Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION V-BICOL
SCHOOL DIVISION OF MASBATE
MASBATE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
CITY OF MASBATE

READING AND WRITING SKILLS

Quarter 1 – Module 1
Patterns of Written Texts Across
Disciplines
 Aiming at the Target

This module will help you understand the different patterns of

developing a paragraph across disciplines.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. compare and contrast patterns of written text across disciplines
such as narration, description, definition, exemplification /
classification, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, problem –
solution and persuasion;
2. determine the transitional devices specifically used in every pattern
of written text;
3. write own example of paragraph using different patterns of
development in writing.

Trying the Challenge

Study the pictures below and identify the concept depicted by each.
Arrange the letters from the boxes to form a word that is identified by
the pictures. Write your answer s on your answer sheet.
Lesson 1
Comparing and Contrasting
Patterns of Written Texts Across
Discipline
In your everyday conversation with your family members and
circle of friends, you are using different patterns in order to convey
your thoughts, feelings and ideas. You use a specific pattern when
telling about a particular experience, when describing your favorite
pet, when instructing a friend how to shop online and even when you
reason out if asked why pursuing senior high school is important.
However, since speaking, reading and writing are three different
macro skills, you might find it troublesome identifying the pattern of
the given text across disciplines. But you don’t have to worry, in this
module you will be learning the signal words or transitional devices
used in different patterns of developing a paragraph. This will help
you in conveying your ideas properly and in understanding better the
message of the text.

Connecting to the Past

Match the topic in column A with the appropriate graphic organizer in

column B. Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
A B
1. Quality of education in public and private a. Fishbone
schools b. Venn Diagram
2. Malnutrition: Its cause and effect c. Persuasion map
3. The increasing number of COVID - 19 patients
in the country d. Series of events
4. Tips for living healthy life chain
5. The struggle of Dr. Cruz when he got infected e. Semantic map
with COVID 19 until he got healed f. Problem solution
6. Traditional and modern courtship chart
7. The different branches of science g. Network tree
8. What is cybercrime?
9. The University of Antique hierarchy
10. Why should we support the “Bayanihan to
Heal as One Act” of the government?
 Gearing Up to Start

Read and understand carefully the selection below then answer the
questions that follow. Write your answers o n your answer sheet .
Nogas island is one of the popular islands in the southern part of
Antique, specifically in Barangay Nato, Anini - y. It is 4.8 kilometers
away from the shoreline of Anini- y town proper. The island is
accessible to sailboat or motorboat with a minimum of 20 minutes
sailing [Link] island sits in solitude facing the adjacent Sulu Sea. It is
surrounded by white course sand and sun - bleached corals. The coral
reef shelte red and nurtured the fishes and mollusks of different kinds.
It’s perfect for snorkeling activity. Indeed, it’s a home of a very rich
marine biodiversity. Another attraction in the place is the welcoming
ambience of the plumeria (calachuchi) trees that st and in array. Others
call it a tunnel of calachuci that leads the tourist to the centrepiece of
the island where a 100 feet- tall modern lighthouse is found.
It was in year 2000 that I first visited the place. I was 15 years old
then and a fourth - year high school student attending the Eco -T
raining in the island. The first time I stepped on its glittering white sand,
I was enthralled by the magnificence of the place. Everything around is
flawless. The whole day activity of trekking and snorkeling made my
exp erience [Link] you are from Iloilo and wish to visit the place,
first proceed to Molo Bus Terminal. Then catch a trip of either bus or van
bound to Anini - y. Finally, instruct the driver to drop you at Sira - an
Hot Spring, Brgy. Nato, Anini- y, where you can rent a boat in going to
the island.

Questions:
1. How is paragraph 1 and 2 developed?
2. What signal word is present in the 5 th sentence of paragraph 2?
3. What are the patterns of development found in paragraph 3 and 4?
4. What signal words are present in paragraph 4?
5. Can you give other patterns of developing a paragraph aside from
the ones mentioned?
 Hitting the Target

Pattern of development in writing refers to the technique that the

writers use in developing ideas that are logically arrange d . There are
transitional devices used in every pattern which will help you
determine the difference of one pattern from another.

