Lesson 3: PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT IN WRITING

Ideas may not be enough to produce an effective paragraph. Writers need to think of ways by which
these ideas can be arranged to make their writing organized. Through the use of the different patterns of
development, writers are enabled to craft a strong, focused and well-written text. Today, let us explore the
basic patterns of paragraph development in writing across disciplines. I hope, this lesson will equip you with
the necessary skills in organizing your ideas in creating your own texts.
No one learns to write effectively without learning the basic elements of writing. You might have
thought of why other students can write better than you do. Most likely, you have also wondered why some
of them can write fast, when you find it difficult to even start your paragraph. Are there really people born
with a talent in writing? Or like any other craft, can writing be learned by anybody who is interested to write?
Every writer writes for a reason. When person is happy and in love, he/she gets inspired to write to
inform the world of his/her feelings. A couple who are to be married may write their own vows for each other.
When a teacher requires the students to submit an essay, an article or a short story. Whatever is the reason
why a person writes, he writes for a purpose. This purpose is maybe to inform, to explain, to convince, to
impress, to entertain or simply to share an experience.

Methods frequently used in writing:

1. NARRATION
- Developing one’s reading and writing skills is not easy. There are learners who can read but are not
able to express themselves in writing well. You have a lot of ideas in mind but sometimes you may find it
hard to organize these ideas coherently, however, the good thing is that there are many ways on how you can
write effectively.
- A narrative paragraph is the most difficult to write compared to the other types of paragraph. A
narration is also spiced up with picture words so that it will not only appeal to the emotion of the reader but
also to his intellect. In here, events must be arranged according to the order of time or chronological order.
Transitional devices such as first, second, next, then, finally, etc. are used.

Key points when writing using narration method:

1. Know what to write. (Be sure that you know what information you need to give to the reader.)
2. Develop a strong topic sentence. (Using strong topic sentence will make you effective in giving a point.)
3. Choose your materials. (These materials are the events that you should consider in your narration. Your
choice depends on your purpose in writing.)
4. Organize the events. (The readers should be able to clearly picture in their minds the sequence of events
as they happen. You should show the beginning, middle and ending of your narrative.)
5. Consider your audience. (Do you think your audience need more information to understand the part of the
story? Focus on their need.)
6. Use dialogue. (Dialogue will result to a more exciting narrative and a more sustained attention and interest
of the audience.)
7. Use figurative language. (Figures of speech give color to writing. This will give your narration more depth
and result to reader’s satisfaction.)
8. Use narrative details. (The use of detailed action or pictures enable the readers to grasp and see what is
happening in the narration.)

Writing a paragraph involves deep understanding of how one can achieve well-focused and unified
ideas in a composition. For example, when students are asked to come up with a summary of a story, they
tend to chop parts of the story and put it in their summary. If that is so, it leads to create unrelated details that
do not contribute in the oneness and clarity of one’s summary.
It is important to use strategies developing ideas using a particular pattern. One of these is through
narration. A narrative text contains the plot which gives direction in making a story.
In developing narration, sequential presentation of events plays an important role. Signal words help
to create unified thought and to show the transition of events to the next. This leads us to focus on the use of
the action words in the story. It also helps to move the story and makes the story interesting.
The chronological ordering of events helps to show the reader how the story moves. Most of the
common transitional words are first, next, then, after and suddenly. Moreover, it is also important to give
specific details in pointing out the direction of the story.

Read the paragraph and answer the following questions on a separate sheet.
Being a transferee is never easy. At first, I was hesitant to come but my mother
told me that I would find new friends in Masayahin Senior High School. I would
never forget the day I first entered this school, I felt so shy and nervous. I did not
know anyone for I was a new Grade 11 student. When I entered my first class
looking for a chair to sit in, a boy sitting beside the window sill asked me, “Are you
new in this school?” and I answered shyly, “Yes.” Then, he offered me the vacant
seat beside him. He was Jasper, an old student in that school. We got along with
each other well in our class. We worked on our assignments and school projects. ,
he slept in our house doing our research work. After a year, we both realized that
in many ways we had a lot of similarities in terms of interests in life. In the end,
we became best of friends.

1. Where and when did the story happen?

2. What transitional devices are used to indicate the chronological order of time?
3. What event happened first?
4. What does the paragraph tell?
5. What sequence is presented in the story?

