Writing Patterns
Common Writing Patterns
Type Description Signal Words
Definition Explain the meaning of a is, refers to, means, is defined as, is
word or phrase called, is characterized by, entails
Classification Divide a topic into parts classified as, comprises, is comprised
based on specific of, consists of, elements, kinds, types,
characteristics stages, groups
Generalization and Provide a general for example, for instance, to illustrate,
Example statement followed by such as
specific examples to prove
the statement
Cause and Effect Show how things are causes, effects, is caused by, is
related by explaining how produced by, is the result of, results
one thing causes another from, because, consequently, as a
result
Comparison/Contrast Compare and contrast two Similarity: like, similarly, likewise,
or more things to show resembles, same, in comparison, in the
how they are similar and/or same way, both, share
different
Difference: unlike, in contrast,
differently, however, despite, whereas,
on the other hand, on the contrary,
differs from, rather than
List Present lists of information also, in addition, another, additionally,
furthermore, moreover, next, finally,
first, second, third, etc.
Sequence Describe a process, series first, second, before, after, next, then,
of events, spatial order, or last, finally, steps, phases, stages,
order of importance dates, times, numbers, letters
Summary Provide a condensed review in summary, in brief, in conclusion, in
of a topic or text short, to sum up, to summarize
The contents of this web page were developed under grant #P116F150077 from the U.S. Department of Education.
However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you
should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Definition Classification
Definition Major Category
(main idea) (main idea)
example or information first subdivision
example or information second subdivision
etc. etc.
Generalization &
Example
Cause & Effect
General Statement Effect
(main idea) (main idea)
first example first cause
second example second cause
etc. etc.
The contents of this web page were developed under grant #P116F150077 from the U.S. Department of Education.
However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you
should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Comparison/
Contrast List
Items to Compare List Topic
(main idea) (main idea)
first similarity or
difference
first item
second similarity or
difference
second item
etc. etc.
Sequence Summary
Process or Event Conclusion
(main idea) (main idea)
step one first key point
step two second key point
etc. etc.
The contents of this web page were developed under grant #P116F150077 from the U.S. Department of Education.
However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you
should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