Here are the different patterns of developing a paragraph

Signal Words for Description
above around between opposite to
across away from beyond outside
adjacent to back of farther throughout
against behind here to the right
along below in front of under
amidst beneath on top of over

1. DESCRIPTION - This pattern of development clearly illustrate s the

appearance and characteristics of a specific object, person, or location
through using sensory images, symbolism and some figures of speech.
Example
Diclum National High School is one among th e six secondary schools
in the M unicipality of Tobias Fornier, Division of Antique. It is
approximately 35 kilometers away from the capital town of San Jose
de Buenavista where the Department of Education Division Office is
situated and 110 kilometers away from Iloilo City where DepEd
Regional Office VI is fo und. It is situated in a slightly elevated area
that lies along the coast side of the southern part of Antique facing the
Cuyo East pass.
2. DEFINITION - This explains not just what something means or is,
but also what something does, what something is used for, what
something looks like, etc.
Signal Words for Definition
as defined as means as defined to define
refers to to illustrate

Example
Suicide is defined as the intentional killing of oneself and by one’s
authority. Suicide is immoral beca use it contradicts natural law.
Life is sacred, a gift from God. For the average Filipino, life is simply
“Hiram sa Maykapal” and to destroy it is the height of ingratitude, a
sort of weakness to face the challenge of survival. - Prototype Lesson
Plan in English IV, 2003
3. CHRONOLOGY - It is a pattern that organizes ideas or events
according to the time it happened. Chronology comes in two forms
such as narration and process.
a. Narration – It is the basic pattern of development used to describe
how, when, and where an event actually happened. It is used to tell a
story or focus on a set of related events.
Signal Words for Narration
at this/that point meanwhile as soon as
later immediately in the meantime
yesterday tomorrow when

Example
When I arrived at my grandmother’s house. I noticed a blue van
parked in front of the house. I rang the doorbell, but there was no
answer. I rang three to four times, again there was no answer. Just as
I was about to leave, I heard a clanking noise inside. Again, I rang the
bell and waited, still I got no answer. I walked around the back of the
house and saw the rear door wide open. As I approached, three men
dashed out of the door, carrying bulging bags, portable T.V. and a
computer set. I froze in my tra cks. Then, the three men ran right by
me and out to the blue van. I ran after them, only to see the van
pulling away. I did however, get the license plate number and
call the police. - (Prototype Lesson Plan in English IV, 2003)

b. Process – This arranges details or information based on steps or

stages.
Signal Words for Process
before after about
first finally presently
w hen till eventually
during prior immediatel
then next

Example
You can cook a mouth -w atering homemade sandwich pizza if
you follow these five easy steps. First, slice the following ingredients
such as cheese, tomato, bell pepper and white onion. Then, spread
tomato paste on the top layer of sliced bread. Next, layer slices of
tomato, bell pepper and white onions. Top it with sliced cheese.
Finally, toast the sandwich for 3 - 5 minutes until it turns to golden
brown. Now your pizza is ready to be served.
4. CLASSIFICATION AND DIVISIONS – This is a pattern that use s
criteria or standards in organizing ideas into divisions, c lasses or
categories .
Signal Words for Classification and Division
another final type The last group
another kind one kind the next part
classified as the first category

Example
A normal adult usually has thirty - two teeth. These are
classified into four kinds – the incisors, the canines, the premolars
and the molars. The incisors are the four teeth in front both in the
upper and lower set. These are followed by the pair of canine s. An
adult has two upper canines and two lower canines. Next are the two
premolars on each side for a total of four upper premolars and four
lower premolars. The last three teeth on each side are called the
molars. These four kinds of teeth make up an adu lt’s thirty-two teeth.
(Alcober, E. et. al.(2000). English Arts I. SEDIP. JTW [Link])

5. EXEMPLIFICATION – It is a pattern that provides concrete or

authentic examples and illustrations in order to further clarify or
explain the concept or main idea of the text .
Signal Words for Exemplification
after all as an in particular,
for instance , example specifically
namely to clarify for example
that is in other words stated differently
in short put another way consider the following
to illustrate to be specific

