READING AND

WRITING
PATTERNS OF WRITTEN TEXT

PARAGRAPH
A paragraph is a group of sentences that convey an idea. Each
sentence works together as part of a unit to create an overall thought
or impression. It has three parts: topic sentence, supporting
sentences and clincher.
The topic sentence clearly states the subject or the main point of
the whole paragraph.
The supporting sentences show details and examples to prove
your point.
A clincher wraps up the point of the paragraph.
 WHAT IS A PATTERN OF A WRITTEN TEXT?

• Writing pattern or pattern of paragraph development refers to a specific strategy

or method that a writer uses to develop ideas in a paragraph.
• It suggests a type of support to an idea that one can use in a type of paragraph.
• It also helps a writer how to make sense of the different pieces of information
TOPIC 1

Narration and Description

 TAKE NOTE:
Narration Transitional words show
the change of actions of
The focus of this pattern is basically to narrate or
the character(s) and
tell a story. It emphasizes the what, when, and connect events in the
where something happened. Its purpose comes along story. For example,
with effective sequencing order of events in a afterwards, meanwhile,
chronological order. Moreover, action words and at night, after, at
present, next, then,
transitional words characterized a narrative
earlier, suddenly, before,
paragraph. at last, meanwhile,
eventually,
EXAMPLE:

Yesterday, Thea and her two brothers, Michael and Edward had the most
wonderful time together. They strolled in the mall. They went inside the
department store and bought bucket hats and matching shirts. Next, for lunch, they
ate at their favorite restaurant, ordered the usual chicken and rice combo and
shared many funny moments. After that, they watched a comedy movie and
laughed their hearts out. After a long day, they went home tired but fulfilled. They
definitely shared good moments together and bonded more as siblings.
Here are some key points for you to remember about Narration:
Description
→ This pattern of development gives characteristics or details on what an object, a
person or a place looks like. When using this pattern, use powerful and appropriate
adjectives and use effectively the five senses (sight, smell, taste, hear, touch) to create a
clear image on a reader’s mind.
→ There are two types of description paragraph—objective and subjective. Objective
description is used in scientific writing to describe factual and scientific characteristics.
Subjective description is used in fiction wherein a writer uses his own perspective to
describe a person, an event or a thing.
EXAMPLE:

Every summer, my brothers and I spend our vacation in my Lola’s house. It

always feels like my first home. It is already an old house. You could already
say it’s old because of the worn-out fences. Still, I love spending my
summer there. When you go inside, that musty smell welcomes you or the
smell of rice cakes from the kitchen. Lola really loves to
make rice cakes and my favorite is ‘suman’.
Every day is a fun day. My brothers and I would
either play in Lola’s backyard with her dog,
Bantay or we go to the river nearby. In the next
morning, she would then cook delicious meals
and they’re all tasty. Lola’s home is always a
happy home.
Here are some key points for you to remember about Description:
TOPIC 2

Definition, Exemplification and

Classification
DEFINITION

→ The focus of this pattern is to explain or give a comprehensive understanding of a

concept, a term or an idea. To define a term, a writer provides a general definition, then
gives clear details to support. You may define a term or a concept by its characteristic,
function, example, origin or effect.
→ There are two types of definition—scientific and subjective. Scientific definition
defines concepts in the most factual way. On the other hand, Subjective definition
defines complex terms in a personal way.
EXAMPLE:
I was once asked by my college professor before, “What is
passion?” This is a typical question for a painter and an artist
like me. As they say, you will never excel as an artist if you
don’t have passion within you. What is ‘passion’? My teacher
once told me that passion comes from a Latin root ‘pati-‘,
meaning ‘suffering, or enduring’. From then on, my teacher
taught me that passion is not just something you earn in a night
or after studying arts. It’s something you have to learn over the
course of life. I then learned that passion is something I need to
learn to feel by enduring not just the highs of life but also the
downtimes. It also goes with loving what I do.
Here are some key points for you to remember about Definition:
EXEMPLIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION

