READING AND

WRITING SKILLS
LESSON I:

Patterns of Paragraph
Development
Learning Competency

➢ Compare and contrast patterns

of written texts across disciplines.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Identify the different patterns of paragraph

development and its transition signals.
2. Write a short paragraph using any mode of
paragraph
development.
3. Use critical thinking in accomplishing
various tasks.
 This lesson aims to introduce the modes of
paragraph development that can help you become
an effective academic writer.
Learning the methods of paragraph
development and knowing how to use them
properly are important to the writing process. The
method which the writer implements depends on
the point he or she is trying to make in the
paragraph. The methods can enrich one’s writing
and allow it to flow smoothly.
WHAT I KNOW

Task 1
Directions:
Read the following statements very
carefully. Choose one pattern of paragraph
development from the box that best describes the
statement. Write your answers in your activity
notebook.
narration comparison and contrast definition
description exemplification persuasion
cause and effect problem-solution classification and division

______ 1. It organizes ideas to show how a

set of evidence leads to a logical
conclusion or argument.
______ 2. The author's purpose in this pattern
of paragraph development is to
show similarities and differences.
______ 3. It provides specific details about what
something looks, smells, tastes, sounds,
or feels like.
______ 4. It is telling a story.
______ 5. This pattern is used to provide an
example of something.
_____ 6. It organizes ideas into categories or divisions
based on criteria and standards.
_____ 7. It organizes ideas into problems and proposed

solutions.
_____ 8. It organizes details based on the cause, the
reason, and the result or consequences of a
certain phenomenon.
_____ 9. It clarifies and explains concepts by
answering the question “What does it mean?’
_____ 10. It is the process of enumerating or giving
examples.
Task 2

3-2-1 Activity
Directions:
Write 3 things you learned on paragraph development, 2
things you still want to know more, and 1 question you have
about it.

Patterns of
Paragraph Development
What I learned… What I want to know What I want to ask …
more …
What’s New
Task 3:
Directions:
Read the paragraph below and answer the questions that follow.

Oceans and lakes have much in common, but they are also quite
different. Both are bodies of water, but oceans are very large bodies of
salt water, while lakes are much smaller bodies of fresh water. Lakes
are usually surrounded by land, while oceans are what surround
continents. Both have plants and animals living in them. The ocean is
home to the largest animals on the planet, whereas lakes support much
smaller forms of life. When it is time for a vacation, both will make a
great place to visit and enjoy.

1. What is the paragraph all about?

2. How are ideas being organized?
3. What is the purpose of the author in writing the text?
What is it

The logical arrangement of ideas is known as the

pattern of development. The pattern helps you follow
ideas easily and understand a text better. Having the
ability to recognize it will help you distinguish major
details from minor ones and predict ideas.
There are different patterns by which ideas are
developed. In determining the pattern of development
of ideas in a text, note the signal words used. These
signal words may help you identify the pattern of
development, but it is more important that you
understand the meaning of the text.
Narration

Narration, in its basest definition, is story

telling. It is a sequence of events, not necessarily
arranged in chronological order, told by a narrator,
happening in a particular place at a particular
time. Narration is creating a world based on the
writer’s imagination. It is also revisiting a world
based on the author’s memory. In either case, the
reader is aimed to be transported from one’s real
world to the reality of the story being read.
The following signal words will help you in identifying this pattern.

about before in the prior to

after during meantime second
afterwards eventually later soon
as soon finally meanwhile then till
as first next week today
at this/that immediately next
point when presently
tomorrow yesterday
until
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that indicate narration.
Then, note down the important details.

Ondoy began to develop from an active low pressure

area to a tropical cyclone on September 24, 2009. The
following day, PAGASA raised storm signals all over the
Philippine archipelago. At that point, signal no. 2 was raised
in Catanduanes and other parts of Luzon. By Saturday
morning, reports of flooding started to pour in. Meanwhile,
President Arroyo declared a state of calamity in Metro Manila.
Immediately after President Arroyo’s declaration, various
government agencies began the rescue and relief operations.
As soon as Typhoon Ondoy exited the Philippines, more and
more relief and rescue operations were conducted.
Definition

Using definition to develop an idea helps to

clarify and explain concepts by answering the
question “What does it mean?” This pattern
explains the information using illustrations,
examples, and descriptions. Take note of the term
to be defined and the detailed explanation of the
term, as these are the most important parts of this
pattern. The following signal words will also help
you in identifying this pattern.
The following signal words will also help you in
identifying this pattern.

is defined means to define

as defined refers to to illustrate
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that
indicate narration. Then, note down the important
details.