Example
Laws are designed to make certain that people’s rights are
protected and that people respect each other’s right. Sometimes,
however, laws are passed which are specific to a time or situation.
That is, they are connected with a particular problem that has come
up in a society at a particular time. For example, a town in Indiana
once passed a law making it illegal to shoot open a can of food. -
Seuling B. (2003), Strange Laws, Prototype Lesson Plan in English IV

6. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST – This is a pattern that organizes

ideas through citing the similarities and differences of people, things,
and events being discussed . It can be done separately describing only
one item first followed by the second item and side - by- side
discussing both items based on each point of comparison.
 Signal Words for Comparing
also as both
equally like in comparison
in the same way to compare likewise
in a similar fashion similarly

Signal Words for Contrasting

but conversely as opposed to
yet in spite of on the other hand
still counter to nevertheless
even in contrast the fact remains
unlike nonetheless on the contrary
though although in the meantime
however despite and yet
whereas otherwise even so
instead

Example
Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio are regarded as two of the
greatest heroes in the history of our country. Both of them are brave
and patriotic. They also have significant contribution in attaining
freedom from the hands of the Spanish colonizers. Also, the two of
them sacrificed their lives for the welfare of the Filipino people.
However, they have different ways of fighting against the Spaniards.
Rizal, the propagandist used his pen while Bonifacio, the revolutionist
used his bolo. Bonifacio, known as the “Father of the Philippine
Revolution” preferred an armed or bloody revolution, while Rizal
known as “Philippine National Hero” preferred a bloodless one. He
used the power of words through his writing in order to criticize and
condemn the Spanish coloniali sm and to encourage his fellow
Filipinos to fight for their right. This heightens the anger of the
Spaniards. The fact remains that “pen is mightier than sword.”

7. CAUSE AND EFFECT – It is a pattern that explains why something

happens and the results produced by a part icular event or
phenomenon.
Signal Words for Cause
as seeing that because (of the fact)
for inasmuch as for the reason that
since in that one reason due to (the fact that
being that
 Signal Words for Effect
hence as a result (of this) consequently
so accordingly in consequence
thus because (of this) as a consequence
so that for this reason so much (so that)
therefore

Example
A s of July, 2020, more than 500 thousand people died all over
the world from the Corona Virus Disease 2019. In the Philippines,
before July ended about 94 thousand people got infected with this life
threatening disease. The most affected regions are National Capital
Region (NCR) and Region VII or Central Visayas specifically in Cebu
City. This COVID 19 caused sore throat, cough, difficulty in breathing
and fever. Symptoms are closely related to pneumonia. People who are
more susceptible to this disease are senior citizen z and children. The
said corona virus allegedly came from the snakes and rats in the wet
market of Wuhan, China. Lack of vaccine, late implementation of
quarantine measures and insufficient medical facilities and supplies
account for the continuous spread of this global epidemic.

8. PROBLEM -S OLUTION – This is a pattern that gives focus on

discussing
either a problem or a solution to a particular situation.
Signal Words for Problem Solution
but the problem the problem nonetheless
one solution is the solution one reason for the
one way is

Example
Being a transferee to school is exciting, but the problem is, you
will be having a lot of adjustments in the very beginning. So, let u s
figure out things to make these students feel welcome. Transferee
students need to fit in with the new classmates, teachers and new
environment with new set of rules. These thoughts can make them
feel uncomfortable, shy and inferior among others. One way to make
them feel at home and comfortable with us is to make friend s with
them. Let us do t he first move. Since we are old students , consider
ourselves like hosts welcoming a new member of the group. Let us
introduce ourselves to them, sit with them and start a friendly
conversation asking his/her name and begin sharing stories about
ourselves and our school. Let us remember that a friendly school has
friendly learners , too.

