Patterns of

Written Texts
Across
Disciplines
Paragraph
 It a collection of related sentences
with one central idea.
 It is made up of the topic
sentence, supporting sentences,
and clinching sentence.
Narration
 It describes how, when, and where
an event or occurrence actually
happened.
 It is used to tell a story or focus on
a set of related events.
Elements of
Narration
Setting
Characters
Plot
Point of View
Theme
Ways of Narration
“He came and talked to us. Then he Clipped
left the house and then he drove the car
back home." Narration
“He came and talked to us for a few
moments. He seemed upset, but he
Paced Narration managed to get through all the bad news.
Shaking our hands before he left the house
come twilight, he seemed to feel better
now that he had delivered the news. He
waved from the car as he pulled out of the
driveway, narrowly missing the mailbox
again, and drove off to return home.”
Narration
Last night, I was walking on my way home
when it suddenly rained. I forgot to bring my
umbrella, so I ran to avoid getting completely
soaked in the rain. Not seeing where I was going,
I fell into a paddle of water. Then, a guy helped
me stand. When I looked up, I recognized him.
Momentarily, I forgot that I was soaking wet and
that I was very cold. He offered me to walk me
home, and I just nodded. The next day, we saw
each other at school. At last, we talked like old
friends.
 Signal Words for
Narration
first suddenly following

next soon/later after

momentarily the next day at the same time

meanwhile then during

Description
It is the pattern of development
which goes into details about a
specific object, person, or location,
in order to firmly set its
appearance.
Types of
Description
1. Objective Description
2. Subjective Description
1. Objective Description
The kitchen table is rectangular, seventy-
two inches long and thirty inches wide. Made of a
two-inch-thick piece of oak, its top is covered
with a waxy oilcloth patterned in dark red and
blue squares against a white background. In the
right corner, close to the wall, a square blue
ceramic tile serves as the protective base for a
brown earthenware teapot. A single white
placemat has been set to the left of the tile, with a
knife and fork on either side of a white dinner
plate, around nine inches in diameter. On the
plate are two thick pieces of steak.
2. Subjective Description
Our lives at home converged around the pleasantly-shaped
kitchen table. It was the magnet that drew our family together
quite warmly. Cut from the sturdiest oak, the table was tough,
smooth, and long enough for my mother, my two sisters, and me
to work or play on at the same time. Our favorite light blue
ceramic tile, stationed in the right corner, was the table's sole
defense against the ravages of everything from a steaming teapot
to the latest red-hot gadget from the Sears catalogue. More often
than not, however, the heat would spread quickly beyond the
small tile and onto the checkered oilcloth, which just as quickly
exuded a rank and sour odor. Yet no matter how intensely the four
of us competed for elbow room at the table, none dared venture
near the lone dinner place arranged securely to the left of the tile.
There was no telling when he would get home from work, but,
when he did, he expected the food to be ready--steaming hot. He
liked to eat right away--steak mostly--two bloody but thick pieces.
 Sensory Words for
Description
Sight Sound Smell Touch Taste
sparkling screech rotten sticky creamy
bright sneeze fragrant grainy delectable
glossy hiss stinky smooth bitter
blurred giggle fruity furry sweet
gloomy whisper pungent clammy bland
Definition
▪It explains a concept, term or
subject and its main purpose is to
tell what something is.
Types of
Definition
1. Scientific Definition
2. Subjective Definition
1. Scientific Definition
Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide
(CO2) and other air pollutants and greenhouse
gases collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight
and solar radiation that have bounced off the
earth’s surface. Each year, scientists learn more
about the consequences of global warming, and
many agree that environmental, economic, and
health consequences are likely to occur if current
trends continue. It stresses ecosystems through
temperature rises, water shortages, increased fire
threats, drought, weed and pest invasions, intense
storm damage and salt invasion, just to name a few.
2. Subjective Definition
Gossip is a “trivial rumor of a personal nature,” but
this definition makes gossip sound harmless. At first gossip
might not seem so bad. One person tells a second person
something about someone, and that the second person tells
a third person, and so on. The information passes from one
person to person. However, gossip is much more than just
information and rumor. As the rumor continues, it grows
and changes. People do not know all the facts, so they add
information. As the gossip goes from one person to another,
the damage continues, and the person who is the subject of
the gossip can’t do anything to answer or protect himself or
herself. Because the potential damage may range from hurt
feelings to a lost career, gossip is much worse than simply a
“trivial rumor”.
 Signal Words for
Definition
is defined as means to define