Social engineering is defined as any method

which tricks people to share personal information
using 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.
Exemplification

An exemplification pattern presents the

general statement and then provides specific
and concrete examples to expound on the
main idea. Simply put, this pattern is used to
provide an example of something. Pay
attention to the main idea and the specific
examples, as these are the most important
parts of this pattern. The following signal
words will help you in identifying this pattern.
The following signal words will help you in
identifying this pattern.
after all for instance specifically
as an example in other words stated
consider the in particular differently
following for in short that is
example to illustrate to be specific
namely to clarify
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that indicate
exemplification. Then, note down the most important details
of the 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 Mr. X clicks on the link, his personal
information will be illegally acquired by cybercriminals.
Description

A descriptive paragraph basically provides

details on the idea by using either a sensory or
spatial pattern. Through a sensory pattern,
ideas are arranged based on one or all of the
five senses. A spatial pattern, on the other
hand, arranges ideas by location or physical
space.
The following signal words will help you
identify such pattern.
above around between in front of onto
across away from beyond inside opposite to
adjacent to back of by into outside
against behind down near off over
along below farther on throughout
alongside beneath here on top of to the right
amidst beside in under
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that indicate narration.
Then, note down the important details.

A laptop is one of the greatest inventions of the modern era. It is a

lightweight device that can save a vast amount of information. The screen,
touchpad, speakers, keyboard, battery, and AC adapter are the basic parts of a
laptop. The most noticeable part of a laptop is its screen, which is responsible
for displaying information. Another major component is the keyboard. On it
are the keys needed to enter data into the computer. Near the keyboard you will
find a smooth, rectangular surface which acts like a desktop computer mouse –
this is the touchpad. At the bottom part of this rectangular surface, you will see
buttons that operate like a mouse button. Below the keyboard and touchpad,
built into the laptop itself are the speakers which allow you to hear sounds and
music. Found at the back of the keyboard is the battery; it serves as the lifeline
of the computer. Finally, a laptop also comes with an AC adapter which
charges the battery and serves as the source of electric power when it is
plugged in.
Comparison and Contrast

A comparison and contrast pattern organizes

ideas based on how the events, places, people, things,
and concepts are similar to or different from one
another. There are two ways on how ideas can be
arranged: separately, which involves describing one
item first followed by the second item, or side- by-
side, which means discussing both items based on
each point of comparison. Try using a Venn diagram
or a compare/contrast matrix to better understand this
pattern of development.
The following signal words will also help you in identifying such
pattern.
Signal words for Comparison
Also, as, both Equally, in a In the same way, Similarly, to
similar fashion, in like, likewise compare
comparison

Signal words for Contrasting

although, and yet, despite, even so, instead, however, otherwise, still,
as opposed to, even though, in nevertheless, the fact remains,
but, conversely contrast, in spite nonetheless, on unlike, whereas,
of, in the the contrary, on yet
meantime the other hand
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that indicate narration. Then, note down the
important details.

Are you not sure yet which phone to buy? To help you decide, this
review will inspect the basic similarities and differences of the flagship
phones of two giant companies: Apples iPhone 6 and Samsung’s Galaxy S5.
Both brag to be the best smart phones in the market to date. While these
state-of-the-art phones have similarities in the form of sleek design, multi-
touch touch screen, and multimedia features, they have their distinctive
features as well. First, Galaxy S5 has a larger screen at 5.1 inches as
compared to iPhone 6’s 4.7 inches. As for the operating system, iPhone 6
uses iOS(8x) while S5 uses Android (5.0, 2.4.2). In terms of the camera, S5
has a 2.1megapixel front-facing camera which is higher than iPhone’s 1.2
megapixels. Unlike S5, iPhone’s battery is not user - replaceable and has a
shorter talk time, but when it comes to built-in storage, iPhone 6
outperforms S5. Now that you know the basic differences of the two phones,
you can decide!
Classification and Division

