The document discusses six rhetorical patterns of organization that can be used when writing effectively: definition, cause and effect, comparison, chronological order, decreasing importance, and developing through examples. It provides examples of each pattern and how they could be applied to describing oneself. The patterns are defined as ways to arrange information and ideas in a text. Matching each pattern to its characteristics is also covered. Lastly, the document discusses different purposes for writing and possible rhetorical patterns that could achieve each purpose.

1. EFFECTIV
E
WRITING

2. RHETORICAL
PATTERNS
•Refer to a specific way of
arranging information
and ideas in a text or

3. SIX EXAMPLES OF
RHETORICAL
PATTERNS OF
ORGANIZATION

4. DEFINITION
•Stating the group to which something belongs and
how it is different from other members of the
same group.
Example: A Dalmatian belongs to the animal group
called dogs. It is different in appearance from other
dogs, because of its white colour and black spots.
Self description example: I am from Ilocos,
therefore I am an Ilocano. But I am different from

5. CAUSE AND EFFECT
•Telling what happens (result), with reasons
why it happened (cause).
Example: Volcanoes erupt as a result of high
pressure of liquid rock under the earth’s
surface.
Self description example: I am a very shy
person because when I was young, I did not

6. COMPARISON
•Describing the similarities and differences
between two things.
Example: The Americans and the Japanese are
both leaders in the field of industry and
economics. The style of management of the
Japanese however, is very different from that of
Americans.
•Self description example: My sister and I are of

7. CHRONOLOGICAL
ORDER•Stating things in the order in which they
happened, according to time; from the
newest to the oldest event, or from the
earliest to the latest event.
Example: The first living creatures were
single-celled organisms, then came fish, and
then reptiles, then birds, and amphibians and

8. Self description example: When I was a
child, I was very naughty and got in
trouble a lot, but then as a teenager I
have changed and became quieter and got
into less trouble. Right now, I can say that
I am a very nice person and rarely ever
have problems with other people.

9. DECREASING
IMPORTANCE•Stating information, in order of importance, from
the most important to least important.
Example: When choosing a job it is important to
consider that you are qualified for it, the salary is
worth the amount of work you would be doing, that
the type of job is suitable for you, and that you will
enjoy it. Other small things to keep in mind would
be the benefits, the working environment, and the

10. Self description example: My main
characteristics include my being assertive,
sensible, friendly, and mature. Also, there
are times when I can be fun to be with.

11. DEVELOPING THROUGH
EXAMPLES
• Describing what you are writing about by providing
examples.
Example: Hygiene refers to cleanliness in terms of
your body and surrounding. Example of hygienic
practices would include regular baths and daily
household cleaning.
Self description example: I am normally a calm
person but I get angry sometimes. For example, I get

12. Match each of the rhetorical patterns with their
characteristics in the opposite column.
Rhetorical Pattern Characteristics
1.Chronological order a.gives reasons for the result
2. Cause and effect b. states characteristics
3. Definition c. arranged as to when the
events happened
4. Developing d. from most important to least
important details
5. Decreasing importance e. gives similarities and
difference
6. Comparison f. uses examples

13. EXAMPLES OF
PURPOSES AND
POSSIBLE
PATTERNS

14. ♦ To argue a point or opinion –
possible patterns: decreasing
importance, comparison, cause and
effect, developing through examples
♦ To inform people to make them
aware of something—possible
patterns: definition, developing

15. ♦ To entertain or amuse the
reader – possible patterns:
developing through examples,
decreasing importance
♦ To give instruction –
possible patterns:

16. ♦ To tell a story – possible
patterns: chronological order,
cause and effect
♦ To make the reader think
and ask questions – possible
patterns: comparison,

17. THAT’S
ALL FOLKS