9. PERSUASION – It is a pattern that persuades the readers to agree

to an argument or claim about a particular issue through presenting a
set of evidence leading to a reasonable conclusion.
 Signal Words for Emphasizing a Point
again in fact in that case
truly to repeat to emphasize
indeed for this reason with this in mind

Signal Words for Concluding and Summarizing

accordingly as a result finally
inevitably all in all in short since
in a nutshell due to thus
therefore in conclusion to sum up
in essence on the whole in summary
in any event as I have said consequently

Signal words for Conceding a Point

admittedly true granted
it is true that assuredly of course
obviously needless to say doubt to be sure
certainly no undoubtedly unquestionably

Example
August 2019 was the time when the Department of Education
expressed its support to no -homework policy proposed by legislators
from the House of Representatives. This created clash of opinions
among members of the academe, parents and students. Yes, it is true
that students need to strengthen their bonding moment with their
family during weekend, but let us not forget the importance of giving
homework i n order to improve the study habits of the students.
Homework gives students a chance to have independent practice of
the learning acquired in school. In fact, this too, can be a very good
bonding moment of the family if other members willingly take
part i n doing the assigned task. Certainly, students who do their
homework also make good grades. Therefore, there is nothing wrong
with giving assignment s to students during weekend s , because it is
still a best practice in order to follow up student’s learning at home.
10. LISTING – This is a pattern that o rganizes ideas using
enumeration without requiring items to be in sequence because it
does not observe the element of time.
Signal Words for Listing
also as well likewise
again another moreover
additionally and then next
along with further furthermore
in the same way equally important
Example
Dogs are known as man’s best friend for three good reasons.
First, dogs guard their master’s house against strangers and thieves .
They give a signal through consistent barking every time there are
unfamiliar visitors coming. Second, dogs are the most preferred pet of
many because they are so sweet and cuddly. Moreover, since dogs are
friendly and caring , they are the constant companion of man in most
o f his outdoor activities.

Strengthening the Gap

Identify the pattern of development that best fits the following thesis
statement. Write your answer o n your answer sheet.

1. Although cellular phones have many similar features they too have
significant differences.
2. E - commercial platforms have many great shops, sellers are very
accommodating and products are authentic and of excellent quality.
3. There are many reasons why opening of classes was pursued by the
Department of Education despite the pandemic.
4. Eating junk foods and frozen foods may lead to various side effects.
5. Sex exploitation among minors is a social issue that needs urgent
attention.

Wrapping Up to Go
In order to better understand the meaning of the text read, it is
important to know first the pattern or style used in developing it.
These patterns of development such as narration, description,
definition, exemplification, classification, comparison and contrast,
cause and effect, problem – solution and persuasion give us a glimpse
as to how ideas are connected from the introductory sentence up to
the concluding [Link] of these patterns can help us in
interacting properly with the text and in inferring the author’s purpose
in writing. Expressing our thoughts, ideas and emotions also becomes
easy with the help of these patterns. Moreover, it is important to note
the different signal words used in every pattern because this further
clarifies the message of the text. Indeed, these patterns give us a
sense of direction so we can write productively.
Writing is fun if we know what to write, how to write and the patterns
of writing it.

Relating to Real Life

Identify the pattern used in the given paragraph below. Choose your
answers inside the box. Write the letter of your choice on your answer
sheet .
A. chronology (n arration) F. exemplification
B. description G. comparison and contrast
C. definition H. Listing
D. cause and effect I. persuasion
E. problem - solution J. chronology (process/time
order )