connotes as defined refers to

Classification
 It divides things into groups,
classes, or categories and
organizes ideas into divisions
based on criteria or standards.
Classification Shoppers can be classified according to their shopping
techniques, as necessity shoppers, over spenders, and impulsive
shoppers. Necessity shoppers have an uncomplicated and normal
shopping technique. They purchase only the items that are necessary,
such as food and toiletries, and they only get these items when they
need them. The overspenders purchase too many items and they
spend too much money on them. They buy unnecessary products,
such as clothes and accessories. They can turn a simple trip to the
store into a wallet draining extravaganza. Finally, there are impulsive
shoppers. They are a combination between necessity shoppers and
over spenders. They intend to be necessity shoppers by buying items
that they need, but they turn into over spenders by buying
unnecessary clothes and useless items. Even though there are
millions of shoppers worldwide, they can easily be classified by their
techniques as necessity shoppers, over spenders, or impulsive
shoppers.

~Copyright 2005 Mike Sullivan~

 Signal Words for
Classification
another classified as one kind

another kind final type the first category

the last group the next type can be classified

the first type can be another type

categorized
Exemplification
 It provides examples and
illustrations in order to further
clarify or explain the concept or
subject matter.
Exemplification
Most parents have common complaints
about schooling. Expenses are getting higher.
Matriculation fees may increase again. Textbook
prices for all levels have likewise increased
because of paper and printing expenses. Fares to
and from school can be draining to a student’s
allowance, which he/she then transfers to his
parents. Prices of snacks have gone up, making
many students abstain during certain periods.
These complaints are common, both to parents
sending their children to private schools, and to
those with children in public schools.
 Signal Words for
Exemplification
namely for example to be specific

such as specifically as an example

for instance in particular particularly

 Comparison and
Contrast
 It organizes ideas based on how
events, places, people, things, and
concepts are similar to or
different from one another.
Types of
Comparison and
Contrast
1. Separately
2. Side-by-side
1. Separately
My life now and my life five years ago are
similar but there are also some major differences.
Five years ago, I was living in Havre and going to
high school. I didn’t have to work because my parents
supported me. I went to school everyday and spent
time with my friends. I also babysat my nieces after
school because their parents are working. I didn’t
really have any major goals five years ago. I wasn’t
really thinking about my future quite yet. On the
other hand, now I live in Great Falls and I’m not in
high school anymore. I have to work now in order to
support myself. I only work twenty hours a week
because I’m in school right now.
1. Separately
I have a lot more responsibility now than I did five
years ago. I have to take responsibility for myself now
and everything that I do. I have a lot of major goals now.
I want to graduate and get my two-year degree. I want to
come back and get a bachelor’s degree. I have a lot of
things that I want to accomplish now. Five years ago, I
really wasn’t going anywhere with my life, but now I’m
starting to get my life in order and deciding what I want
to do. In addition, I am still living at home with my
parents and I still go to school. I still baby sit my nieces. I
still have to depend on my parents for transportation
because I don’t have a vehicle right now. My life now has
changed a lot in only five years.
~© 2005 Brandy Doney~
2. Side-by-side Although I raised Marcee and Obbie from puppies,
they have completely diverse personalities. Obbie is a six-
year-old, male, toy Pomeranian whereas Marcee is a one-
year-old, female, Boston terrier. Obbie is small and soft,
unlike Marcee who has bristly hair and is much bigger.
Marcee insists on sleeping on the bed, under the covers
every night. On the other hand, Obbie will only sleep on
the floor, under the bed. Obbie is tremendously loyal and
uptight; however, Marcee is hyper and friendly to anyone
she meets or sees. Around other dogs, Marcee cowers to
the larger dog, yet Obbie will always stand his ground,
never giving up until he is scolded. Given that they were
both treated the same way all their life, it is hard to
believe that they are so different in everything they do.
 Signal Words for
Comparison
alike similarly in comparison

