Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines

Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines

Patterns of written texts vary depending on the discipline and purpose of communication. In this article, we will explore some common patterns found in academic writing, including narration, description, definition, exemplification and classification, comparison and contrast.

Narration

Narration is the pattern used when telling a story or recounting events. This pattern can be seen in literature, history, and other fields where conveying a sequence of events is necessary. For example, a historian might use a narrative structure to describe the causes and effects of a historical event. Similarly, a fiction writer would use such a format to create a captivating plot.

Description

Description involves providing details about people, places, things, or situations. It can help readers visualize a scene or understand complex ideas. Descriptive writing can be found in many disciplines, from biology, where scientists may describe a new species, to psychology, where therapists may describe therapeutic techniques.

Definition

Defining terms is another important pattern in written texts. When introducing new concepts or discussing established ones, writers often need to define key terms precisely to ensure clarity. This pattern is especially useful in technical disciplines like economics, law, mathematics, computer science, and more, where precise definitions are crucial to understanding concepts accurately.

Exemplification and Classification

Exemplification and classification are related patterns involved in identifying examples within broader categories. Writers often classify objects, phenomena, or principles into distinct groups based on shared characteristics. Accompanying this process is giving specific examples to illustrate these points. These patterns are prevalent in subjects ranging from art criticism, where one might discuss specific paintings belonging to certain artistic movements, to sociology, where researchers might categorize different social structures.

Comparison and Contrast

Comparison and contrast involve analyzing similarities and differences between two or more subjects. By comparing aspects of multiple elements, scholars can reveal nuanced insights. This pattern is commonly found in political science, international relations, economics, and philosophy, among other disciplines. A philosopher might compare the views of Aristotle and Plato, while economists might contrast supply-side and demand-side economic policies.

In conclusion, understanding these patterns of written text allows us to analyze, engage with, and produce effective and insightful works. Each pattern provides unique ways of understanding information and communicating knowledge across various disciplines.