A classification pattern organizes ideas into

categories or divisions based on criteria and standards.
This pattern can be used when classifying people, things,
places, and other items. Make sure to always double-check
whether each term is undeniably part of a certain category.
Avoid oversimplifying just so you may be able to assign
something to a category, as it may result in stereotyping.
Take note of the superordinate (name of the larger group)
ideas, the subordinate (subcategories of a larger group)
ideas, and the relationship between them, since these are
the most important parts of this pattern.
The following signal words will help you in identifying such a
pattern.
Signal words for Classification and Division

another, another kind, one kind, the first category,

classified as, final type the last group, the next part
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that indicate a
classification and division pattern. Then, note down the
important details afterwards.

Earthquakes can be classified into three main types

based on the plate movements. The first type is known as a
convergent boundary. Also known as destructive plate
boundary, this type of earthquake happens when two tectonic
plates move toward one another and collide. The second type
of earthquake is called divergent boundary. During this type
of earthquake, two plates are forced to move away from each
other resulting in a rift zone. The last type is called the
conservative plate boundary or transform fault. During this
type of earthquake, two tectonic plates slide past one
another.
Cause and Effect

A cause-effect pattern organizes details based on

the cause, the reason, and the result or consequences of
a certain phenomenon. This pattern may discuss both
the causes and effects, the causes only, or the effects
only.
When reading this type of pattern, focus on and
take note of the following elements: the purpose of
the text, the relationship between causes and
effects, and the potential causal fallacies or
illogical arguments.
The following signal words will help you in recognizing these
patterns.
Signal words for Causes

as, because (of the fact), in view of (the fact),

being that, due to (the inasmuch as, one reason,
fact that), for, for the owing to (the fact),
reason that, in that seeing that, since
Signal words for Effects

accordingly, as a In consequence, so, so

consequence, as a result much (so) that, so that,
(of this), because (of therefore, thus
this), consequently, for
this reason, hence
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that indicate a cause-and-
effect pattern. Then, note down the important details afterwards.

The advancement in technology and economy has created major

changes in modern society. One of these changes is globalization. As
we know, globalization has affected the world in many ways. First, it
served as a catalyst to worldwide trading, thus allowing countries to
access foreign products. Although this had positive effects, it also
posed a real threat to the merchandise of local traders. Second,
globalization affected the financial market. As a result, different
countries had more access to funds, and the exchange in national
currencies dramatically increased. Finally, globalization also led the
privatization of various facilities, such as public health institutions.
These institutions were being privatized due to the idea that the
private sector can better manage and provide health services. In
consequence, health policies become more and more of a commodity
on a global scale.
Problem-solution

A problem-solution pattern organizes ideas into problems and proposed solutions. The problem section usually
includes what, who, when, where, why, and how of the problem. The other part then presents the major effects of the
problem and the possible solutions to address it, as well as the steps in implementing the solution.
The following signal words will help you in identifying this
pattern.

Signal words for Problem-solution

but, first, second, one solution is, one way

nonetheless, one reason is, the problem, the
for the solution
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that indicate problem-solution
pattern. Then, note down the important details.

Today, most of the energy resources we have generated from coal,

oil, and natural gas. However, these resources are limited. If
continuously consumed at an alarming rate, fossils necessary for
generating power to operate vehicles and factories will run out before
long. Nonetheless, this problem can be resolved using alternative
sources of energy and conservation efforts. First, using alternative
sources of energy such as solar energy and fusion energy would lessen
pollution. These alternatives are actually more accessible and cost-
efficient. Although there are some potential risks in using fusion energy,
these risks can be mitigated by implementing strict safety measures.
The second solution that governments can adopt is the enhancement of
conservation efforts. To do this, governments need to make public more
aware of the benefits of conservation, as well as ways of conserving
energy, such as recycling. Laws can also be passed to mandate the
public and all stakeholders to recycle energy.
Persuasion

A persuasion pattern organizes ideas to

show how a set of evidence leads to a logical
conclusion or argument. Specifically, this
pattern presents the issue, position, and the
supporting evidence that supports the position.
Make sure to check these three essential
elements while reading a persuasion text.
The following signal words will help you in identifying such
pattern.
Signal words for Emphasizing
again, for this reason, in fact, in to emphasize, to repeat, truly, with
that case, indeed this in mind

Signal words for Concluding and Summarizing

accordingly, all in all, as a result, in short, in summary, inevitably, on
as I have said, consequently, due the whole, since, in essence, in a
to, finally, in any event, in brief, in nutshell, therefore, thus, to sum up
conclusion

Signal words for Concluding and Summarizing

admittedly, assuredly, certainly, obviously, of course, to be sure,
granted, it is true that, needless to true,undoubtedly, unquestionably
say, no doubt
Sample text: List down the signal word(s) that indicate
persuasion. Then, note down the important details.