→ Exemplification is a pattern of development wherein a writer uses examples to illustrate

and further explain an idea. By this pattern, examples used clarify more the general idea in
the paragraph.
→ On the other hand, Classification divides and organizes ideas or concepts in classes,
groups or categories based on criteria and relationships between the items. This pattern
helps the reader understands even the complex and vast idea as it will be classified.
EXAMPLE:
You can be awesome on your ‘first day high’ in college by
being friendly, responsive and easy-going. In that case, you
can immediately have friends and be at ease in your journey to
college. First, be friendly. For example, always be the first one
to say “Hi!” and introduce yourself. For you not to look
awkward, always wear a smile. Next, be responsive. A first
day is always a getting-to-know stage. Whenever a person asks
you a question, answer accordingly. Lastly, be easy going.
Keep your chill and just go with the flow. As long as it doesn’t
hurt or offend you, just go for it. Basically, these are the “must
be-attitudes” if you’re a freshman.
Here are some key points for you to remember about Exemplification and
Classification:
TOPIC 3

Cause & Effect and Comparison & Contrast

 CAUSE AND EFFECT

→ This pattern of development discusses why something happens and what

results a particular occurrence or event. They can be discussed together.
However, in a particular paragraph, one or the other will be emphasized. It
may be a paragraph emphasizing a cause or a paragraph emphasizing an
effect.
→ A paragraph that emphasizes the causes begins with an effect; the purpose
of the paragraph is to discuss how that effect came to be and to show what
caused it. On the other hand, in a paragraph that emphasizes the effects begins
with a particular cause, then explores the consequences.
EXAMPLE:
Several factors contribute to the frequent use of different social media
platforms by teenagers. First, it is their way of connecting to friends
and widening their network of friends. Since everyone is in Social
Media, they feel a need to be there and join group conversations. It is
their way of relating to others. Second, teenagers tend to feel like they
might miss out if they aren't always up to date with social media.
They can even stay online in a day and they would never feel tired in
just scrolling. Lastly, because of boredom, they choose to be occupied
in their social media profiles and continue connecting to other people.
However, being too much absorbed in social media may result to a
bad turn-out. That’s why, parents should guide their children and be
updated on the things their children explore.
Here are some key points for you to remember about Cause and Effect:
 COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

→ Comparing means looking on the similarities. Contrasting means looking on the

differences. Thus, Comparison and Contrast, as a pattern, discusses and organizes ideas
based on how people, events, places and things are similar or different to one another.
→ There are two approaches that a writer can do to discuss the similarities and difference.
The first one is separately. The writer describes the first element then followed by the
second element. The second is side-by-side. The writer discusses both items based on each
point of comparison and contrast.
EXAMPLE:
Mikko certainly loves his two best friends, Anton and Abu.
However, they have completely diverse personalities.
Although Anton and Abu both have strict parents, their
attitudes are very different. Anton is very conservative and
always careful with his words. In contrast, Abu is very out-
going and is always careless when he talks. When it comes to
hobbies, they are also different. Anton loves reading books
while Abu loves fishing in the river. However, even though
they are totally different, they all agree on one thing, and that
is playing basketball. That’s how they always bond and keep
their friendship.
Here are some key points for you to remember about Comparison
and Contrast:
TOPIC 4

Problem-Solution and Persuasion

 PROBLEM-SOLUTION

→ In this pattern of development, the writer presents a problem that needs

to be resolved. The paragraph states a concerning issue or a problem then
next is the solution or what should be done to solve the issue.
→ A paragraph that uses problem-solution has three main parts: topic
sentence introduces the solution to a problem, body sentences explain the
problem and solution and ending sentence which calls readers to action.
EXAMPLE:
Obesity among adults showed a gradually increasing trend as it
has become one of the major problems in the Philippines
nowadays. This problem is made worse by bad habits such as
lack of physical activity, excessive smoking and unhealthy diets.
Aside from healthier eating habits, one solution to this would be
to exercise on a daily basis. There are even easy and convenient
ways to exercise at home or even at work. That’s why, before
it’s too late, obese adults should take this into consideration
before it aggravates and might lead to more complicated
illnesses.
Here are some key points for you to remember about Problem-
Solution:
PERSUASION

→ In this pattern, the writer describes an issue and states his

position in the issue. The writer’s primary goal is to convince the
readers to agree with the argument or claim being raised, based
from a particular topic.
→ A persuasive paragraph starts with a topic sentence. It states
position or stand about something. The body sentences explain
the reasons supporting the position or stand, and the closing
sentence reiterates or intensifies the thesis statement.
EXAMPLE:
Education is a right and not just a privilege. First of all, one of
the rights of a child is the right to education. He has the right to
learn, to know, to explore and to discover. Thus, education must
be available for all without discrimination. Not one’s status in
the society should dictate if one deserves quality education or
not. As observed, illiteracy of some affects everyone.
Meanwhile, this problem of illiteracy happens to someone who
can’t afford school and is usually in the marginalized sectors.
Basically, education heals ignorance. Therefore, let education be
given to everyone. Hence, education is and should be a right.
Government should strengthen and empower education for all.
Here are some key points for you to remember about Persuasion:
Evaluating Written Text Based on its
Properties
A. ORGANIZATION

