Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Practicing
Practicing
NARRATION
A narrative paragraph contains action verbs and transition words that indicate time or
sequence. The following are some transition words used to signal time or sequence
order:
Narration is usually used in the humanities. In a writing class, for instance, you can write
about a particular event or situation.
The narrative paragraph tells a part of a story in the first person. It shows a
sequence of events connected by transition words
like then, suddenly, finally, momentarily, and the next day. Also, action verbs like
was walking, ran, and fell are used to indicate movement.
DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION
Definition explains a concept, term, or subject. Its main purpose is to tell what
something is. It consists of three parts:
(3) the characteristics that differentiate it from the other members of its class.
This pattern of development is commonly used in the sciences, humanities, and
business.
TIPS
- You can develop your paragraphs in any pattern that suits your writing purpose.
- Use narration to relate an incident or a series of events. Remember to use
transition words that indicate time and sequence.
- Use description to tell what someone or something is like. Remember to use
concrete and specific details.
- Use definition to explain a concept, term, or subject. Remember to give specific
characteristics of what you are defining.
EXEMPLIFICATION
- Exemplification is one of the most common and effective ways to show or explain
an idea or point (e.g., observation, opinion, belief). In this pattern of development,
the main idea is explained by giving an extended example or a series of detailed
examples.
CLASSIFICATION
COMPARISON
To compare persons, things, places, events, situations, or ideas is to show how they are alike.
You need to identify the points of comparison and make a list of similar characteristics or
qualities for each point of comparison.
CONTRAST
To contrast persons, things, places, events, situations, or ideas is to show how they are
different. To do so, you need to make a list of the characteristics or qualities of the
subjects and then identify the differences between them.
A cause is simply “why something happens,” and an effect is “what happens.” Together,
they can be used as a pattern of development in writing.
With the cause-and-effect pattern, the writer can explain how an event or action leads to
another.
as a result
accordingly
because of (this)
due to (this)
consequently
hence/therefore/thus
There are three different ways to use the cause-and-effect pattern in writing:
Cause to effect
Effect to cause
Consecutive cause and effect
Cause to Effect
The cause, which can be an event or action, can be stated right at the beginning
of a paragraph, followed by sentences stating the effects. This type of
organization is best for explaining a single cause with different effects.
Effect to Cause
The effect can be stated at the beginning of the text, followed by sentences and
paragraphs that expound on the causes. This type of organization is best for
presenting a single effect with different causes.
KEY POINTS
- A cause tells why something happens, while an effect describes what happens.
- The writer can use the cause-and-effect pattern of development to explain how
an event or action leads to another.
- There are three ways to use the cause-and-effect pattern in writing: (1) cause to
effect manner to discuss a single cause with different effects; (2) effect to cause
manner to discuss a single effect with different causes; and (3) consecutive
cause and effect manner to discuss a cause and its effect completely before
moving on to the next cause and effect.
PROBLEM-SOLUTION
- A problem in general is an unsatisfactory situation that
causes troubles or difficulties. Therefore, it needs
a solution, a way to deal with the situation so that the
troubles or difficulties are removed.
- In writing across disciplines, the problem-solution pattern of
development is used to deal with topics that
pose problems and present solutions in a logical manner.
- In this lesson, the following variations of the problem-
solution pattern are discussed:
– Problem-Solution
– Problem-Cause-Solution
– Problem-Process-Solution
- The problem-solution pattern is a straightforward
approach. The problem is expressed in a simple
statement, and a possible solution is given.
- In a problem-cause-solution pattern, the cause of
the problem is identified and analyzed before a possible solution is presented.
- In a problem-process-solution pattern, the process
or procedure is discussed extensively. In the
discussion, the problem is addressed; the readers are led to the solution.
- A problem in general is an unsatisfactory situation that
causes troubles or difficulties. Therefore, it needs
a solution, a way to deal with the situation so that the
troubles or difficulties are removed.
- The problem-solution pattern of development is used
in writing to deal with topics that pose problems and
present solutions in a logical manner. It has three variations:
- The problem-solution pattern is a straightforward
approach. The writer states the problem directly and gives a possible solution.
- The problem-cause-solution pattern allows the writer
to identify and analyze the cause of the problem before
presenting a possible solution.
- The problem-process-solution pattern allows the
writer to discuss the process or procedure that leads to the
solution of the problem.
TIPS
Choose a pattern that best suits the purpose of your writing.
Follow academic writing conventions. Suit your
vocabulary, style, and formatting according to the subject.
PERSUASION
– Using evidence
– Giving examples
– Attacking an opposing view
- Using Evidence
You can use strong evidence such as facts and statistics, statements of expert
authorities, and research findings to create impact and establish credibility.
Readers will more likely be convinced to side with your position or agree with
your opinion if it is backed up by verifiable evidence.
- Giving Examples
Another technique to persuade readers is by giving examples. Providing
examples can enhance your idea or opinion and make it concrete. These
examples can be based on observations or from your own personal experience.
When using examples, they must be concrete, relevant, and reasonable.
KEY POINTS