Patterns of Written Text

LESSON 2
 In academic writing, one of the most
significant factors that we should consider is the
audience. We are writing because we want to
impart something to them; thus, as a writer, our
target audience must understand what our main
point is and develop a paper as effectively as we
can.
To be an effective academic writer, we should
always think of our audience; and have a good
grasp of our message by employing organizing
principles-- to help maintain the order in our
paragraphs. Examples of organizing principles are
In this lesson, you are expected to:

a. Identify common patterns of

development used in written works;
and

b. Determine the correct use of

transitional devices.
Patterns of Written
Text
A writing pattern or known as Patterns of
Organization, Rhetorical Modes, or Rhetorical Styles, is a
specific way of organizing ideas to convey a particular
type of argument.
Writing Patterns helps us focus our attention on a
text and anticipate where it is going; remember what we
read; and develop our writing.
The different written texts are the following:
Narration, Description, Definition, Exemplification,
Comparison and Contrast, Cause and Effect, Process
Analysis, Division and Classification, Problem-Solution, and
Persuasion.
Narration
This paragraph follows a chronological order
of writing. It uses transition words such as first,
then, soon, after, suddenly, etc., to maintain
coherence and show movement. In telling a story,
it employs action words like verbs and adverbs,
and phrases that signal time to make the text
more engaging to the readers. Transitional
devices include first, then, soon, after, and
suddenly.

Example: He came and delivered the speech.

Then he left the arena right after the last line. His
Description
In this pattern, transitional words are used to
indicate location. Details referring to physical
aspects like how the subject looks, sounds, feels,
smells, or even tastes like are the ingredients of
this method development. Observations need to
be specific to encourage imaginative thinking.
Transitional devices include sensory language.

Example: As the sun sets towards the western

horizon, the sky portrays a perfect masterpiece.
It is brimming with the colors of the spectrum in
shades of red and blue.
Definition
A paragraph using this pattern can
develop texts in varied ways. A term is
defined, its class, and its specific details. You
can define by characteristics, function, what
it is not, and what it is similar to, such as
origins or effect. It can be scientific or
subjective. Transitional devices include
scientific/subjective.

Example: You say that someone is

magniloquent when he uses extravagant
Exemplification
This sort of text utilizes detailed
illustrations for clarification. It can be in the
form of a story, an anecdote, a quotation, or a
statistic. Transitional devices include words for
illustration.

Example: It is very important to stay healthy.

Eating the right food for your heart can help
prevent cardiovascular diseases. Common
examples of food that can keep your heart are
black beans, salmon, tuna, fresh herbs, and
Comparison and Contrast
A paragraph that shows comparison and contrast
answers how the subjects are the same or not.
Comparison examines how subjects are similar, while
contrast emphasizes how subjects are different. For
comparison, it uses signal words like similarly, in the
same way, likewise, in like manner, in a similar
fashion, etc. Contrast uses signal words such as yet,
nevertheless, nonetheless, after all, but though,
otherwise, on the other hand, notwithstanding, etc.

Example: They say identical twins are similar in

almost everything. However, this is not true. No one
is truly the same. We are designed to be unique in
Cause and Effect
This technique explores why things happen and
what happens as a result. Words that show
effect are, for this reason, it follows, as a result,
as a consequence, thus, therefore, etc.
Transitional devices include because, since, is
due to, is caused by, for this reason, it follows,
as a result, and so.
Example: When water droplets join together, it
becomes heavy. This is caused by the rise and
cool of water vapor, which forms clouds in the
sky. As a result, there will be rain.
Process analysis
It describes how things work, involving a series
of steps in chronological ordering. Transitional
expressions such as first, second, then, and finally
are used. Transitional devices include first, second,
then, and finally.