same as like in the same way

both to compare equally

as well as resemble likewise

Signal Words for Contrast
in contrast however otherwise

different from whereas while

as opposed to on the contrary instead of

although on the other unless

hand
Cause and Effect
 It details why something happens,
what causes it, what are the
effects and how it is related to
something else.
Paragraph emphasizing cause
"Many of today's kids are engaged in
sedentary pursuits made possible by a level of
technology unthinkable as recently as 25 to 30
years ago. Computer, video, and other virtual
games, the ready availability of feature films and
games on DVD, plus high-tech advancements in
music-listening technology have come down into
the range of affordability for parents and even for
the kids themselves. These passive pursuits have
produced a downside of reduced physical activity
for the kids, often with the explicit or implicit
consent of the parents.
Paragraph emphasizing cause
"Other fairly recent developments have also
contributed to the alarming rise in child obesity rates.
Fast food outlets offering consumables that are both low
in price and low in nutritional content have exploded all
over the American landscape since the 1960s, especially in
suburban areas close to major highway interchanges. Kids
on their lunch breaks or after school often congregate in
these fast food outlets, consuming food and soft drinks
that are high in sugar, carbohydrates, and fat. Many
parents, themselves, frequently take their children to
these fast food places, thus setting an example the kids
can find justification to emulate."
(MacKie Shilstone, Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan
for Kids. Basic Health Publications, 2009)
Paragraph emphasizing effect
Letting alcohol take control over your life has many
negative effects on a person and the people around them.
One important effect is the damage you can do to your
body. Drinking can lead to severe illness and even
eventual death; some health consequences to consider
might be liver disease, kidney failure and, for pregnant
women, the loss of their unborn child. Another detriment
is that an addiction could lead to drinking and driving;
possibly causing a fatal car accident for either yourself
and/or an innocent by stander. Another concern to
consider is the relationships alcohol can destroy. Alcohol
abuse can have very serious effect on a person’s
temperament, which can lead to spousal and even child
abuse.
Paragraph emphasizing effect
Alcohol often is the number one cause in divorce
and spending time in jail. It can also affect relationships
outside of the family; many people have lost lifelong
friends whether it is due to foolish arguments and behavior
or possibly death. Lastly, drinking has negative effects on
self-esteem and rational thinking. People become more
self-centered, develop low self-esteem, doing things or
behaving in ways that they would not normally. They have
little or no regard to the outcomes of what is said or done
when they grow reliant on getting that alcohol high. The
negative effects of alcohol abuse are overwhelming when
considering the many consequences that drinkers and the
people around them have to deal with.
~© Racheal Guza
2005~
Cause and Effect In recent decades, cities have grown so large that now
about 50% of the Earth’s population lives in urban areas. There
are several reasons for this occurrence. First, the increasing
industrialization of the nineteenth century resulted in the
creation of many factory jobs, which tended to be located in
cities. These jobs, with their promise of a better material life,
attracted many people from rural areas. Second, there were
many schools established to educate the children of the new
factory laborers. The promise of a better education persuaded
many families to leave farming communities and move to the
cities. Finally, as the cities grew, people established places of
leisure, entertainment, and culture, such as sports stadiums,
theaters, and museums. For many people, these facilities made
city life appear more interesting than life on the farm, and
therefore drew them away from rural communities.
Signal Words for Cause
as for in as much as

because for the reason since

that
due to in view of owing to the fact
Signal Words for Effect
to have an effect hence thus
on
as a result so that the reason for

