Reading and Writing Q1M2
Reading and Writing Q1M2
Reading and Writing Q1M2
I. Introduction
After learning about the first four patterns of written text, you will now deal with
another four patterns which are comparison and contrast, cause and effect, problem-
solution, and persuasion.
III. Objectives
At the end of this learning activity sheet, you are expected to:
1. identify the different patterns of written texts;
2. give an example of any of the patterns of written text; and
3. compare the patterns of written texts discussed.
IV. Discussion
PATTERNS OF WRITTEN TEXTS
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Comparing and Contrasting Ideas in an Essay
Some selections use transition words to alert readers that the idea that follows is
either a comparison or contrast of the other. Some of those words are listed below.
Comparison: alike, as, as well, equally, in similar fashion, in a similar way, in like
manner, in the same way, just as, just like, likewise, resemble, same, similar,
similarity, similarly
Contrast: although, as opposed to, at the same time, by, by contrast, conversely,
despite, difference, different, different from, differently, even though, in contrast,
in spite of, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the one hand, on the other
hand, still
Aside from using a set of criteria and transition words, most comparison and contrast
essays are structured in the following manner.
Note that the similarities for a category are immediately contrasted in the next
paragraph.
In contrast, the block method enumerates all the similarities in one paragraph and
summarizes all the differences in the next.
You may also write a purely comparison or purely contrast essay following the
structures above. You just need to get your criteria right.
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Example:
Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating over
long distances used traditional means such as letters and the telephone. Nowadays
we have a vast array of communication tools which can complete this task, ranging
from email to instant messaging and video calls. While the present and previous means
of communication are similar in their general form, they differ in regard to their speed
and the range of tools available.
Cause tells us the origin of a phenomenon, disaster, or event, while the effect is the
outcome or consequence of an action. In writing cause and effect stories and essays,
the relationship between the cause and effect must be logical, meaning, the effect
should be a natural outcome of the cause. Furthermore, an essay may have a single
cause and multiple effects or multiple causes leading to a single effect.
To ensure the smooth flow of ideas within and among paragraphs, the following
transition words may be used.
accordingly, as a result, because of, consequently, due to, for that reason, hence, if
… then, leads to, on account of, results in, since, so therefore, thus
Example:
The main reasons behind the increase of women in the workplace are women's
liberation and feminism. The women's liberation movement originated in the 1960s and
was popularised by authors such as Simone de Beauvoir. As a consequence of this,
new legislation emerged, granting women equal rights to men in many fields, in
particular employment. Because of feminist ideas, men have taken up roles which were
previously seen as being for women only, most importantly those related to child
rearing. As a result of this, women have more time to pursue their own careers and
interests.
C. Problem-Solution
In contrast, the solution refers to the measures or steps that will be taken to solve
the issue. It should be feasible, affordable, and implementable. Going back to the
example, to determine the person/s liable for the death of the 44 policemen, an
independent truth commission composed of representatives form the private sector
and international community may be formed to investigate the case. Furthermore,
measures must be taken to prevent a similar casualty from occurring.
To identify the problem, there should be proper accounting of the facts and history
of the event. This will also ensure that the proposed solution responds to the problem.
Remember, too, that the solution must be feasible, meaning it is implementable.
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Example:
Changes by individuals to their diet and their physical activity can increase life
expectancy. There is a reliance today on the consumption of processed foods, which
have a high fat and sugar content. By preparing their own foods, and consuming more
fruit and vegetables, people could ensure that their diets are healthier and more
balanced, which could lead to a reduction in obesity levels. In order to improve fitness
levels, people could choose to walk or cycle to work or to the shops rather than taking
the car. They could also choose to walk up stairs instead of taking the lift. These simple
changes could lead to a significant improvement in fitness levels.
D. Persuasion
What do you find most striking in a shampoo commercial? Some of you may say the
visual effects of the product, the endorser, the testimony of an expert, and so on.
Notice that you might be using a specific brand, but after watching another brand’s
commercial, you feel like switching to the product. The ability of the commercial to
appeal to the emotions without arguing is known as persuasion.
Although supporting ideas and pieces of evidence are necessary to persuade others
to take the cause, you still need to stir their emotions – make them feel that they are
part of the concern and their participation is necessary to implement change, just
like what Martin Luther King Jr. did. He rallied the black people to dream of equality
by creating a vision that this dream is at hand. He also did not forget to use the
following transition words in developing his essay.
