Recognizing Patterns of Organizations in Paragraphs (in expository writing)

What is the purpose of expository writing? To inform, teach, or explain Five commonly used patterns: Definition Time Order Simple Listing Comparison and Contrast Cause and Effect Classification

Pattern 1: Definition Includes a key term: usually highlighted in bold face, color type, or italics followed by a detailed definition that can consist of several sentences Frequently includes examples or illustrations to make the meaning clearer Authors highlight the term they are defining.

Example 1: Nineteen-century America was guided by the concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was on a mission of God to occupy North America from coast to coast.

Example 2: The greenhouse effect is the name for what happens when excessive carbon dioxide and other gases build up in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Taking Notes The definition pattern should include 3 or 4 of the following elements: The term being defined A complete definition At least one example Any other details that might help clarify the definition

Pattern 2: Time Order Two different types of paragraphs rely heavily on time order, or the listing of events. One type outlines the sequence of dates and events (Chronological Order) The other describes a process (Sequential Order)

Sequence of Events Textbook writers often use sequence of dates and events to: Describe how a smaller series of events led up to a larger and more major event Chart the career of an important person Explain how some theory, invention, or activity came to be part of culture or history. This pattern primarily relies on chronology to introduce the major details.

Time Order Transitions Phrases like “by 1972”, “in 1983” and “between 1983 and 1990” tell readers to pay attention because the next signficant event is coming up. Time order transitions are the author’s way of saying, “I’ve finished describing the previous event and I’m ready to tell you about the one that followed it.” Usually introduce major details.

Taking Notes Paragraphs devoted to dates and events should include the following elements: The Main Idea All the dates and events used to develop the Main Idea Any other supporting details that lack dates but still seem essential to developing the Main Idea.

Typical Topic Sentences The life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is a lesson in how art can be an antidote to pain. The years leading up to the Great Depression were filled with a sense of optimism that was destroyed almost overnight Between 1939 and 1944, most of Europe descended into a nightmare world of terror, violence, and death. In their youth, the inventors of the airplane, Wilbur and Orville Wright, seemed destined for failure.

Process Explains how something works, happens, or develops The order in which the actions take place is crucial Common Transition words: first, second, third, next, last before, after, at the onset In the beginning, in the early stages, in the end (see p. 510 for more examples)

Typical Topic Sentences for Process There are few steps to take when you change a flat tire. Children go through several different stages before arriving at a sense of gender. The process of photosynthesis is essential to plant life. Storing information in long term memory involves several distinct steps. The red-headed owl follows an intricate courting ritual.

Taking Notes on Process Patterns Notes on paragraphs describing a process should include the following: The larger process being described The specific steps in the process The order in which they are presented Any specialized vocabulary used to describe the steps or stages

Pattern 3: Simple Listing Unlike the Time Order pattern, the order of the supporting details is not important in the simple listing pattern. You may list the details in any order that works for you Topic sentence in this pattern will appear at the very beginning or very end; unlikely to be found in the middle. Typical transitions are “for instance” and “for example,” along with transitions like “first,” “second,” and “third.” These transitions help readers identify the individual items being listed.

Typical Topic Sentences for Simple Listing Pattern Unlike the previous generation who relied on letters and phon calls to keep in touch, people today have many different ways to stay connected to friends and family. Crime shows are a staple of television programming. Abused children tend to exhibit similar behavior. Across cultures, certain moments in life count as unforgettable. There are a number of reasons why memorizing poetry has practical benefits.

Taking Notes on the Simple Listing Pattern The main idea Any supporting details necessary to itemize and explain the plural word or phrase included in the topic sentence--for example, different reasons, crime shows, chracteristics

Pattern 3: Comparison & Contrast Paragraphs using this pattern mention the similarities, and/or differences between two people, events, animals, objects, or concepts. Don’t assume that paragraphs using this pattern always focus on similarities or differences. Sometimes paragraphs compare and contrast.

Transitions Transitions that signal similarities: Like Just as Likewise Similarly In the same way Also In comparison Review chart on page 525 Transitions that signal differences In contrast However But Although In opposition Unlike On the contrary Review chart on page 52

Examples Europeans and Americans don’t have the same attitude toward work and leisure. Unlike African Americans, Mexican Americans were not forced into segregated military units during World War II. France and Germany were both against the 2003 war with Iraq, but they showed their disagreement in very different ways. Scientists Enrico Fermi and Robert J. Oppenheimer had very different feelings about the success of the Manhattan Project.

Taking Notes The comparison & contrast pattern should clearly identify three essential elements: The two topics being compared and/or contrasted The similarities and/or differences between the two The Main Idea they explain or support

Pattern 4: Cause and Effect Passages that explain how one event – the cause – leads to or produces another event – the effect. Fear has a profound effect on the human body. CAUSE EFFECT FEAR BLOOD VESSELS SHRINK CAUSE FACE LOSES COLOR EFFECT

Cause & Effect Transitions Cause and Effect Transitions: As a result, as a side effect, consequently, due to, for this reason, in the aftermath of, in consequence, therefore (review chart on p. 535) Verbs Frequently Used to Link Cause and Effect Affect, begin, cause, change, generate, Decrease, increase, induce, lead to, produce, start, set off, set in motion, revolutionize (review chart on p. 536)

Typical Topic Sentences General Alfredo Stroessner took control of Paraguay and turned the country into a haven for international outlaws. In the eighties and nineties, rock star Madonna had a profound effect on the image of women in pop music. Artist Andy Warhol’s paintings revolutionized modern art. Three factors contributed to the decline in union membership between 1950 and 1990.

Taking Notes Cycles of causes and effects pattern should be included in your notes: The general cause and effect relationship described by the topic sentence The specific causes and/or effects mentioned in the paragraph

Pattern 5: Classification Explains how some larger group can be broken down or divided into smaller subgroups or categories. Then, each category is described in specific detail.

Typical Topic Sentences Scientific experiments fall into four different categories. Best sellers can be divided into three types. Researchers in interpersonal communication have come up with four kinds of conversations. Thre are primarily four different types of computer crime. Most of the major speech defects are found within five main categories.

Frequently used Words in Classification Topic Sentence Categories Components Fields Ranks Groups Parts factors Elements Features Problems Types Kinds classes

Taking Notes Notes on the classification pattern require the following information: The name of the larger group being broken down into sub-groups The names of the categories if they are supplied A brief description of each category

Review What is the purpose of expository writing? What are the 5 paragraph pattern categories? Is there only 1 type of pattern in each paragraph? What pattern should you look for? The PRIMARY pattern!