Methods of Development

Analogy a similarity between like features of two things, on which a comparison may be based Example: the analogy between the heart and a pump.

Anecdote A brief, simple narration of an incident. Anecdotes can be used to establish a connection between the author and the subject, or even the author and the audience. Anecdotes often provide a clarifying example or image.

Allusion a brief, indirect reference to a person, place, object or event, assumed to be known to the reader. E.g. “That guy’s a real Shakespeare”. It is an indirect reference, and assumes you know who Shakespeare is.

Classification A classification paragraph or essay: explains a subject by dividing into types or categories

Cause and effect A relationship set up to show a causal relationship between two situations. explains the reasons (causes) why something happened describes the results (effects) of an event, action, or condition

Compare and contrast Comparison shows both differences and similarities; contrast deals only in difference. It might be a simple paring of opposites in a sentence, or might be a contrast that carries through an entire essay.

Concession: When the author of an argumentative piece concedes that his or her opponent is correct on a specific point. Getting that out of the way shows the reader that the author is reasonable, and allows the author to get to work on the areas in which he or she differs with the opponent. e.g. “Yes, your essay was well-written and organized. However, it was off-topic and unfocussed”

Definition In order to discuss a particular issue or idea, it may be necessary to define it for the purposes of the essay (an operational definition). An essay might be comprised of an effort to deeply define a complex issue.

Example (also called illustration) An example paragraph or essay: makes a point about a topic by providing examples to support it

Narration A narrative paragraph or essay: Tells a story Explains how something happened

Process A process paragraph or essay: explains how to do something in a series of steps explains how something works

Reference to Authority -Making a mention of an authority figure (someone who is regarded an authority to someone else-has power) For example, using a quotation from David Suzuki in an environmental essay, or Harold Bloom in the literary realm. It should also be noted that the author may be a recognized expert in his or her field.

Reference to popular culture: In an informal piece, an author may refer to a commonly known event in popular culture to illustrate his or her point. For example, comparing a person to Homer Simpson when they say something less than brilliant.