A number of options are available for developing a paragraph. Each of these patterns requires that the writer include different kinds of information. Some of the most commonly used patterns of organization are narration, description, classification, comparison/contrast, cause and effect, process, definition, and analysis.
- A narrative is a record of a series of events telling a story in time oder.
- A description is a representation in words of a person, a place, or an object.
- A classification is an arrangement of the content by category, grouping the content into classes or kinds.
- Comparison/contrast is an arrangement showing similarities and differences between two things of the same class.
- Cause and effect shows the causal relationship between events.
- A process narrative shows events that occur over and over instead of only once as in an event narration.
- Definition establishes the meaning of a word, a concept, or an idea.
- Analysis shows the relationship between the parts of a written text, an idea, or a concept.
Select the pattern of development that would be most appropriate for each of the following topic sentences.
Identifying a bird is a skill that improves with practice and experience
Right! This sentence starts to explain how bird identification (as a series of steps) can improve with practice.
There are three broad categories of enzymes: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes, and food enzymes.
Right! This sentence groups enzymes into three different groups.
Beatniks rebelled against what they considered to be the intellectually and socially stultifying aspects of 1950s America.
Right! This sentence starts to explain the narrative of beatnik rebellion starting in the 1950s.
Advances in computer design have made them more versatile.
Right! This sentence begins to explain the reasons why advances in design have made computers more usable.
Cultural myths shape our expectations of what will happen to us in the future.
Right! This sentence shows that cultural myths can cause future expectations.
The American Dream is a part of the American identity.
Right! This sentence begins to explain exactly what the American Dream is and means.
Although the terms parkour and free running are often used interchangeably, there are some significant differences.
Right! This sentence shows that a discussion of the similarities and differences of the two terms will follow.
The Golden Gate Bridge, spanning San Francisco Bay, is an impressive sight.
Right! This sentence tells readers to expect a picture in words of the Golden Gate Bridge.