1. Paragraph Patterns

2. Classification
Sequence or Process
Simple Listing
Comparison and Contrast
Cause and Effect
Definition
Example

3. Classification
when you use the classification technique, you are taking many separate items and grouping them into categories according to qualities and characteristics that they all share.
Signals for classification: categories; groups; parts; types; characteristics; elements; kinds; sorts; ways; classes; features; numbers…
For example
The Chinese responded to prejudice and persecution in two ways, First, they created an insulated society-within-a-society that needed little from the dominant culture. Second, they displayed a stoic willingness to persevere, and to take without complaint or resistance whatever America dished out.

4. Sequence/process Chronological order Spatial order Order of importance
Sequential order (How to Make Cookies. First, get your materials. Then, make your dough. Lastly, cook your dough at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.)
Note: The order in sequence is significant and cannot be transposed.

5. Simple Listing
Writers develop their ideas by listing their supporting statements. They simply list or enumerate a series of details that support a point. The details may be examples, reasons, or types of things, and they are often, but not always numbered.
Note: The order in simple listing is not significant and can be transposed.
Signal words: 1,2,3,4; a,b,c,d; first, second, third; moreover; next

6. Comparison and Contrast
A paragraph that demonstrates comparison and/or contrast examines how given subjects are either similar or different. Comparison examines how the subjects are the same. Contrast examines how the subjects are different.

7. Signals for Comparison and Contrast
Compare
Like/alike
Resembles
In comparison
Likewise
Similar
In the same way/manner
Parallels
similarly
Although
However
On the other hand
As opposed to / on the contrary
In contrast to
Rather than
But
Instead
Unlike
Conversely
Nevertheless
whereas

8. Elephants are the biggest land creatures on Earth, and among the smartest and most endearing. In their lives and social dynamics they resemble humans in many ways. They lives in matriarchal societies - groups of sisters, aunts, nieces and nephew, often heard by a wise old grandmother. The bonds formed within an elephant family can last a lifetime that may span 60 or more years. Scientists who have studies elephants in the wild have noted in them such human-like characteristics as joy, grief, anger, loyalty, patience, playfulness, and sibling rivalry. To the 17th century poet John Donne, the elephant was “Nature’s great masterpiece…the only harmless great thing.”

9. Cause and Effect
A cause and effect paragraph develops an idea by explaining the causes of something or by showing the effects of something. The paragraph might move from cause to effects or from an effect to its causes.
Signals: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if then, since, so, then, therefore, thereupon, thus, to this end
Example
In all countries, enforcing the laws that do exist remains a challenge. As a result, violence against children goes unpunished.  There is much to be done to train and support law enforcement and judicial personnel to understand the key role they play in protecting children against violence.

10. Definition
The purpose of a definition paragraph is to fully and clearly explain a term or a subject, and this is generally done using a combination of three different methods: providing a synonym, placing the topic within a larger category, or providing an explanation of what the topic is NOT in order to better explain what it IS.
Signal words: is defined as...   refers to...
is called...      is described as...
means...         a term / concept...

11. Example
A paragraph uses specific illustrations to clarify a general statement.
Signal words?