ENG 4U Vickman-Seet
Methods of Development and Examples
Methods of development are patterns of organization that writers use to
organize their ideas about a topic. Although a lot of writing you will come
across does not rely solely on one method of development, an understanding
of these patterns will help you organize your ideas and get you writing more
quickly.
Choosing a Method of Development
An understanding of different methods of development and when to use
them can save you valuable time in starting and organizing your essay.
Many, if not most, essays by professional writers will contain elements of
several types of development. A piece in the travel section of a newspaper
could include narration, description, compare and contrast, classification,
and illustration or example. A typical article on new cars in the auto section
will likely be developed using both a classification and compare and contrast
approach.
Take some time to decide what you want to say and then decide which
method of development will be the most effective in presenting your ideas.
You don't have to slavishly adhere to a single form of development. Think of
methods of development as writing tools to help you organize and focus your
writing. Following are some common methods of development with some
tips on how to organize and develop your essay.
Narration
A narrative paragraph or essay:
Tells a story
Explains how something happened
Generally, when writing a narrative paragraph you will usually relate events
in the order in which they occurred. Your topic sentence should identify the
situation or event and prepare the reader for a story. An effective narrative
is more than just a chronological run through of the things that happen to
you in a typical day. It should contain some element of drama and tension.
You can write an engaging narrative about topics like losing your wallet,
discovering that a friend has lied to you, or finding or getting fired from your
first job. Keep in mind that in a narrative essay your readers are not looking
for information; they are looking for some dramatic interest or conflict in
your story. They want to be entertained or emotionally engaged.
Most narratives are written from the first person (the "I") point of view as in
the following example.
Process (also called how to, time order, process
analysis)
A process paragraph or essay:
explains how to do something in a series of steps
explains how something works
Process writing need not be limited to concrete practical subjects such as
building a doghouse or installing drywall. A process paragraph or essay
might tell you how to plan a budget holiday, prepare for final exams, get a
deal on a used car, or revive a sputtering romance. Pick a subject you know
about and explain the process in logical steps.
Consider all the information your reader would need in order to follow your
instructions.
Avoid topics like how to tie your shoes or how to bake an apple pie which are
unlikely to excite a reader. If you work out regularly, you might write about
the steps to improved physical fitness. If you fish, you might offer advice on
how to prepare yourself for a fishing trip. Write about what you know, and
search for a unique slant on your topic.
Process essays that give instructions are most often written in the second
person.
Address the reader directly as you, but recall that there is an implied you in
imperative (command) sentences. For example in the sentence, "Remove
the lid.", the subject you is understood but not directly stated. Note how the
reader is addressed and how the steps are organized in the following process
paragraphs.
Classification
A classification paragraph or essay:
explains a subject by dividing into types or categories
Although we may not think about it much, we are constantly classifying
things by breaking them into types, groups or categories. By classifying
things, we better understand the distinct qualities of two subjects in the
same general group. If we are shopping for a new bicycle, we have probably
gone through a process of classification.
Do we want a road bike, a mountain bike, or a hybrid bike? By breaking
down the larger category of bikes into different types of bikes, we are better
able to understand the key features of different types of bikes and choose
the type that best suits our needs.
Begin your classification paragraph or essay by breaking down your subject
into at least three distinct groups or categories.
Examples: types of parenting styles could include strict, liberal, and
permissive; types of video games could include role-playing, simulation, and
shoot-em-up; types of dogs could include family pets, show dogs, and
working dogs. However you break down your topic you should identify the
basis for the classification. What are the qualities that distinguish each of
your categories?
If you are classifying drivers you might group them into reckless, sensible,
and overly cautious. Your basis for classification then would be how they
drive. You might point to some specific examples to illustrate some of their
driving behaviours and you might make the link between driving styles and
personality.
Note how the writer in "Tattoo You" has used classification to provide a
humorous picture of annoying clientele in her tattoo studio.
Division
A division paragraph or essay:
explains a subject by dividing it into its essential parts
Division is sometimes confused with classification, but it works a little
differently. For example, if you were classifying restaurants, you might
group them into fast food, ethnic, family, and gourmet. Approaching the
subject of restaurants with a view to developing your essay through division,
you would look at the qualities or the parts of a good restaurant such as
food, service and atmosphere.
In a division essay you identify and explain the essential qualities that make
up the whole. What are the qualities of the ideal city, job or friend? For
some, the characteristics of the ideal city might include a pleasant climate,
an attractive physical setting, and an active cultural scene, while for others
ideal characteristics might include an active night life, cheap rents, good
beaches, and a high numbers of single young people. Your ideal job might
directly use your education and skills, present constant new challenges, and
allow you to work independently. An ideal friend would be loyal, fun to be
with, and mentally stimulating. You can use the same approach for any
number of topics. Once you have defined the essential parts, you have the
basic structure of your essay laid out.
An essay about what makes a great action movie could be organized
effectively using a division model. Your introduction could point out that in
order for an action movie to be great, three elements�acting, screenplay,
and special effects�must be convincing and work well together. Each of
your body paragraphs would focus on one of these elements.
Comparison and Contrast
A comparison and contrast paragraph or essay:
explains how two subjects are similar or different
In our daily lives we constantly make comparisons. We compare breakfast
serials, TV shows, teachers, music, girlfriends and boyfriends, jobs, etc. In
fact we compare almost everything to something else. Then we make
choices about what we like or don't like and about what we want or definitely
don't want. We often don't give much thought as to how we are making
these comparisons, but usually there is an underlying logic.
By making comparisons carefully, we can make can make better choices.
For example, if we are looking for a new computer we will probably look at
several manufacturers and models and then make our decision. We may
compare on the basis of price, features, brand reputation, and service
quality. Once we have weighed all these points, we'll decide what model to
buy and where to buy it. We've all been through this process, but rarely
have we had to write about it. Writing out our thoughts not only helps us
better understand the reasons for making a decision, but can help others
make more informed choices.
A comparison and contrast composition is a formal way of organizing our
thoughts. It explains the differences and similarities between two subjects
and helps us evaluate subjects to understand their advantages and
disadvantages, or strengths and weaknesses.
If we're looking for an apartment, we compare and contrast the cost, size,
location, and condition of various apartments before we make a choice.
When you really think about it, most consumerism is one big exercise in
comparison and contrast. When purchasing a car, a toaster, a computer, or
even a bottle of shampoo, most people compare several makes, models, or
manufacturers.
To compare two subjects, you first have to decide what the basis of your
comparison is. When comparing two cars you are thinking about buying, you
might look at styling, dependability record, performance, standard features,
and comfort. When you have completed your comparison you can make a
more informed choice.
A good way to begin organizing a comparison and contrast paragraph is by
dividing your page into two columns and writing the name of your two points
of comparison at the top of each column. The Divide and List approach will
make it easier to decide upon the organization pattern that will work best for
your paragraph.
Suppose you want to compare the advantages and disadvantages of
commuting by bus rather than by car under the general title of
"Transportation Choices". Place a title at the top of the page and divide the
page into two columns, one for car and one for bus.
