Pattern of idea development - refers to the structure of writing on how the ideas are being presented.

5 PATTERNS OF IDEA DEVELOPMENT

1. GENERAL TO PARTICULAR 2. CAUSE AND EFFECT 3. CLAIM-COUNTERCLAIM
4. PROBLEM-SOLUTION 5. PERSUASION
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.

The general idea is expressed in the first sentence which is ‘Clouds are classified into three major groups.’ Then, the succeeding
sentences are the specific details explaining the general idea. To state these specific details, grammatical signals are used such as ‘a’, ‘another’, and
‘last’ to present the different major groups of clouds. The expression ‘examples of these’ and the word ‘specifically,’ are used to present the
specific examples of a group of clouds. Also, the phrase ‘middle clouds’ is repeated to show emphasis of the idea. The expression ‘with these being
said,’ is used to wrap up the ideas in the paragraph .

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.

The effects of regular exercise are explained in the paragraph. To present these effects, grammatical signals are
used such as ‘because of these’, ‘as a result’, and ‘as an effect.’ Also, you will notice that the paragraph makes use of
transitional devices for enumeration such as ‘first’, and ‘also’. These are used because the paragraph enumerates the
effects of regular exercise. Aside from that, the connector ‘and’ is used to connect ideas within the sentence. Lastly, the
phrase ‘regular exercise’ is repeated for emphasis.
3. Claim and Counterclaim
This pattern of idea development refers to the structure of presenting a side of an issue in an
argumentative manner. A claim is the writer’s stand on a topic supported by evidences and logical reasoning.
Also, the writer presents the counterclaim or the opposite stand of an issue to disprove it through evidences
and logical reasoning.

The first sentence presents both claim and counterclaim. The writer argues the counterclaim that ‘rock music
can make teenagers rebellious,’ by stating his or her claim that ‘the lyrics is not enough to make them go against
society.’ The claim disproves the counterclaim by presenting evidences and logical reasoning. To present these,
grammatical signals are used. The transitional device ‘however’ is used to present the evidence that teenager
concentrates more on the musical value of the song rather than the inner meaning of the lyrics. Also, the transitional
device ‘thus’ is used to restate the claim. Aside from this, connectors ‘for’ is used to present additional information
about a study while ‘even though’ is used to contrast two ideas making the other idea less true.

D. Problem-Solution
This pattern of idea development is used when a writer identifies a problem and addresses it by
presenting one or more solutions. A problem refers to the unsatisfactory situation that causes troubles or
difficulties. A solution on the other hand, refers to the ways in solving or minimizing the problem.

The

paragraph above uses problem-solution pattern of idea development. It presents the problem ‘drug abuse’ followed by
the suggested solutions to this problem. In presenting these solutions, grammatical signals and expressions are used
such as ‘one way to solve this’, ‘another solution’, and ‘this problem.’
5. Persuasion
This pattern of idea development intends to convince the readers to do or believe in something. It allows the
writer to express his or her personal viewpoints about a topic to convince the readers. This pattern of idea
development is based on opinions and emotions. Below are the grammatical signals to be used in persuasive
pattern of idea development.

The writer recommends that the reader joins and be part of a school bazaar. To convince the readers, the writer
presents the benefits of attending a bazaar. In presenting these benefits, grammatical signals and expressions are used.
The transitional devices ‘first’ and ‘also’ are used to enumerate the benefits of attending the school bazaar. To appeal to
the reader’s emotion, expressions of persuasion are used such as ‘amusing’, ‘great’, ‘entertaining’, ‘don’t want to miss’,
‘wonderful experience’, ‘what are you waiting for’, ‘join now’, and ‘experience the fun.