Euthanasia or mercy killing has been a widely debated

issue. It is an act to end a person’s life to alleviate the suffering
brought about by a terminal or grave illness. While it may be
supported by some, mercy killing is not only an unethical medical
practice, it is also a crime. After all, on the most basic level,
euthanasia still takes a life. In fact, majority of the countries in the
world, including those that have legalized it, consider it as
homicide. Aside from being a crime, euthanasia is unethical in the
medical context because it violates the principle of “primum non
nocore” which means “first, do no harm.” In their codeof ethics,
doctors have responsibility of saving lives, not destroying them,
which is why euthanasia can never be acceptable.
What’s More
Task 4
Directions: Pick one thesis statement below and then
develop it into a paragraph.

1. Although Instagram and Twitter have significant

similarities, they also have striking differences.
2. iPhone 6 has many features that make it stand out in
the market.
3. There are many reasons why unemployment continues

to increase.
4. Freedom is a concept that needs to be understood.
5. All provincial buses should not be allowed to pass
through EDSA.
What I CAN DO
Task 6
Directions: In your notebook, write a paragraph of at least 10 sentences using any
pattern of paragraph development. Your answer will be rated based on the rubric
below.
narration comparison and contrast definition
description exemplification persuasion
cause and effect problem-solution classification and division

1. This pattern organizes details based on the cause,

the reason, and the result or consequences of a
certain phenomenon.
narration comparison and contrast definition
description exemplification persuasion
cause and effect problem-solution classification and division

2. This pattern organizes ideas into categories or

divisions based on criteria and standards.
narration comparison and contrast definition
description exemplification persuasion
cause and effect problem-solution classification and division

3. This pattern organizes ideas based on how the

events, places, people, things, and concepts are
similar to or different from one another.
narration comparison and contrast definition
description exemplification persuasion
cause and effect problem-solution classification and division

4. This pattern explains the information through the

use of illustrations, examples, and descriptions.
narration comparison and contrast definition
description exemplification persuasion
cause and effect problem-solution classification and division

5. This pattern presents the general statement and

then provides specific and concrete examples to
expound on the main idea.
narration comparison and contrast definition
description exemplification persuasion
cause and effect problem-solution classification and division

6. This pattern organizes ideas to show how a set of

evidence leads to a logical conclusion or argument
narration comparison and contrast definition
description exemplification persuasion
cause and effect problem-solution classification and division

7. This pattern organizes ideas into problems and

proposed solutions
Assessment
Directions: Identify what pattern of development is used in the following texts.