Example: How can you develop yourself? First, you must

learn good habits. Start by waking early in the morning to
set the mood of the day. Second, spend time in prayer and
meditation. Third, establish discipline. Make a checklist of
your goals. You can even make a weekly plan. Lastly,
monitor your growth. If you fail at some point, try to recover
by focusing on improving your weaknesses and building your
Division and Classification
A single subject is targeted and broken down into
components. Items are being grouped into categories based
on the features they share. In division, a category is divided
into subcategories, while in classification, the writer develops
criteria in the subcategories based on their relationship. The
writer who uses this pattern must have a strong sense of
purpose.

Example: There are various types of learners. They can

usually be classified as either "The Average Joe," "The
Slacker," or "The Eager Beaver." Average Joe usually studies
well for exams and shows up in class. On the other hand, the
Slacker misses a class and can be easily identified as always
using headphones wherever he goes. On a different scale,
the Eager Beaver comes to class, nods his head, always in-
Problem-solution
A problem is being presented and a solution. Why it has
become a problem is also discussed, leading to a conclusion
highlighting the connection between the problem and solution.
Transitional devices include the answer, challenge, need,
difficulty, dilemma, enigma, improve, indicate, issue, plan a
need, problem, propose, remedied, resolve, respond to, solve,
and suggest.

Example: Poverty is a word to beat. The whole world thrives

on getting rid of this seemingly irresistible dilemma. All around
the globe, the government, together with the private sectors
and other agencies, unite to improve society's condition, most
especially the far-flung areas. Leaders from different countries
gather in this weeklong forum to discuss resolutions and plans
for action.
Persuasion
This method involves facts that make the
paragraph more convincing. In giving illustrations,
signal words are used,such as first, next, last, etc. In
answering oppositions, words such as, of course, some
may say, nevertheless, and on the other hand. When
you draw generalizations, words like therefore, hence,
consequently, and thus are used.

Example: Let us all get rid of apathy! First off, it is a

poison to the soul. Also, it is not beneficial to
relationships. Let us learn to sympathize with others
and love genuinely. Life is something to celebrate.
Spend every day thinking about how you can help those
 Read the selection carefully; then fill out the graphic
organizer with the necessary information.
Tornado Storms Smack the South
Strong storms tore through the southern United States on
Wednesday.
More than 100 tornadoes ripped through six southern states on
Wednesday, April 27. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and at least
248 people lost their lives. Officials say this is one of the worst storms to
hit the south in nearly 40 years.
Alabama was hardest hit by this week's tornadoes. More than 160 people
died in the storm there. Some of the worst damage was in Tuscaloosa, a
city of more than 83,000 people in central Alabama. On Thursday, stunned
residents surveyed the damage throughout the town. Roofs were ripped off
homes. Trees lay in the streets. Debris was scattered everywhere. “We
have neighborhoods that have been basically removed from the map,”
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox told the Associated Press.
 Activity 2: Transitional Words
Directions: Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate transitional
words. Choose your answer from the box.
Animals use various means to protect themselves. Color is one
that is widely used as a protective device. For instance, some
birds display brightly colored feathers 1- ___________ they are
threatened. These are designed to frighten away the enemy. 2-
___________ to color, some animals emit a peculiar smell for the
same purpose. 3-___________, form may be used to conceal the
animal. Some insects, 4-___________, conceal themselves by
making themselves resemble plants of flowers. In this way, 5-
___________ are hardly visible because they can merge into their
surroundings. Other animals adopt regular patterns of behavior
6- ___________ they are frightened. Some pretend to be dead 7-
___________ others just come forward and stand still. 8-
____________, buffaloes were almost eliminated in the 19th
century 9-___________ their lack of resistance to hunters.
ASSIGNMENT: Tell Me Your Story

Directions: Try to remember someone that you were

very close with. What were the memorable experiences
that you had with him/her? What were the things that
you enjoy doing with him/her? Do you still do these
things now? Do you still have the same closeness as
before? Do you still have the drive to restore the
closeness that you had back then? Describe this person
in detail. Use any narrative devices to illustrate how
your relationship was back then, now, and how you still
want it to be. (Must have a minimum of 100 words)
Write it on your personaly made stationery paper.