Dr. Judith M. Newman

Writing Patterns in Expository Text

Overview

Pattern Clues to Pattern Strategies Suggested Diagram

  Enumeration

  • introductory statement contains a number word or words like "many" or "several"
  • subtopics signalled by "first", "second", "third", "more", "also", etc.
  1. look for topic
  2. look for sub-topics
  3. organize details related to topics
  Question /
  Answer
  • introductory question
  • answer signalled by words like "first", "second", "one", "another"
  1. look for question
  2. note words that signal answers
  3. isolate answer
  General   Statement /
  Elaboration
  • most common pattern
  • offers generalization followed by supporting examples
  1. look for generalization
  2. look for supporting specifics

  Cause /
  Effect
  • causes leading to effects
  • words like "cause", "reasons for", "first", "second", "finally", etc.
  1. look for effect
  2. look for cause (must answer "why" about the effect)


  Sequence
  • steps in a process
  • chronology
  • events leading to a specific outcome
  1. look for introduction which sets purpose and lists steps to follow
  2. look for steps
  3. look for order of steps
    ____________
  4. look for steps in sequence
  5. separate background information from steps
  6. look for meaning of sequence








  Comparison
  / Contrast
  • always more than one topic
  • uses cues: "in the same way", "on the other hand", "although", "yet", "however", "even though"

 

  Problem
  Statement
  • lays out details of a problem
  1. look for the problem
  2. look for significant details