Discriminating parents always have to make the difficult task of choosing

between a public and private school for their children. These two schools share
the same goal of educating students and developing them holistically. Aside
from this, they are open for anyone who wishes to apply for admission. There
is no remarkable difference as well in terms of the academic performance of
students. However, public and private schools vary in some ways. While public
schools are funded by the government, private schools get their funding from
tuition, endowments, and donations of private corporations. The class size is
different as well since public schools generally have a larger number of
students per room. They also differ as to who dictates the schedule and school
calendar. In private schools, it is the school board that decides while in public
schools, it is the government education agency. Choosing between private and
public schools is a challenging task, but what parents should really consider is
the performance of an individual school and not its category.
 Piranhas are omnivorous, freshwater fish,
which are mostly known for their single row of
sharp, triangular teeth in both jaws. Piranhas’
teeth come together in a scissor-like bite and are
used for puncture and tearing. Baby piranhas are
small, about the size of a thumbnail, but full-
grown piranha grow up to about 6-10 inches, and
some individual fish up to 2 feet long have been
found. The many species of piranha vary in color,
though most are either silvery with an orange
underbelly and throat or almost entirely black.
 Test questions generally fall into categories, depending
on how they are answered: objective and subjective. The first
kind, objective questions, have definite right and wrong
answers. Multiple choice, matching, and fill-in-the-blank
questions are objective. Although they can be tricky because of
their wording, most students prefer objective questions. The
answers are already there, and the student just has to choose
the right one. Subjective test items, such as short-answer and
essay questions, have no single correct answer.
There is a range of possible responses. Students have to
know the information in order to answer each question, and
they have to present it in their own words. You can make a
lucky guess on an objective question, but a subjective question
doesn’t offer much hope for a student relying on dumb luck.
 Much to her surprise, lottery winner Sylvia Lee found
that sudden wealth was a mixed blessing – the results were both
good and bad. After her win was announced, she was constantly
hounded by people who wanted to sell her something. She got
an unlisted phone number, but the more aggressive salespeople
just camped out on her doorstep. Another negative result was
that people started treating her differently. “I was shocked,”
said Lee. “Everyone from the checkout clerk at the supermarket
where I’ve shopped for years to my next-door neighbor acted as
though I had changed. I’m still the same; I’ve just got money
now.” Lee admits, though, that most of the changes have been
positive. “It’s really a relief not worrying about money all the
time. I actually went on my first shopping spree ever, and it was
great.” Lee expects that other new and unexpected results of her
sudden wealth are yet to come, but she’s not discouraged: so
far, at least, the pluses far outweigh the minuses.
 The school fair is right around the corner, and
tickets have just gone on sale. We are selling a limited
number of tickets at a discount, so move fast and get
yours while they are still available. This is going to be an
event you will not want to miss! First off, the school fair
is a great value when compared with other forms of
entertainment. Also, your ticket purchase will help our
school, and when you help the school, it helps the entire
community. But that’s not all! Every ticket you purchase
enters you in a drawing to win fabulous prizes. And don’t
forget, you will have mountains of fun because there are
acres and acres of great rides, fun games, and
entertaining attractions! Spend time with your family and
friends at our school fair. Buy your tickets now!
 I took up the river road as hard as I could put. By
and by I begin to hear guns a good ways off. When I
came in sight of the log store and the woodpile where
the steamboats lands I worked along under the trees
and brush till I got to a good place, and then I climb up
into the forks of a cottonwood that was out of reach,
and watched. There was a wood-rank four foot high a
little ways in front of the tree, and first I was going to
hide behind that; but maybe it was luckier I didn't.
 Bacterial endocarditis occurs when bacteria in the
bloodstream (bacteremia) lodge on abnormal heart valves or
other damaged heart tissue. Certain bacteria normally live on
parts of your body, such as the mouth and upper respiratory
system, the intestinal and urinary tracts, and the skin. Some
surgical and dental procedures cause a brief bacteremia.
Bacteremia is common after many invasive procedures, but
only certain bacteria commonly cause endocarditis.
 Families are the basic units of society and have
been transformed to a great degree over the past 50 years
as a result of changes in their structure (for example
smaller families, later marriage and childbearing,
increased divorce rates and single parenthood), global
trends in migration, the aging of the population and
HIV/AIDS [TIP]. These dynamic social forces have had a
manifest impact on the capacities of families to perform
such social functions as the socialization of children and
caregiving for their younger and older members.
 In their book, Wilbert McKeachie and Marilla Svinicki described
four types of challenging students. The first type is attention-seeking,
discussion-dominating students. The aim of these students is to be heard.
The second type is the inattentive students. These are the students who
doodle and drift off into their own thoughts during class discussions. They
often stare at their cell phones and chat with their classmates during
lectures. We also have unprepared students. They are the ones who skip
doing their assignments prior to the class. They do not come to class
equipped, even when they are aware of scheduled quizzes and exams. The
last type of challenging students is the uncivil and disrespectful ones.
They are the students who display rude behavior.
 Refugees usually find safety, food and shelter in a
second country. They are protected by a well-defined body of
international laws and conventions and are assisted by UNHCR
and other organizations. But the internally displaced 24 often
face far more insecure conditions. They may be trapped in an
ongoing internal conflict at the mercy of the warring parties,
making the provision of relief hazardous or impossible.