Activity 2. Identifying the Pattern

Directions: To develop the following statements, identify the suitable pattern of idea development to be used.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Having a good study habit can greatly contribute to a person’s academic success.
Suitable Pattern: _________________________________________________
2. Germs can be classified into several types.
Suitable Pattern: _________________________________________________
3. Despite its contribution to the economy, cigarettes should still be banned for they pose as a threat to
people’s health.
Suitable Pattern: _________________________________________________
4. Swimming is the best sports for senior citizens.
Suitable Pattern: _________________________________________________
5. Global warming is the biggest enemy that the humankind is facing today, but there are many ways to
combat this problem.
Suitable Pattern: ______________________________________________________
Assessment 2. Identifying the Pattern
Directions: Identify the pattern used in the following paragraphs. Write your answers in a
separate sheet of paper.
Research refers to a logical and systematic search for new and useful information on a
certain topic. Specifically, it can be classified into two main types. The first type is the basic
research. It deals with the investigation on basic principles and reasons for the occurrence of a
certain phenomenon or process. Applied research is another type that solves certain problems
through using accepted theories. Also, it tries to explore how things can be changed. These
two types of research are used in the academic and scholarly fields.
1. Pattern Used: _________________________________________________________
Road accidents happen due to several reasons. One reason is the carelessness of
drivers. Some drivers ignore traffic rules and warning signals. They also resist wearing seat
belts. Some of them are even drunk while driving. Next reason is the weather conditions.
During a hot weather, drivers are prone to have high blood pressure or heat stroke which lead
to road accidents. Meanwhile, during rainy seasons when the road is wet or slippery, drivers
tend to lose control which lead to vehicular accidents. Another reason is the traffic jam. When
there are too many vehicles, some drivers easily panic, get more nervous, and become error-
prone. As a result, traffic accidents happen. To sum up, carelessness, weather conditions, and
traffic jams are common reasons of road accidents.
2. Pattern Used: ________________________________________________________
Educating our children to take care and protect the environment by saving trees is a
lifetime mission. It is important for us and our children to understand that trees do so much
for our environment. Trees provide us clean air, food, paper, and medicines. They also give
shelter to humans and animals. Can you imagine a world without trees? With this, I urge you
to join me in making this world a better, greener, cleaner place for our children and the future
generations.
3. Pattern Used: _______________________________________________________
There are many ways to lessen the amount of household wastes. First, turn away from
single-use plastics. You can do this by bringing your own reusable containers and ask
restaurants to use them in packing your food. Next, use eco-bags when buying in grocery
stores. This can minimize the use of plastic cellophanes. Another way is by sorting your
garbage. Just get any trash receptacles and follow the proper sorting procedures. Separate
plastic bottles and metal wastes from fruits and vegetable scraps. For plastic and metal waste,
clean them and place them in separate bins. Once the recyclable bins are filled up, take them
to your local recycling centers. These are some of the ways to reduce the amount of wastes.
4. Pattern Used: _______________________________________________________
There are those who believe that technology makes us less creative. They strongly claim
that cellphones, computers, and other gadgets make us lazy and dependent. Also, they say
that we don’t have to think or create for ourselves. However, the truth is these technologies
have different features that offer multiple creative outlets. We can edit videos, design
webpage, make short films, create graphic arts, and compose web novels. Technology brings
out people’s creativity in this new age.
5. Pattern Used: _________________________________________________________
Activity 3- Connecting Ideas
Directions: Complete the paragraph by filling in each blank with the appropriate grammatical signal found
in the box. You can use each grammatical signal once. Then identify the pattern of idea development used.
ASSESSMENT

________1. Which concept below refers to the organizing of ideas in a logical and clear manner to suit
the writer’s purpose?
A. coherence C. idea development B. grammatical signals D. pattern of idea development
________2. Apart from using, determiners, repetition, transitional devices, which below can be used to
achieve
coherence?
A. claim C. idea development B. grammatical signals D. pattern of idea development
________3. Which pattern of idea development discusses the general topic by elaborating it using specific
details?
A. cause-and-effect C. general-to-particular B. claim-counterclaim D. problem-solution
________4. Which pattern of idea development is used to present an action that can be taken to address an
identified concern or issue?
A. cause-and-effect C. problem-solution B. claim-counterclaim D. general-to-particular
________5. Which pattern of idea development is based on opinions and emotions that aim to convince the
readers to do or believe in something?
A. cause-and-effect C. persuasion B. claim-counterclaim D. problem-solution
________6. Which pattern of idea development explains the reasons and results of something?
A. cause-and-effect C. persuasion B. claim-counterclaim D. problem-solution
________7. Which pattern of idea development commonly uses the grammatical signals also, for example,
in addition, specifically, and for instance?
A. cause-and-effect C. general-to-particular B. claim-counterclaim D. persuasion
________8. Which among the grammatical signals below is appropriate for problem-solution pattern of idea
development?
A. one way C. specifically B. as a result D. with these reasons
________9. Which among the grammatical signals below is LEAST appropriate for cause and effect pattern of
idea development?
A. as a result C. even though B. consequently D. with these reasons
________10. Which among the grammatical signals and expressions below is appropriate for claim-
counterclaim pattern of idea development?
A. I urge C. People say B. Join now D. With these reasons
________11. What grammatical signal is appropriate to complete the paragraph below?

There are many reasons students are not allowed to chew gum during class.First, some irresponsible
students do not properly dispose their gum after chewing.They may stick it on the bottoms of their desks,
drop it on the floor, or put it on theirclassmate’s property. This may result to arguments among classmates.
Another reasonis it is a distraction. When students are allowed to chew gum, their attention is morefocused
on chewing, popping, or snapping it. _____________, they may not listen, read,and learn properly. These are
the reasons why students are not allowed to chew gum during class.
A. Therefore C. In Conclusion B. Despite this D. Because of this

________12. What grammatical signal is appropriate to complete the paragraph below?

Some teachers do not allow students to use cellphones during classes. However, using them in class
has advantages. Cellphones are useful for students in searching definitions and relevant information. They can
check pronunciations and browse pictures to fully understand concepts. Another advantage is their
cellphones make note-taking more convenient. Students don’t need to take down long notes from the board,
and can just take photos and record the teacher’s discussions instead. Furthermore, it also serves as an
alternative calculator in Math subjects. __________ teachers view cellphones as a distraction to students,
they are still very useful.
Therefore, with proper supervision and monitoring, cellphones can be very beneficial to students
during classes.
A. Although C. As a result B. Because D. Furthermore