1. Patterns of Development
Essay
Writing
Foundations

2. Narration Story telling – recounting of events
Based on personal experience or gained knowledge
Writers often use to lead into a topic
Usually chronological
Concrete details
Point of view
Dialogue

3. Description Includes many specific details
Emphasizes the senses by painting a picture of
Sight
Sound
Taste
Smell
Touch
Used to establish a mood or atmosphere
May use emotionally charged language

4. Definition An idea must be identified before it can be discussed
May lay the foundation to establish common ground
Or identify areas of conflict
Defining a term is often the first step in a disagreement or debate
Then often analyzes characteristics that define the term or concept

5. Exemplification Provides a series of examples
Turns a general idea into a concrete one
Makes arguments clearer and more persuasive
May use one extended example or a series of related ones

6. Process Analysis Explains how something works How to do something
How something was done
Examples:
How to make bread
How to set up an Excel sheet
Directions to assemble a grill
Self-Help books

7. Compare & Contrast
Putting 2 things or ideas side by side to highlight their similarities and differences
Often used to discuss
Subtle differences
Similarities in:
Method
Style
Purpose

8. Cause & Effect
Looks at how a cause leads to a result OR how an effect results from a cause

9. Classification Division
Sorting of ideas into categories
What goes together and why?
Breaking down a larger idea or concept into parts