Using Appropriate Grammatical Signals or Expressions to Each Pattern of Idea Development English 8
Using Appropriate Grammatical Signals or Expressions to Each Pattern of Idea Development English 8
Grammatical Signals
or Expressions to Each Pattern
of Idea Development
Idea Development - is essential in
writing. This is done by organizing ideas in a
logical and clear manner that suits the writer’s
purpose. To achieve this, it is necessary to use
appropriate grammatical signals or expressions.
Grammatical signals - are writing
devices such as transitional devices, connectors,
determiners, and repetitions that are used to
maintain text coherence. Coherence establishes a
logical connection between ideas in sentences
and paragraphs. These ideas can be developed
through different patterns depending on the
writer’s purpose.
Pattern of idea -
refers to the structure of writing on how the ideas
development
are being presented. Five of the commonly used
patterns of idea development are discussed in this
module. These are the general to particular, cause
and effect, claim-counterclaim, problem-solution,
and persuasion. Let us explore them and their
appropriate grammatical signals.
1. General to Particular
This pattern of idea development discusses the
general topic by presenting specific details that
support the topic. The writer starts with the
general idea stated in the topic sentence. Then, it
is elaborated and explained through specific
details and examples. In other words, general to
particular pattern is a deductive method of
organization.
Example
Clouds can be classified into three major groups.
High clouds are a group of clouds that are 5-13
km. away from the Earth’s surface. Examples of
these clouds are known as Cirrus, Cirrostratus,
and Cirrocumulus. Middle clouds are another
group of clouds that are 2-7 km. away from the
Earth’s surface. Examples of middle clouds are
Altocumulus and Altostratus. Low clouds are the
last group of clouds. They are 2 km. away from
the Earth’s surface. Specifically, these clouds are
the Stratus, Stratocumulus, and Nimbostratus.
With these being said, these clouds are grouped
according to their distance from the Earth’s
These are the other grammatical signals
that can be used for general to particular
pattern of idea development:
also, for example, as an example, in addition, in
addition to, for instance, examples of these, first,
second, third, next, on one hand, and on the other
hand.
2. Cause and Effect
This pattern of idea development explains the
causes or the effects of something. When a writer
presents reasons, he or she is explaining the
causes. When a writer explains the results, he or
she is explaining the effects.
Example
Regular exercise brings many benefits to your
health. First, it improves blood circulation and can
result to a strong heart. Because of these, it
reduces the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol,
and diabetes. When you exercise, your bones and
muscles will be strengthened which can slow
down the loss of bone density that comes when
you age. As a result, it can help you maintain or
increase your muscle mass and strength. Also,
regular exercise improves your mental health and
mood. During an exercise, your body releases
chemicals that can improve your mood and make
you feel more relaxed. As an effect, it can help
you deal with stress and reduce your risk of
These are the other grammatical signals
that can be used for cause and effect
pattern of idea development:
Cause: if, for, since, due to, because, owing to,
because of, one cause, and resulting from