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 Comparison and Contrast Cause and Effect Classification

Pattern 1: Definition Includes a key term: 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 Frequently includes examples or illustrations to make the meaning clearer Authors highlight the term they are defining. 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. 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. 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: 1. The term being defined 2. A complete definition 3. At least one example 4. 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. Two different types of paragraphs rely heavily on time order, or the listing of events. –One type outlines the sequence of dates and events –The other describes a process

Sequence of Events Explains or argues a claim Explains or argues a claim –The paragraph example on page 431 traces a sequence of dates and events that suggests the Internet as we know it was not developed overnight. Rather, it took more than 20 years. Why would an author use this type of paragraph pattern? Why would an author use this type of paragraph pattern?

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. 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.” 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. Usually introduce major details.

Taking Notes Paragraphs devoted to dates and events should include the following elements: 1. The Main Idea 2. All the dates and events used to develop the Main Idea 3. Any other supporting details that lack dates but still seem essential to developing the Main Idea.

Pattern 3: Comparison & Contrast Compare = point out similarities Compare = point out similarities Contrast = point out differences Contrast = point out differences Don’t assume that paragraphs using this pattern always focus on similarities or differences. Don’t assume that paragraphs using this pattern always focus on similarities or differences. –Sometimes paragraphs compare and contrast.

Transitions Transitions that signal similarities –R–R–R–Review chart on page 447 Transitions that signal differences –R–R–R–Review chart on page 448

Examples Europeans and Americans don’t have the same attitude toward work and leisure. Europeans and Americans don’t have the same attitude toward work and leisure. France and Germany were both against the 2003 war with Iraq, but they showed their disagreement in very different ways. 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. 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: 1. The two topics being compared and/or contrasted 2. The similarities and/or differences between the two 3. 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. Passages that explain how one event – the cause – leads to or produces another event – the effect. FEAR CAUSE EFFE CT BLOOD VESSELS SHRINK CAU SE FACE LOSES COLOR EFFECT Fear has a profound effect on the human body.

Cause & Effect Transitions Transitions that identify results Transitions that identify results –Review chart on page 456 Verbs Frequently Used to Link Cause and Effect Verbs Frequently Used to Link Cause and Effect –Review chart on page 457

Typical Topic Sentences General Alfredo Stroessner took control of Paraguay and turned the country into a haven for international outlaws. 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. In the eighties and nineties, rock star Madonna had a profound effect on the image of women in pop music.

Taking Notes Cycles of causes and effects pattern should be included in your notes: 1. The general cause and effect relationship described by the topic sentence 2. 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. Explains how some larger group can be broken down or divided into smaller subgroups or categories. Then, each category is described in specific detail. Then, each category is described in specific detail.

Typical Topic Sentences Scientific experiments fall into four different categories. Scientific experiments fall into four different categories. Best sellers can be divided into three types. Best sellers can be divided into three types. Researchers in interpersonal communication have come up with four kinds of conversations. Researchers in interpersonal communication have come up with four kinds of conversations.

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

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