Organization as a property of a well-written text

that refers on how the ideas in the text are
organized or how the paragraph is arranged with its
introduction, body, and conclusion. It must also
have the topic sentence or the main idea.
1. Sequential Order.
It is a technique in arranging the text observing the
chronological order or time, process or sequence, and
narration of events by using signal words like first,
second, third, initially, primarily, following, preceding,
next, when, later, before, after, then, until, not long after
that, finally, lastly, at last, etc.
2. Spatial Order.
This is another technique in organizing the paragraph
pertaining to space, position, or location of people or things
by using signal words like above, below, under, behind,
beside, beyond, alongside, nearby, in front of, inside, outside,
on top of, etc. This is very suitable when describing about the
geographical location of things or people.
3. Complexity Order.
This technique in organizing compositions refers to the logical order from
simple to complex, inductive to deductive, cause and effect, and problem
and solution to help the writers explain their ideas. This can also be done by
defining and illustrating. For cause-effect, you can use signal words like for,
because, since, as a consequence, due to, etc. Signal words like because, as a
solution, consequently, so that, therefore, etc. can be used for problem-
solution. When defining, transitional devices such as is defined as, means,
refers to, to illustrate, as defined, etc. can be used.
4. Listing Order.
It means the ordering of ideas following the alphabet (from A to Z).
Examples of alphabetical order are the major cities in the Philippines
presented in an article: Cagayan De Oro City, Caloocan, Cebu, Davao
City, Manila, Parañaque, Pasig, Quezon City, Taguig, and Zamboanga
City. This can also be done by enumerating ideas through numbers in
ascending order (e.g. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, etc.) and descending order (e.g.
9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2, and 1).
B. COHERENCE AND COHESION

Coherence describes the way that the elements in our

sentences and paragraphs hang together to produce
meaning.
Cohesion is the connection of ideas to the main topic
of a text. It focuses on the grammar and style of your
paper.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March
of every year. It began as a Socialist political event in several
Western countries. Then, other countries also started
celebrating the holiday just as a way to express their love for
women. Currently, the United Nations observes the holiday
as a way to bring to light women’s issues around the world.
C. LANGUAGE USE

The English Language can be classified formal

English and informal English.
Both are grammatically current. However, they differ in
vocabulary, tones, mechanics, and organization.
Formal English- academic
• Words, sentences, and paragraphs are longer and more
complex.
• Some unfamiliar words are used.
• It does not use contractions.
• Is used in business correspondence, documents, formal
speeches, memoranda, and researches.
Informal English- friendly, more personal, and
conversational.
• Words, sentences, and paragraphs are shorter and simpler.
• Contractions can be used.
• Is used in daily conversations, personal letters, newspapers,
and magazines.
D. MECHANICS

Mechanics refers to conventions regarding capitalization,

abbreviation, use of italics, and the writing of numbers.
1. CAPITALS

a. Capitalize the first word of every sentence and of

every quoted sentence.
Jesus wept.
The professor said, “Sit down.”
b. Capitalize the first word of every line of poetry.
Yesterday, life was full of question marks
Smashed hopes, uncharted courses
Reversals in life.
Today, is a comma.
A moment of waiting
For the unfolding of life’s purposes.
Today, too are ellipses
Hidden from view
Those slow, painful steps
Of becoming, of growing.
c. Capitalize the first word of the salutation and the complimentary close
of a letter:
Dear Dr. Lee:
Very truly yours,

d. Capitalize titles prefix to names of persons.

