The document discusses patterns of development in writing, emphasizing comparison, contrast, and exemplification. It highlights the importance of identifying similarities and differences in subjects when comparing or contrasting, and explains how exemplification serves as an effective means to clarify ideas through detailed examples. Various writing assignments across disciplines often require the use of exemplification to support arguments or points.

1. PATTERNS OF
DEVELOPMENT IN WRITING
ACROSS DISCIPLINES
COMPARE | CONTRAST | EXEMPLIFICATION

2. Comparison
The following are words that signal similarities: also, like, both,
as... as similarly, in the same way, equally important, likewise
• To compare persons, things,
places, events, situations, or
ideas is to show how they are
alike.
• You need to identify the points
of comparison and make a list
of similar characteristics or
qualities for each point of
comparison.

3. The following are some words that signal
contrast: but, however, though, on the other
hand, in contrast
• To contrast persons,
things, places, events,
situations, or ideas is
to show how they are
different.
• To do so, you need to
make a list of the
characteristics or
qualities of the
subjects and then
identify the
differences between
them.
Contrast

4. Exemplification is one of the most
common and effective ways to show or
explain an idea or point (e.g., observation,
opinion, belief). In this pattern of
development, the main idea is explained
by giving an extended example or a
series of detailed examples.
Exemplification

5. Many writing assignments in various
disciplines require the use of
exemplification. Argumentative and
exemplification essays, feature articles,
reviews, reports, and case studies often
use examples to prove a point.
Exemplification