Lesson: Patterns of Development in Writing
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
• Define what patterns of development are
• Identify the 8 major types of writing patterns
• Know when and how to use each pattern
• Organize your own writing clearly and effectively
What are Patterns of Development?
Patterns of development are like your writing’s "blueprints" — they help you structure your ideas
logically and clearly.
Think of them as different styles or methods for presenting information depending on your purpose
(e.g., to describe, to explain, to convince, etc.).
The 8 Major Patterns of Development:
1. Narration
Tells a story or sequence of events
• Focus: What happened?
• Uses chronological order (time-based)
• Often personal or fictional
Example: Telling the story of your first day in college or how you overcame a challenge.
2. Description
Paints a picture using sensory details
• Focus: What does it look, feel, smell, taste, or sound like?
• Uses adjectives and imagery
• Often emotional or creative
Example: Describing your favorite dessert or the sunset at the beach.
3. Definition
Explains the meaning of a term or concept
• Focus: What is it?
• May include formal definition + examples + analysis
Example: What is love? What does it mean to be "loyal"?
4. Classification and Division
Sorts things into categories or parts
• Focus: How can we group or break down this topic?
• Classification = Grouping by category
• Division = Breaking one whole into parts
Example: Types of students in class (group by behavior), or parts of a computer (divide into CPU,
memory, etc.)
5. Compare and Contrast
Shows similarities and/or differences
• Focus: How are two things alike or different?
• Organize by:
o Point-by-point (compare one aspect at a time)
o Block method (discuss all of A, then all of B)
Example: Comparing online vs. face-to-face classes.
6. Cause and Effect
Explains reasons and results
• Focus: Why did this happen? What happened because of it?
• Use either:
o Cause → Effect
o Effect → Cause
Example: Causes of stress among students and their effects on performance.
7. Problem-Solution
Identifies an issue and suggests solutions
• Focus: What’s the problem, and how can we fix it?
• Useful for persuasive writing
Example: Problem: cyberbullying. Solution: stronger online safety policies.
8. Persuasion / Argumentation
Tries to convince the reader of a point of view
• Focus: What do you believe, and why should others agree?
• Uses logic, evidence, emotional appeal
Example: Convincing people why animal testing should be banned.
How to Choose the Right Pattern:
Purpose Best Pattern
Tell a story Narration
Describe something Description
Explain a concept Definition
Sort or group things Classification and Division
Compare two things Compare and Contrast
Explain causes/results Cause and Effect
Offer a solution Problem-Solution
Convince someone Argumentation/Persuasion
Example: Topic – “Cellphones in School”
• Narration: I remember the first time my phone rang in class...
• Description: My phone is sleek, glowing, and buzzing with messages...
• Definition: A cellphone is a device used for communication...
• Classification: There are 3 types of cellphone users in school...
• Compare and Contrast: Phones vs. textbooks – which is better for learning?
• Cause and Effect: Using phones in class causes distractions...
• Problem-Solution: Students use phones during class—how can teachers respond?
• Persuasion: Phones should be banned in classrooms because...
Wrap-Up Summary
• Patterns of development help organize your writing clearly.
• Choose the right pattern based on your purpose and topic.
• You can combine multiple patterns in one piece for stronger writing!
• Knowing these helps you write essays, reports, speeches, and even stories effectively.