Professor Benjamin A. Gonzales

e. Capitalize the pronoun I and the exclamation “O” but not “oh.”
f. Capitalize important words in the title of a book, journal, magazine,
literary work, and song. Do not capitalize prepositions, conjunctions, and
articles unless they are at the beginning of the title.
Novel- Animal Farm
Play- The Merchant of Venice
Short Story- The Necklace
Textbook- A First Look at Communication
g. Capitalize all proper nouns.
The word “God,” all its pronouns and synonyms: Jesus Christ, the Holy
Spirit, Heavenly Father
h. Names of persons and titles for specific persons: William Shakespeare,
Secretary Leila De Lima, Chief Justice Sereno, Manny Pacquiao
I. Names of countries, state, regions, and other geographical areas: Israel,
South Carolina, Pangasinan
j. Names of street: Matahimik Street, Mindanao Aveneu,
Osmeña Highway
k. Names of religions and religious groups: Evangelicals,
Catholics
l. Names used to refer to the Bible and other sacred writings:
Bible, the Scriptures
m. Names of days of the week, months, festivals: Tuesday, June,
Christmas
n. Name of schools, colleges, and universities: Cubao
Elementary School, University of the Philippines
o. Names of races, organizations, and members of each:
Filipino, the Prayer Bible Fellowship
p. Names of historical events, eras, and holidays: EDSA
Revolution, the Renaissance, Good Friday
q. Trade names: KFC, Dove
 2. ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words and phrases. Avoid using
abbreviations unless necessary.
a. In formal writing, use only acceptable abbreviations.
1. Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Prof., when used before proper names.
2. Abbreviations of degrees and honorary titles(A.B., M.A.,PH.D.,LL.B.) when
they appear after proper names.
3. The abbreviations Php for peso, the sign $ for dollars, B.C. for Before Christ
when they are used with numerals.
b. Put a period after abbreviations:
Examples:
Addresses: Apt., St.,
Calendar division: Jan., Feb., Mon., Tues.,
Names and Titles: Dr., Prof.,
There are however some exemptions to this rule:
Ordinal Numbers: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Shortened forms: phone
Specialized forms: TV
Nicknames: Yen, Bo
 3. NUMBERS
a. Use figures to represent numbers in writing dates, time, hours, room numbers, telephone
numbers, volumes, chapter, page numbers, street numbers.
Examples:
She lives at 16 Imperial Street.
Classes this semester will end on October 24, 2016.
Our class meets at Room 304.
Call her at 523-1628.
My plane is due at 1:00 p.m.
The reference to the Battle of Manila Bay is in Zafra’s History of the Philippines, Vol. I, Chap.
5, pp. 300-320.
b. Use words for numbers from one to ninety-nine:
Examples:
There were twelve apostles.
My grandmother lived up to 104 years.
c. Use words to represent a number when it begins a
sentence.
Example:
Seven out of 12 members were present at the
meeting.
Types of Claims
• Critical reading enables you to distinguish the explicit
and implicit information provided by the author.
• Explicit information is any idea that is stated. With
explicit information, you see the text explained. There
is no need to look for clues.
• Implicit information, on the other hand is understood
but it is not stated. To find implicit information in what
is read, you will have to think what you read. This is
where the ability to make inferences based on clues
within the text is applied.
 While Andrei was checking the backyard of their new house, he
saw a group of basketball players talking and laughing together. He
became curious and went back to their house to wear the basketball
uniform of his older brother. As Andrei approached the group, they
became curious of him and started asking him questions about the
team he is playing with and the techniques needed to play the sport.
When he could not answer anything, the group discovered his false
disguise and became angry at him. They told him that, “It is not only
the uniform that makes you a player.”
 HERE ARE THE THREE TYPES OF CLAIMS:

1. Claims of Fact
Claims of fact present an idea as true or false.
Example:
• Millennials, or people born in the early 1980s to the early 2000s, perform better in
jobs that require multitasking.
• Feeding children chocolate will not make them hyperactive.
Claims of fact are found in advertisements, books, news reports, and
mostly reading materials. Untested claims abound in the Internet. A
critical reader will not easily regard any information as true. He or she will
examine the basis of authors' claims by asking the following questions:
• Are the author's claims backed by research findings?
• Did the author use credible sources of information?
• Did the author accurately deliver the data presented by the original source
or was the statement a product of his or her own conclusion?
2. Claims of Value
Is a statement that present ideas as good or bad, right or wrong, better or
worse. These claims are often influenced by morals, beliefs, and
preferences.
Example:
1. Traditional onsite learning is more effective than online learning.
2. Hoarding of grocery items is not helpful to the community.
3. Claims of Policy
Is a statement that presents ideas as solutions to problems, usually involving
groups, organization or society in general. It is a statement that contains what
should or should not be done. The key word is the verb “should”, “ought”, and
“must”.
Examples:
1. Violators of the community quarantine should be subjected to manual labor
rather than imprisonment.
2. We should all have access to government assistance at all times.