1. When the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve and December
passes into January, we say farewell to the year just gone and we hail
the New Year ahead. Our grandparents told us to create noise so we
can drive away the bad luck and misfortune of the incoming year and
instead welcome the year with joy and happiness. They also told us to
fill our pockets with money preferably coins, so we will be prosperous
for the rest of the year. It’s fun, but as children what excites us most
is the sumptuous “media noche” waiting to be devoured by us at the
table.
2. The knowledge of English language is quite important. First, it is
very useful in education since the medium used in most subjects is
English. It helps us in reading and understanding books and articles.
Second, English language is important in travelling. It is used in
airports in discussing about passport affairs and even when
conversing with people of different race. Third, it is good for computer
and technology since, software and websites are in English. In short,
English language is very useful for education, travelling, and in the
field of ICT.
3. When people continue to pollute the seas and engage in illegal form
of fishing through using dynamite, the habitats of the fishes are
destroyed. This will reduce the number of fishes that can be produced.
As a result ,fish population begins to decline and fishermen will have
a hard time getting a good catch .
4. In order to get good grades, you must follow these simple steps.
First, you should develop a good study habits by making sure that
you read your books or you review your notes an hour or two every
night. Also, you must pay attention to the teacher, take do wn notes,
participate in the discussion and do the tasks assigned. Finally, you
should review rigidly during examinations.
5. Abortion refers to the intentional expulsion of fetus which cannot
survive by itself outside the womb of a mother.
(Prototype Lesson Plan in English IV, 2003)
6. Undoubtedly every Filipino in the world today is a little taller and a
little prouder. No longer a butt of jokes and the object of pity and
derision. In fact, Filipinos can now take place in the council of nations
because they are one of the few races who have done the impossible.
They have won a revolution, now popularly called as People Power.
People all over the world then saw the unbelievable.
Needless to say, Filipinos have regained not only their liberty, but
pride, not only freedom but dignity, not only honor but the respect of
other men as well. -Adapted from Proud to be Pinoy of the Prototype Lesson
Plan in English
IV, 2003
7. Though my Granny’s hands are rich in cracks, webbed with veins
and wrinkled by years, I still love to touch it and pressed it tightly
against mine. When everybody gives me a piercing look and judging
frown, she is always around to comfort me. Her eyes that speak
compassion and her lips that curve a sweet smile lighten my heavy
heart. She is n ow in her twilight years but behind her small crumpled
face, the exquisite beauty she once had in her youth days can still be
mirrored.
8. Teenage pregnancy is one of the most pressing problems faced by
the school and the community nowadays. The percentage of teenagers
getting pregnant keeps on increasing every year. One reason for this,
is the influence of social media. Irresponsible use of these different
social media platforms can indeed pollute the young minds of the
youth. So, one way to solve this problem is education and proper
guidance to these teenagers. It is really good to monitor their activities
most of the time. Another solution could be, constant reminders to
them that bearing a child in an early age can pose health risks and
can impede the realization
of their dreams.
9. Consider the following benefits and ease brought by mobile banking.
For example, having a mobile banking application in your phone
inquiring about your account balance s becomes easy. Another
example, if you w ant to send money to your family or friends, you
don ’t have to visit any remittance centres , instead you can do bank
transfer in just a blink of an eye. Paying bills also becomes more
convenient -just click pay via QR. In short, mobile banking makes our
life comfortable.
[Link] of the interrelation between competition and
cooperation has evolved over the time. Early research into competition
and cooperation defined each of them in terms of the distribution of
rewards related to each. Competition was defined as a situation in
which rewards are distributed unequally on the basis of performance,
cooperation on the other hand was defined as a situation in which
rewards are distributed equally on the basis of mutual interactive
behaviour among [Link] this definition, a competitive
situation requires at least one competitor to fail for each competitor
that wins, while a cooperative situation offers a reward only if all
members of the group can receive it. – English for Academic and
Professional Purposes Reader

Checking the Target

A. Determine the pattern that use s the following signal words. Choose
from the list inside the box. Write your answers on your answer sheet.
definition persuasion exemplification
classification and division problem - solution

1. for instance
2. refers to
3. one kind
4. no doubt
5. one way is

B. Identify the correct pattern of development that best fits the given
topics below. Choose from the list inside the box. Write your answer
on your answer sheet.
comparison and contrast listing persuasion
Description chronology

1. Your ideal friend

2. Setting up a GCash account
3. How to improve your listening skills
4. Should learners bring phones in school?
5. Performance of newly hired and seasoned teachers
 Enriching the Skill

Write one paragraph for each of the following patterns of development.

Choose from the list of topics given. Write your paragraph on your
answer sheet.

Patterns of Development Topics

Making salted eggs
1. Chronological/ Procedural Setting up Facebook account
Making homemade pizza

2. Descriptive pattern Your dream house

Your favorite teacher
Local tourist spot

3. Cause and effect Over indulgence to social media

Causes of teenage pregnancy
Effects of overeating

4. Persuasion Should LGBT be accepted in the

community?
Should we legalize divorce?
Should the Anti -terrorism bill be
approved?

[Link] - solution Traffic jam in Metro Manila

Flooding in the cities
Forest denudation