Exploring Writing Patterns

Patterns of Development in Writing

• Writing patterns are ways to organize and present ideas effectively.
• They help structure thoughts logically for the reader.
• There are 10 writing patterns that serve specific purposes.
• Recognizing writing patterns enhances clarity and impact.
• Mastering these patterns strengthens communication skills.

Ten Writing Patterns

• Narration: Telling a story in chronological order.
• Description: Using sensory details to create a vivid picture.
• Definition: Explaining the meaning of a concept.
• Exemplification: Providing specific examples to illustrate an idea.
• Comparison and Contrast: Showing similarities and differences between two subjects.
• Cause and Effect: Explaining why something happens and its consequences.
• Process Analysis: Explaining how something works step-by-step.
• Division and Classification: Breaking down a topic into smaller categories.
• Problem-Solution: Presenting an issue and suggesting solutions.
• Persuasion: Convincing someone to agree with a point of view.

Using Writing Patterns

• Select a relevant writing pattern before starting to write.
• Use transition words to connect ideas.
• Combine multiple patterns in a single piece of writing.

Four Key Qualities of Good Writing

• Organization: Structuring writing logically.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Ensuring smooth flow and clear connections.
• Language Use: Employing precise and appropriate language.
• Mechanics: Following the rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Organization

• Begin with a strong topic sentence for each paragraph.
• Focus on one main idea per paragraph.
• Use transition words to guide the reader.

Coherence & Cohesion

• Ideas presented need to connect logically.
• Paragraphs need to link to one another.
• Thoughts need to remain focused on the topic.
• Use cohesive devices like "also," "however," "because," and "for instance."

Language Use

• Use clear, simple word choices.
• Avoid slang and informal language.
• Match language to the audience.

Mechanics

• Fix run-on sentences with punctuation or linking words.
• Correctly use commas, periods, and semicolons.
• Proofread for spelling errors.

Critical Reading and Reasoning

• Critical reading goes beyond the surface of a text.
• It requires questioning assumptions and forming opinions.
• Ask "why," "what's the deeper meaning," and "is there another way to see this?"

Three Steps to Critical Reading

• Identify what a text says: Restate the facts.
• Determine what a text does: Understand the author's purpose.
• Interpret what a text means: Uncover the deeper message.

Thinking Critically

• Check the title for clues about the main idea.
• Identify the purpose of the text.
• Look for arguments and supporting evidence.
• Make connections to personal experiences.
• Evaluate the logic and emotional tone.

Reasoning

• Forming opinions based on facts, logic, and experience.
• Improve reasoning by reading widely.
• Focus on the main idea and weigh both sides or arguments.
• Organize thoughts clearly and spot weak points.

Evaluating Text Reliability

• Check if the content is complete and clear.
• Determine if it demonstrates objectivity and shows both sides.
• Assess if it seems important and relevant.

Claims

• Identifying claims involves spotting opinions and statements presented as facts.
• A claim is a statement that the speaker wants the audience to accept.
• Claims can be facts, opinions, or calls to action.
• Claims are backed by evidence or personal beliefs.

Types of Claims

• Claim of Fact: States something that is either true or false, based on evidence.
• Claim of Value: Expresses a personal judgment about what is good or bad.
• Claim of Policy: Suggests a course of action.

Explicit vs. Implicit Claims

• Explicit claims are stated directly, while implicit claims are suggested.

Analyzing Claims

• Analyzing claims helps to think critically.
• Analyzing claims helps to make better decisions.
• Analyzing claims helps to argue well.

Denotation vs. Connotation

• Denotation is the dictionary meaning of a word.
• Connotation is the extra meaning based on culture, experience, and emotions.
• Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral.

Effects of Denotation vs. Connotation

• Awareness of denotation helps with reading comprehension.
• Awareness of denotation helps with impactful writing.
• Awareness of denotation helps you to avoid misunderstandings.

Intertextuality

• Intertextuality is about how texts connect and interact.
• Intertextuality is when one text borrows from another.
• This borrowing can be direct or indirect.

Hypertext

• Hypertext is a non-linear way of reading using links.
• These links allow you to jump from one section to another in the text.

Intertext vs Hypertext

• Intertextuality is about ideas.
• Hypertext is about navigation.

Recognizing Intertextuality Helps

• Better reading skills by helping you catch deeper meanings.
• Smarter research by exploring information quickly through hyperlinks.
• Helps to create richer content.