consequently therefore to result in

Problem-Solution
 It is s a pattern of organization
where information in a passage is
expressed as a dilemma
(problem) and something should
be done to remedy this issue
(solution).
Problem-Solution
Variations
1. Problem-Solution Pattern
2. Problem-Cause-Solution
Pattern
3. Problem-Process-Solution
Pattern
Problem-Solution Pattern
Rain forests are disappearing at an
alarming pace. Urgent action is needed if they are
to survive. There are many ways of protecting the
rain forests. Many countries have set up national
parks to protect the plants and animals. People
have organized campaigns to stop the logging and
farming in the rain forest. Children are being
educated about the importance of rain forests and
their resources so that they may make informed
decisions as adults. We all need to become
responsible individuals to preserve the rain
forests.
Problem-Cause-Solution Pattern
Obesity has become a major health issue for
North American, and this problem is aggravated by
the lack of physical activity in large segments of the
population. In addition to healthier eating habits,
one solution would be to make it easier for obese
North Americans to exercise on a daily basis. This
could be done at work. Before and after shift, to
ensure full participation in the program. This
program would be beneficial to obese employees as
they would be required to participate twice daily to
help decrease obesity among North Americans.
Problem-Process-Solution Pattern
Deforestation is a serious problem because it
destroys forests—and forests and trees are not just
pretty to look at, they do an important job making the
earth´s environment suitable for life. They clean the
air, store water, preserve oil, and provide homes for
animals. They also supply food, fuel, wood products,
and paper products for humans. In the past fifty years,
more than half of the world´s rainforests have been
destroyed.
Today, all around the world, deforestation
continues, the world´s climate may change, floods may
become more common, and animals will die.
Problem-Process-Solution Pattern
If you use less paper, fewer trees will be cut for
paper making. How can you use less paper? One
answer is to reduce your paper use by using both sides
of the paper when you photocopy, write a letter, or
write an essay. A second answer is to reuse old paper
when you can, rather than using a new sheet of paper.
The backs of old envelopes are perfect for shopping list
or phone messages, and when you write a rough draft of
an essay, write it on the back of something else. A final
answer is to recycle used paper products instead of
throwing them away. Most schools, offices, and districts
have some kind of recycling center. If you follow "the
three Rs"- reduce, reuse, and recycle-you can help save
the world´s forest.
 Signal Words for Problem-
Solution
the problem is one challenge the main
difficulty
one solution is one way is this led to
Persuasion
 It convinces the readers that a
particular point of view is worthy
of consideration.
 It intends to convince readers to
do or believe in something.
Common Techniques
in Writing Persuasive
Paragraph
1. Using Evidences
2. Giving Examples
3. Attacking an Opposing
View
Using Evidences and Examples
Laughter is one of the greatest healing devices
known to man. Laughter is powerful and can help
people in many different ways. It has the power to cure
something as little as a bad day or to heal the wounds of
a terminally ill person. Laughing has helped create the
smile which is the universal sign of well-being.
Generally, individuals who do not laugh live miserably
and have unhappy lives. Dr. Robert Holden found out
that smiling and laughing releases endorphins in the
brain which gives people a overall happy well-being.
Using comedy, many doctors have stimulated the
healing process in manic depressants and fatally ill
patients giving them hope and ambition.
Using Evidences and Examples
In many clinics laughter is being used in replacing
anti-depressants and reduces the need for pain killers. (Dr.
Gael Crystal). Take comedians for example, they usually
live long and happy lives. Putting a smile on faces and
laughs in souls is what makes life complete. Laughter helps
heal people and brightens spirits for a better and healthier
life . Laughing is a sign of joy and hope and keeps people
normal and the world happy. Using the techniques of
laughter and happiness is the best medicine known to man.
Laughter is the universal sign of well-being and happiness
within health. Laughing brightens the spirit and heals the
mind and body of people who allow it to overcome them.
So try a smile and laugh on for size and live a longer
happier life with loved ones.
~© Jace Oeleis 2005~
Attacking an Opposing View
A lot of people, especially young people, go through
the day without having breakfast. Many people believe that
it is not necessary, or they say that they don’t have time for
that, and begin their day with no meal. I believe that
everyone should eat breakfast before going to their
activities.
The first reason why you should eat breakfast before
going to school is for your health. When you skip breakfast
and go to school, you are looking for a disease because it’s
not healthy to have an empty stomach all day long. It’s very
important to have a meal and not let your stomach work
empty. All you are going to get is gastritis and a lot of
problems with your health if you don’t eat breakfast.
Attacking an Opposing View
Another reason for eating breakfast is because you
need food for to do well in your classes. You body and your
brain are not going to function as good as they could
because you have no energy and no strength. When you try
to learn something and have nothing in your stomach, you
are going to have a lot of trouble succeeding. A lot of people
think that they should not eat because they are going to feel
tired, but that’s not true. Breakfast is not a very big meal,
and on the contrary, you’re going to feel tired if you don’t
have breakfast because you have spent the entire previous
night without food.
The last reason to have breakfast every day is
because you can avoid diseases if you eat some breakfast in
the morning. If you don’t eat, you are going to get sick, and
Attacking an Opposing View
these diseases will have a stronger effect on you because
you’re going to get sick easier than people who have
breakfast every day.
You have to realize that breakfast is the most
important meal of the day, and you
cannot skip it without consequences for your health, your
school and your defense mechanism. It is better to wake up
earlier and have a good breakfast that run to school
without eating anything. It is time for you to do something
for your health, and eating breakfast is the better way to
start your day.
 Signal Words for
Persuasion
in addition furthermore conversely

agree besides in fact

disagree moreover in that case