ACTIVITY:
Narration: Tell Me
(Students will share an experience which made them realize a specific value/lesson in life)

2. DESCRIPTION
- People love to read and listen to story and the use of appropriate transitional devices in telling stories
are noteworthy. Likewise, you have previously learned that in writing a narrative, the plot gives direction in
making the story. However, it is not only the plot that will help you to develop your writing skills. The use of
description is also important to help you create a vivid picture of what you are trying to express through written
text.
- It is the most commonly used method of writing a paragraph. Its purpose is to present an image or a
picture. In this method, the writer should be able to draw things clearly in the minds of the readers by the use
of adjectives, so that readers will be able to imagine what the writer has seen, felt or experienced. In order to
be effective, you should have an accurate choice of words and logical order of details.

Key points when writing using description method:

1. Be alert with your senses. (Focus and commit yourself on the particular thing, place, person, or other
objects for you to describe it accurately and clearly.)
2. Decide which single impression you will emphasize. (If you want to emphasize tidiness, peace, disorder,
confusion, excitement – then you should be clear in emphasizing it to give the readers a clear picture of what
you want to impart to them.)
3. Select details that will help convey the desired description.
4. Don’t catalog. Remember that a list is not a description. (A catalog is a book that lists many things. You
should still have a storyline when giving descriptions about your subject.)5. Put things first. The first detail
observed is the most striking or unusual one. Arrange the details from the most prominent to the least ones.
Select the best details and drop the unpleasant ones.)
5. Be brief but accurate. (Be straightforward or direct to the point.)
6. Use vivid, specific words. (Avoid using general words like nice, fine and lovely.)
7. Use transitional devices as guideposts. (Use phrases such as like on the right, just beyond, in the distance.

- According to Dayagbil & et al, 2016, the use of description plays an important role to explain the nature of
people, places and things. A series of detailed observation about the subject can help you create a good
descriptive paragraph. This involves the use of adjectives and adverbs in the paragraph.
- The kind of words we used to describe how your subject looks, sounds, feels, smells or even tastes like are
called sensory languages. It also concerns how you will arrange the details to provide an image of the scene,
the person or the object you are trying to describe in your text.

• There are two types of description.

1. objective description - where the writer presents impartial and actual picture of the subject without
biases and excluding personal impression of the subject just like when you give your description of an
experiment in class.
2. subjective description, where the writer gives personal impression of what is observed. This is often
used in making fiction stories. For instance, when you are asked to write about a place you visit during
summer vacation, you tend to give your personal judgment of how you experience the place.
I. Read the paragraphs below. Tell whether the description is subjective description or objective.
1. Sampaloc Lake is an inactive volcanic maar on the island of Luzon, the Philippines. It is the largest of the
Seven Lakes of San Pablo, Laguna. Nearly half of the lake's depth has a shallow depression at the bottom,
indicating its volcanic origin. It is approximately 104 hectares and 3.5 kilometer boardwalk. The lake is behind
San Pablo City Capitol and at the foot of the Doña Leonila Park.

2. Sampaloc Lake is one of the best tourist spots in San Pablo. It is where you can bring your friends and loved
ones for picnic and bonding. Most of San Pableños jog around the lake and do ride bicycles not only to have
morning good exercise but also have fresh air. You can witness the beauty of nature for it is surrounded
with mountains.

II.

ACTIVITY:
Description: The Who?
Students will describe somebody in the class who inspires and motivates them to be a better student and
person.

3. DEFINITION
Previously, you have learned the first two patterns of development: narration and description. The descriptive
text portrays events and brings a scene or object to life in the imagination of the reader. Meanwhile, a narrative
text tells story or events in chronological order. Now, let’s move on to another pattern which is called
definition.
This gives a satisfactory explanation of the meaning of a word and may point out the special limitations of its
meaning. This is very important especially in doing scientific research or preparing term papers.
- It helps to clarify and explain concepts by answering the question “what does it mean?” This pattern
explains the information through the use of illustrations, examples, and descriptions.
- SIGNAL WORDS: is defined as, as defined, means, refers to, to define, to illustrate.

SAMPLE TEXT:

Social engineering is defined as any method which tricks people to share personal information through the
use of technology. The ‘social’ component in this scheme means that there is reliance on various psychological
tricks and on the gullibility of users rather than technical hacking. Social engineering also refers to various
malicious acts online, such as phishing, spamming, and pretexting.

Definitions provide concise but exact meanings of unfamiliar words and explain special meanings for
familiar words. They are often used to explain technical words and concepts. What to define always depends
on the needs of the reader and the purpose of communication.
It can be done in either of the two distinct methods of definition.
➢ Informal definition as either denotation or connotation.
• Denotation - is the dictionary meaning of the word.
For example: Rose is a family of prickly shrub with pinnate leaves and showy flowers.
 • Connotation - is the secondary meaning of a word and not necessarily included in the dictionary.
Rather it is how a writer understands a word based on their own personal or consensual experiences.
For example: A dozen of pink roses is usually given to their beloved ones. Instead of literally referring to
flowers, love and romance are connoted.

