One of the many choices you have to make in the writing
process is how to arrange your material.  All writers begin with an
idea and then work to translate their thoughts about a subject into
a clear and easily read essay.  This is made relatively easy when
your assignment specifies a particular pattern of development.
     Probing your subject by asking a series of questions can often
help you to order your ideas by suggesting an effective arrangement
for your essay.
     Even if your assignment does not specify a particular pattern of
development, asking the questions below can still help you to develop
an arrangement for your essay.



PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT


Narration.......    What happened?
                    When did it happen?
                    Where did it happen?



Description.....    What does it look like?
                    What are its characteristics?



Exemplification..   What are some typical cases or examples of it?



Process..........   How did it happen?
                    What makes it work?
                    How is it made?



Cause and Effect..  Why did it happen?
                    What caused it?
                    What does it cause?
                    What are its effects?
                    How is it related to something else?



Comparison and 
Contrast..........  How is it like other things?
                    How is it different from other things?


Classification and 
Division..........  What are its parts or types?
                    How can its parts or types be separated or
                    grouped?
                    Do its parts or types fit into a logical order?
                    Into what categories can its parts or types be
                    arranged?



Definition........  What is it?
                    How does it resemble other members of its
                    class?  
                    How does it differ from other members        
                    of its class?
                    What are its limits?



Persuasion........  What is the issue?
                    What is your position or opinion?
                    What is the opposing position/opinion?
                    What are some reasons for your
                    position/opinion?
                    What are some cases or examples that support
                    this?