Example:
There is no doubt that current human activities such as the creation of nuclear
weapons, pollution, and destruction of wildlife, are harmful to the earth. It is important
for us to see not only the short-term effects of our actions, but their long-term effects as
well. Otherwise, human activities will be just another step towards destruction.
V. Activities
A. True or False?
Directions: Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement is correct, and
FALSE if otherwise. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Venn diagram is used to show the similarities and differences between or among
ideas. There is an intersecting portion of circles in this diagram wherein the
similarities between or among ideas are shown.
2. Aside from using set of criteria, comparison and contrast essays also use transition
words that signal the readers that the idea that follows is either a comparison or
contrast of the other.
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3. In point-by-point method all similarities are enumerated in one paragraph and all
differences are summarized in the next.
4. Cause and effect stories or essays should clearly present a logical relationship
between the cause and effect.
5. Equally, resemble, in like manner, and in similar fashion are some of the
words/phrases used to state differences.
6. In writing cause and effect essays, the writer should remember that a single cause
can only have a single effect.
7. To identify a problem in writing a problem-solution essay, there should be proper
accounting of facts and history of the event.
8. A solution is a concern brought about by an event or a consequence of a decision or
action.
9. In persuading others, you must make them feel that they are part of the concern and
their participation is necessary to implement change.
10. Some believe, some may say, admittedly, and certainly are some of the words/phrases
used in persuading others.
1. To reduce the volume of vehicles on the road, the government implemented the odd-
even scheme, however it did little to ease the traffic. There seems to be just too many
cars and public transportation, so the city government of Manila thought of different
tactic: Ban eight wheelers and vehicles with a gross weight of more than, 4,500 kilos
from plying the streets between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
2. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of
Now. This is not time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing
drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real promises of democracy. Now is the
time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial
justice. Now is the time to life our nation from the quicksand of racial justice to the
solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s
children.
3. Although Yolanda might be the strongest typhoon in terms of wind velocity when
compared to its counterparts in the Atlantic and West Pacific Ocean, three super
typhoons at Signal No. 4 have stronger wind intensity compared to Yolanda.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) records
show that these are Rosing in 1995 with 255 kph, Loleng in 1998 with 250 kph, and
Iliang in 1998 with 240 kph. Signal No. 4 was only used in 1991. Since then, 15
typhoons including Yolanda were put under such category.
4. Health experts disclosed that drinkers who become dependent on alcohol sometimes
become emotionally unstable. If they choose to stop abruptly, however, they may
experience nausea, anxiety, nervousness, and tremors.
5. Fifty years ago, the tools available for communicating over long distances were
primarily the telephone and the letter. By comparison, there are a vast array of
communication methods available today. These include not only the telephone, letter,
email, and text messages already mentioned, but also video conferences via software
such as Skype or mobile phone apps such as WeChat, and social media such as
Facebook and Twitter.
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C. Show me what you’ve got!
Directions: Choose one from the patterns of written texts discussed and write your own
example of it. Your example should have 3-5 sentences. Use a separate sheet of paper for
your answer.
VI. Assessment
Directions: In 10-15 sentences, compare the four patterns of written texts discussed.
Explain how they are similar or different from each other. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper and be guided with the rubric below.
VII. Reflection
Directions: Reflect on the learning that you gained after taking up this lesson by
answering the questions below. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.
What were your thoughts or ideas about the topic before taking up a lesson on
patterns of written texts across disciplines?
I thought ….
What are the new or additional ideas have you had after taking up this lesson?
I learned that …
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VIII. References
Majul, Mary Ann. (2016). en[g]counters, Reading and Writing in the Contemporary
World. Quezon City. St. Bernadette Publishing House Corporation.
EAP Foundation.Com. (n.d.). Compare and Contrast Essays.
https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/candc/
EAP Foundation.Com. (n.d.). Cause and Effect Essays.
https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/cande/
EAP Foundation.Com. (n.d.). Problem-Solution Essays.
https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/problemsolution/
EAP Foundation.Com. (n.d.). Persuasion Essays.
https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/persuasion/
Excelsior Online Reading Lab. (n.d.). Writing Patterns.
https://owl.excelsior.edu/orc/what-to-do-after-reading/analyzing/writing-
patterns/
Prepared by:
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A. True or False
1. True B. Guess the Pattern
2. True
3. False 1. Problem-Solution
4. True 2. Persuasion
5. False 3. Compare and Contrast
6. False 4. Cause and Effect
7. True 5. Compare and Contrast
8. False
9. True
10. True
C. Show me what you’ve got! VII. Assessment
(Answers may vary.) (Answers may vary.)
IX. Key to Correction