➢ Formal definition - consists of three principal parts: the species (WORD) n + Genus (CLASS) +
Differentiae.
The WORD is the name of the object, process, or concept defined. This is usually followed by “is” and “are”
and the CLASS or general group to which the objects belong.
For example: Skimming (species) is a reading technique (class) of allowing the eyes to travel over a page very
quickly, stopping only here and there to gain an idea (differentiae).

1. What is being defined in this paragraph?

2. Do the supporting points help you understand the definition better? Are there facts, reasons,
examples, and details that make it even clearer?
3. What transition words are used between supporting points?

Application:

ACTIVITY:
Definition: Pinoy Henyo
Students will define an object, an idea, or a concept which they consider important in their lives

4. CLASSIFICATION/EXEMPLIFICATION
 - In the previous lessons, you have learned the differences between and among narrative, descriptive,
and definition paragraphs. Now, you will familiarize yourself with two of the most common patterns of
paragraph development – exemplification and classification.
- Classification is almost any act of noting relationships. It is the act of locating a specimen of all
different kinds of objects which possess a given characteristic. It is the systematic arrangement of things that
are related and is based on principles or basis in order to come up with a well-organized data.
As you unravel the unique patterns of development in writing exemplification and classification
paragraphs and how to incorporate them in your own writing, you must first begin to learn how to identify the
basic parts of these patterns – topic sentence, classifications (types, categories), examples (illustrations) and
transitional expressions.
These can be used in writing other papers with different purposes other than telling a story, describing
something or defining a concept.

Key points in giving classification:

1. Classification places related items into categories or groups
2. Only plural subjects can be classified. A singular subject is partitioned and not classified.
3. The categories should be coordinated, parallel and must be in the same rank in grammatical form and
content.
4. The categories must not overlap. An item can have a place in only one category.
Study the accomplished table. How can you say that the words and phrases that you have just written all
exemplify that of the (a) topic sentence, (b) classification, (c) examples and d) transition words?

Exemplification (or illustration) - is the most common and effective pattern to explain an idea or point. In
developing this kind of paragraph, the writer develops a general statement –the topic sentence, with one or
more examples to support it. It presents the general statement and then provides specific and concrete
examples to expound on the main idea.
Here are some transitional expressions in writing effective exemplification paragraphs: for instance, namely,
to be specify, to clarify, to illustrate, for example, in short, as an example. after all, as an example, consider
the following, for example, for instance, in other words, In particular, in short, namely, Put another way,
specifically, stated differently, that is, to be specific, to clarify, to illustrate.

SAMPLE TEXT:

while the internet offers so many benefits to man, it also has its downsides. One of these is phishing, which
refers to the act of obtaining personal information, such as passwords and credit card details, through online
means. In other words, phishing is a form of cybercrime. As an example, let us consider the case of Mr. X. He
received
an email stating that his Gmail account has been compromised and that he needed to click a link to update
personal information. If he clicks on the link, his personal information will be illegally acquired by
cybercriminals.

On the other hand, classification is used when a writer needs to sort out or arrange subjects to groups or
categories based on their common and shared characteristics.
Here are some transitional expressions in writing effective classification paragraphs: classified as, one
kind, the last group, another kind, another, final type, the first category, are categorized as, the next part.

Remember that you can use both exemplification and classification in developing a paragraph by simply
identifying categories on a particular subject and providing examples or illustration to explain and clarify
meaning.

Read the excerpt that follows. You may take down notes as you read it. After reading the excerpt, you need to
do the following:
1. Indicate the pattern of paragraph development used and illustrate it by using any appropriate type of
graphic organizer to visually display the ideas or concepts presented.
2. Using your graphic organizer, write your improved version of the paragraph by using the appropriate
transitional expressions.
 5. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
- Sometimes, you’ll be asked by your teachers to perform tasks which would require you to make
intelligent choices. School writing activities may require you to do comparison and contrast, in which you
focus on similarities and differences of ideas. By assigning you such writing activities, you are encouraged to
make connections between text and ideas and engage you in critical thinking.

Using the Venn diagram, jot down words and phrases showing similarities and differences between Junior
High School and Senior High School.

- Comparison means explaining how a thing is similar to another; contrast explains what a thing is not
like. This type of development in writing shows how a person, animal or thing resembles or differs from
something else.

