc. that are used to give structure to and organize a text. The use of punctuation guides the reader regarding how the text
should be read.
Capitalization
Capitalization is the act of writing the first letter of a word in uppercase while the rest of the letters are in lowercase. There
are rules in capitalization that one has to remember. Below are a few examples of words that require capitalization:
 proper nouns
Alex, Manila
 proper adjectives
Canadian
 days of the week
Sunday
 months of the year
January
  specific course titles
Theater 101
 kinship names used in place of personal names and are followed by personal names
Grandma, Dad, Aunt Paz, Uncle Alvin
 adjectives, verbs, adverbs, nouns, and pronouns in a title and the first and last word in a title
  Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (literature)
 historical periods, events, documents
 Great Depression, the Renaissance, the Constitution

Organization is the logical progression and completeness of ideas in a text.

By coherence we mean that every part of a composition must contribute to one main unifying thought, which means
that the various parts of a text must follow one another in an order which makes their relationship clear.
On the other hand, cohesion means that the overall text has meaning.
Language Use refers to the appropriateness of word/vocabulary usage.
Mechanics refers to a set of conventions on how to spell, abbreviate, punctuate and capitalize.
To properly evaluate the ideas you have gathered while reading, you must be able to know the different kinds of
information which are explicit information and implicit information.
Two Kinds of Information:

Explicit Information is the information stated in the text. Readers can see the piece of information stated in the given
passage.

Implicit information is the information not directly presented in the text. As readers, we need to read between the lines to
understand the details that the writer is trying to tell us.

Critical reading enables you to distinguish the explicit and implicit information provided by the author. Explicit
information is information that is clearly stated in the text. Implicit, on the other hand, are ideas suggested
in the text but not directly stated. This is where the ability to make inferences based on clues within the text is
applied. Through proper identification of explicit and implicit information, the critical reader can properly
evaluate the claim/s made by an author. Claims state the point or position of an author regarding a certain
topic. The claim statement is further proven by supporting details from various resources and reliable
evidence. Tiongson (2016) gave the following characteristics of good claims:

1. A claim should be argumentative and debatable. It is expected for a written text to yield objections and opposite
perspectives to appear for readers of a text that supports a certain stand on a topic. Completely factual texts are
not considered debatable.
2. A claim should be specific and focused. With the statement of claim limiting the scope of the written text, it must
be noted that claims must be focused on a single topic alone to arrive at an equally concise and specific result or
conclusion.
3. A claim should be interesting and engaging. It should capture the interest of readers at first glance and encourage
a healthy discussion on the topic.
4. A claim should be logical. The evidence supporting the claim must be reasonable at its best.

Claims of Fact are pieces of information which are grounded on reliable authority such as science or history.
Claims of Fact relate to statements that can be easily verified and not dependent on a person's preference. It also
asserts that a condition has existed, is existing, or will exist and is based on facts or data.
Facts that are universally accepted are not considered claim of fact but instead a statement of fact.
Claims of Fact are often qualified by such terms as generally, probably, or as a rule. And, to verify whether these
statements are claim of fact or not, ask these questions:
Is it debatable? Is it verifiable? Is it specific? Can it be solved objectively?
Types of factual claims (generally "objective")
1. Factual / historical
2. Relational - causal connections
3. Predictive

Proof requires:
• sufficient and appropriate grounds
• reliable authority
• recent data
• accurate, typical data
• clearly defined terms -no loaded language
• a clear distinction between fact and inference

The Claim of Policy calls for some form of action.

It states what the reader should or ought to do about a particular situation/topic.
The Claim of Policy advocates a specific course of action. It asserts that specific policies should be instituted as
solutions to problems.
Claims of policy argue that certain conditions should exist. Almost always "should" or "ought to" or "must" are
included in this claim.
Claims of Policy are specific statements on procedures or laws that need to be modified based on certain issues or
conditions.
Most of the time, claims of policy ask for plans of action to solve current problems.
Proof requires:
 Making proposed action (clear), need (justification), plan (must be workable), benefit (advantages) consider
opposition / counter arguments.
Consider this statement, for example:
To attract more non-traditional students, this college must review and revise its course offerings.

The given statement above is an example of a claim of policy. It calls on action for the college referred to,
regarding its course offerings to arrive at a workable conclusion which is to attract more non-traditional students. The
author may choose to elaborate on this course of action to prove that this claim can work for the college.

Claims of Value refer to statements that appeal to a person’s taste and morals or the sense of what’s good and
what’s bad. This type of claim weighs the values according to which is more desirable. Claim of value deals with topics
concerning moral, philosophical, or aesthetic aspects.
Claims of Value involve judgments and evaluations. It judges whether something is good/bad, right/wrong,
just/unjust, ethical/non-ethical, and others. We judge the worth of something. It attempts to prove that some things are
more or less desirable than others. Some claims of value are simply expressions of taste, preferences, and prejudices. The
most important in proving claim of value is by establishing standards of evaluation.

Proof requires:
• Establishing standards of evaluation (i.e. a warrant that defines what constitutes instances of the relevant value)
• note the priority of the value in this instance
• Establish the advantage (practical or moral) of your standards
• Use examples to clarify abstract values
 Use credible authorities for support
The famous saying, honesty is the best policy, is one good example of a claim of value. To prove the statements
validity, the author may elaborate on the examples that show how honesty holds advantage over other policies and how it
has been proven to be effective.
A claim is a statement that is not considered accepted by all. It may be unverified or controversial to a certain degree.
There are claims rooted in history or science (claims of fact).
There are claims that demand action because the present conditions for certain policies are no longer effective
(claims of policy).
There are claims that assert the morality of an idea based on certain standards or preferences (claims of value).