Lesson 3

Patterns of
Development in
Writing
Learning Objectives:
• Distinguish between and among patterns of development in writing across
disciplines;

• Find out the features of each pattern of development;

• Write paragraphs using different patterns of development.

Patterns of
Development in Writing
• refer to the particular strategy
writers used to develop ideas 7

• writers choose pattern based on

their purpose
 There are eight patterns of
development in writing across
disciplines.

1 2 3 4

Narration Description Definition Exemplification/

Classification
 There are eight patterns of
development in writing across
disciplines.

5 6 7 8

Comparison and Cause and Problem - Persuasion

Contrast Effect Solution
1. Narration
Narration
It tells a story. It relates an incident or a series of events
that leads to a conclusion or ending. It tells the readers
when, where and what happened.

A narrative paragraph contains action words and

transition words that indicate time and sequence.4
Narration
It uses the following signal words:
• First, second, etc.
• After, next, then, eventually, soon
• During, at the same time, simultaneously
• Suddenly, instantly, momentarily
• The next day, following, thereafter
• In the end, ultimately
Define
each
Narration
Last night, I was walking on my way home when it suddenly
rained. I forgot to bring my umbrella, so I ran to avoid getting
Example completely soaked in the rain. Not seeing where I was going,
word I fell into a paddle of water. Then a guy helped me stand up.
When I looked up, I recognized him. Momentarily, I forgot
that I was soaking wet and that I was very cold. He offered to
walk me home, and I just nodded. The next day, he and I saw
each other at school. At last, we talked like old friends.
2. Description
Description
It gives information of what a person, an object, a place
or a situation is like. It appeals to the reader's senses. 8

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.
Description
Some examples that use descriptive paragraphs are the
following:
• Descriptive essays
• Lab reports
• Literary analysis
• Business plans
• Research papers
 - explains not just what
3. Definition something means or is, but also
what something does, what
something is used for, what
something looks like, etc.3
Varieties of Definition
1. Scientific Definition - defines a
concept in the most factual
way, which is often used in
scientific, proper or real world
facts.

2. Subjective Definition -
defines the object in a
more personal way
Definition
It uses the following signal words:
• is defined as
• means
• as defined
• refers to
• to illustrate
• to define
Define
each
Definition
Social engineering is defined as any method which tricks
people to share personal information through the use of
Example
word technology. The social component in this scheme means
that there is reliance on various psychological tricks and
the gullibility of users rather than technical hacking.
Social engineering also refers to various malicious acts
online such as phishing, spamming and pretexting.
 Classification divides things into
4. Exemplification/
groups, classes or categories. It
Classification
organizes ideas into divisions
based on criteria or standards.1
 Exemplification provides
4. Exemplification/ examples and illustrations in order
Classification to further clarify or explain the
concept or subject matter.
 Classification

Exemplification
 - Comparison entails dealing
5. Comparison and with the similarities or likeness
Contrast of at least two subjects.

- Contrast tackles the differences

between or among topics.
 Comparison

Contrast
 - Cause is simply "why
6. Cause and Effect something happens", and an
effect describes "what
happens".3

With cause-and-effect pattern,

the writer can explain how an
event or action leads to another.
Three Different Ways to
Use the Cause and 1. Cause to Effect
Effect Pattern in
Writing 2. Effect to Cause

3. Consecutive Cause and

Effect
 Cause

Effect
 Define
each
Cause and Effect Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning caused by
Salmonella enterica bacterium. People who are infected
Example
word with such illness experience abdominal cramps, fever, and
diarrhea. Consequently, they suffer from severe
dehydration, vomiting, headaches and body aches.
Furthermore, salmonellosis can lead to complication, such
as Reiter's syndrome (reactive arthritis) and focal
infection.
 - A problem in general is a
7. Problem and Solution unsatifactory situation that
causes troubles or difficulties.
6Therefore, it needs a solution, a
way to deal with the situation so
that the troubles or difficulties
are removed.5
Three Variations of a
1. Problem-Solution
Problem-Solution
Pattern 2. Problem-Cause-
Solution

3. Problem-Process-
Solution
Problem-Solution
 A persuasive paragraph 9intends to
8. Persuasion convince readers to do or believe in
something. To develop a persuasive
pattern in writing, one may:
• Use evidences
• Give examples
• Attack an opposing view
Persuasion Pattern
References: Rodriguez, M. C. & Tiongson M. A. (2019). Reading and writing skills. Rex Book

Store, Inc.

Teachinglearning English. (2021, January 1). Patterns of development in writing

part 1| Reading and writing-shs [Video]. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVJrut6t-d4

Teachinglearning English. (2021, January 3). Patterns of development in writing

part 2| Reading and writing-shs [Video]. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OCT7RwpDw0
Thank you!