Key points in making an effective comparison:

1. Things compared should belong to the same class.
Example: “Students who graduated from urban elementary schools are more technologically-minded than
students who graduated from rural elementary schools.” (The reason is obvious; they cannot be compared
because they do not fall under the same class.)
2. Comparison should be based on the same set of measurement – both must
be measured by the same yardstick.
Example: Earthquakes often occur in the Philippines, but they are not so destructive as Japan. (Correct:
Earthquakes that occur in the Philippines are not as destructive as those that occur in Japan.)
3. Dangling comparison should be avoided. The two things being compared should be stated in a sentence.
Example: Reading is easier. (Correct: Reading is easier than writing.)
4. Use the comparative degree in comparing two persons, places or things.
Example: Of the two masterpieces, I like this best. (Correct: Of the two masterpieces, I like this better.)
5. The superlative is used for emphasis only when no comparison is intended.
Example: This is the most critical moment! You are the luckiest boy in town.

Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar while contrast in writing discusses elements
or ideas that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay, then analyzes two subjects comparing them,
contrasting them, or both. However, its purpose is not to simply state the obvious but rather to illustrate subtle
differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
As a writer, you should help the readers see how these two ideas are similar or different by showing
them its advantages and disadvantages so they are able to weigh the pros and cons before they make judgment
or decision. Take a look at this example.
 There are two common ways to organize comparison/contrast paragraph or essay. The Block Method
is used to compare and contrast two subjects one at a time. You may begin by saying everything you have to
say about the first subject you are discussing then move on and write everything about your second subject. If
you are writing a short paragraph or essay, you might be able to fit all of your points about each item. However,
if you would want to address one subject at a time, you may use Point-by-point comparison.
Some cohesive devices you can use in showing similarities are likewise, similar to, same with, like, in
the same manner. To show contrast, cue words such as: on the other hand, however, while, different with, in
contrast and the like.

Brainstorm an essay topic leaning towards comparison or contrast. Choose one among the three items then
come up with at least one similarity and three differences. The rubric in “What’s More” segment may still
apply to this activity.
• Cell phone units and brands
• Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants
• Enrolling in college or getting employed after Senior High School

Activity: Comparison and Contrast: Now and Then

Students will describe in written form the conventional and contemporary ways of courtship in the Philippines.

6. CAUSE AND EFFECT

Reasons and results are two things that interest readers. Thus, it is important for writers like you to learn how
paragraphs of this kind should be developed.

In the cause-and-effect method of paragraph development, the writer explains how certain causes produce
results or effects. (It’s like telling various actions and its consequences). This method is suitable for
argumentation, exposition (description or explanation of an idea) and narration. A writer may start from the
cause to the effect or vice versa.

I. Read the passage carefully. Then, complete the diagram below.

Discoveries and invention of devices are always welcome until we, humans, find a way to abuse its benefits
and be adversely affected by it. This was the case when Wilhelm Roentgen discovered x-ray and within five
years, the British Army was using a mobile x-ray unit to locate bullets and shrapnel in wounded soldiers in
the Sudan. TV was also invented with positive thoughts in mind – there would be no national borders,
education and communication would be worldwide, etc. However, we are now trying to overcome its
physiological and psychological adverse effects on human beings.

Answer the following questions on a separate sheet.

1. What is the main idea of the text?
2. What states the cause of the idea?
3. What states the results of the idea?

Cause and Effect is a text development pattern which explains why something happens. It also
states what results a particular event produces. It usually gives a statement emphasizing the cause
and another emphasizing the effect.

The following guide questions can be used for cause-effect development:

• Why did it happen?
• What caused it?
 • What does it cause?
• What are its effects?
• How is it related to something else?

Further, in developing your texts you can use signal words like as a consequence of, as a result of, because,
because of, now that and since to express cause while accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, and
this resulted in to signify effects.

I. Put a check (✓) if the item is suited for a cause-and-effect text or a cross (x) if not.
1. How to play drums (x)
2. Impact to technology in education ✓
3. Importance of daily reading habit ✓
4. Increased drop-out rate in a school. ✓
5. The act of kindness. x

II. Complete the given statements to sum up your learning for this lesson.
1. Cause and effect is a text development pattern explains ___________ something happens and
states ___________results a particular event produces.
2. ___________focuses on: why did the topic happen; what caused it; what does it cause; what are
its effects; and, how is it related to something else.
3. Signal words used in introducing cause include: _______________________
4. Signal words used in introducing effect include: _______________________

Activity 1: Reflect on the quote: “Working out of cause and effect is eternal” (Deepak Chopra). Develop a
cause-and-effect paragraph to express your insights about this. The previous rubric may still be used for this
writing task.

