Patterns of Development in Writing Across Disciplines

Patterns of development in texts across disciplines refer to the various strategies and structures authors use to organize and present their ideas effectively. These patterns can vary significantly depending on the field, yet several common approaches broadly identified. This article explores these patterns, their descriptions, and the disciplines in which they are commonly found.

1. Chronological Order

Description: Events or ideas are presented in the order they occurred.

Disciplines: History, biography, and narrative writing are common places where this structure is used. For example, a historian might document historical events according to the timeline they happened to provide context and chronological flow to the narrative.

2. Cause and Effect

Description: Discusses the reasons something happened (cause) and the results that followed (effect).

Disciplines: This pattern is frequently used in scientific writing, social sciences, and policy analysis. For instance, a social scientist might analyze the impact of financial deregulation (cause) on the banking crisis (effect) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

3. Comparison and Contrast

Description: Examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects.

Disciplines: Literature, philosophy, and comparative studies in various fields utilize this pattern. A literary critic, for example, might compare the themes of Hamlet and Macbeth to highlight their similarities and differences in the portrayal of conflict and revenge.

4. Problem and Solution

Description: Identifies a problem and proposes one or more solutions.

Disciplines: This type of pattern is often found in business reports, policy papers, and technical writing. A business analyst might diagnose problems in customer service and propose solutions such as training programs or process improvements to enhance customer satisfaction.

5. Classification and Division

Description: Organizes information into categories or breaks down a whole into its parts.

Disciplines: This pattern is used in scientific classifications, literature analysis, and organizational studies. For example, a biologist might classify different species of plants based on their characteristics, or a literary critic might analyze a poem by breaking it down into its individual stanzas and lines.

6. Definition

Description: Explains a concept or term by providing its meaning and context.

Disciplines: Common in academic writing, technical manuals, and legal documents. A legal document might define terms such as "precedent" or "habeas corpus" to ensure clarity for the reader.

7. Narrative

Description: Tells a story or describes a sequence of events.

Disciplines: This structure is widely used in literature, journalism, and personal essays. A journalist might write a story about a political event, weaving together different perspectives and details to create a vivid narrative.

8. Descriptive

Description: Provides detailed observations about a subject to create a vivid picture.

Disciplines: This pattern is common in creative writing, art critiques, and sensory analysis in scientific reports. An art critic might describe a painting in great detail, using vivid language to convey the emotions and techniques used by the artist.

9. Argumentation

Description: Presents a claim and supports it with evidence and reasoning.

Disciplines: Argumentation is predominant in law, philosophy, and persuasive writing across various fields. A lawyer might present a case by arguing a client's innocence and supporting it with evidence and logical reasoning.

10. Exemplification

Description: Uses specific examples to illustrate a broader point or idea.

Disciplines: This pattern is often found in academic writing, journalism, and instructional materials. For example, an author might use case studies to illustrate the effectiveness of a new policy in different regions.

Conclusion

Understanding these patterns can enhance comprehension and writing skills across disciplines. Each pattern serves a distinct purpose, and is chosen based on the audience, purpose, and type of information being conveyed. Recognizing and employing these patterns can lead to clearer and more effective communication in any field.