Activity 2: Cause and Effect: Oh My Earth!

Students will work in pairs to identify the cause and effect of environmental problems that the country is
facing today.

7. PROBLEM AND SOLUTION

In this lesson, you are expected to plan, structure, and write interesting and meaningful paragraphs applying
the problem-solution pattern in your essays about different topics, issues or recent developments in various
fields.

With your previous learning about cause-and-effect pattern of development, you can readily write a full-blown
essay addressing any issue that interests you. After answering the “why” and the “what happened”, we now
move on to the “how” – how will we do things and how can we resolve issues or concerns around us. This
time, you will apply the problem-solution pattern of development.
 In here, an information is presented as a problem or an issue and a solution that can be done to solve
the issue. This is not similar to cause and effect because in cause and effect, it does not present a solution to
the problem; rather it presents the effects of a problem.

Activity 1: Choose a specific problem in your place and try to propose solutions for it. Write your insights in
a short paragraph following the problem-and-solution pattern of development. Make use of correct transitional
devices in your text. Be guided by the rubric below.
Arrange the following steps in developing a problem-and-solution text.
_____ Brainstorm to identify several solutions.
_____ Gather supporting information.
_____ Define the problem to be solved.
_____ Decide how to organize your writing.
_____ Write a thesis statement.
_____ Support your thesis with examples and details.
_____ Write a strong conclusion.

Activity 2: List down the top three problems of millennials today. Then propose possible solutions to each of
your identified problem. You can use this as a springboard in writing a problem-solution text.
8. PERSUASIVE
By this time, you should have learned seven different patterns of paragraph development. The
latest of which is the problem-solution text, which focuses on either a problem or solution in a
particular area or situation. It a type of text expressed as a dilemma or concerning issue (problem)
and something that was, can be, or should be done to remedy this issue (solution or attempted
solution).
The last pattern of paragraph development featured in this module focuses on how you can state details through
presenting your views and encouraging your target readers to accept your argument.
Activity 1. Complete the table below after reading the paragraph.
Is iPhone 11 worth spending extra money on it? One of the company’s recent novelties is the iPhone 11 – a
newer and more advanced version of the most popular phone in the world. However, the previous model –
iPhone XR – seemed to have been satisfying people’s needs just fine as well. So, what is the difference?

Persuasive text - can be in the form of an argument, discussion, exposition, review or even an advertisement.
In developing your own persuasive text, a writer must first state the issue. This will serve as a background
information about the topic. Then, it should be followed by a clear, strong and specific argument.

An argument is one’s claim or position that can either support or reject the issue previously stated. Arguments
shall be supported with well-researched evidence, which will give details on how and why it supports the
argument. Evidences can be factual, logical, statistical or anecdotal in nature. It can also explain counter-
arguments not because the writer wants to prove which claims are wrong or right but to enlighten the readers
about other positions.

Lastly, a conclusion restating the main argument of the text will be the end of the text. This will be your final
statement to persuade your readers.
Some guide questions in constructing a persuasive text include:
• What is the issue?
• What is your position or opinion?
• What is the opposing position/opinion?
• What are some reasons for your position/opinion?
• What are some cases or examples that support this?

Application:
Test 1. Read the text below and identify the issue, the argument/s and conclusion.
When we consider the ubiquity of cellphones, iPods, personal computers and the internet, it’s easy to
see how science (and the technology to which it leads) is woven into the fabric of our day-to-day activities.
When we benefit from CT scanners, M.R.I. devices, pacemakers and arterial stents, we can immediately
appreciate how science affects the quality of our lives. When we assess the state of the world, and identify
looming challenges like climate change, global pandemics, security threats and diminishing resources, we
don’t hesitate in turning to science to gauge the problems and find solutions.
And when we look at the wealth of opportunities hovering on the horizon—stem cells, genomic
sequencing, personalized medicine, longevity research, nanoscience, brain-machine interface, quantum
computers, space technology—we realize how crucial it is to cultivate a general public that can engage with
scientific issues; there’s simply no other way that as a society we will be prepared to make informed decisions
on a range of issues that will shape the future.
Test 2.
Complete the statements to sum up your key learning for this lesson.
1. __________ is a type of paragraph development that focuses on presenting points of view
2. An __________ serves as a background information about the topic.
3. An __________ is one’s claim or position that can either support or reject the issue previously
stated.
4. Arguments shall be supported with a well-researched __________.
5. A __________ restating the main argument of the text will be the end of the text.

Activity: Write a persuasive text to encourage incoming senior high school to choose the strand you are
enrolled in. The rubric in the previous activity may still be used for this writing task.