An Organizational Approach Using Various Patterns of Essay

Development

Analytical Writing

Description

Description creates a mental picture for a reader. To do this, writers may focus on the five senses—what ideas and things look, sound, feel, smell, and taste like.

Descriptive writing shows instead of tells.

►Descriptive writing is more than just inserting adjectives into your prose.

Description continuedYou can describe something objectively,

noting details without using your own feelings (emotions) or your opinions. You are not attempting to arouse any emotional feelings in your audience, or

You can describe something (usually scenes, people, or ideas) subjectively by creating a feeling or mood within your audience. In this case, readers may have a hint about your feelings on the subject, and they will respond to the piece of writing on an emotional level.

Examples of Descriptive Writing

The following descriptions were provided by Prof. Jan Meins from her own, original writing:

1.My father’s name was a rock-solid, old-fashioned, rail-splitting sort of moniker that suited only real men. (subjective-expresses writer’s feelings)

2.… the town looked stillborn. (subjective-creates a mood)

3.On the dresser were familiar images—an alarm clock, an old-fashioned hand mirror, a high school diploma in a cheap frame on the night stand. (objective)

4.The place had a nickname, The Walls; it stood intact, a windowless structure. (objective)

Description continued . . .

Description creates a mental picture for readers. To do this, writers may focus on the five senses—sight, sound, feel, smell, taste.

Compare and ContrastCompare and contrast refers to the

examination of similarities (compare) and

differences (contrast).

We make comparisons constantly when we decide what type of car to buy, where to have dinner, or what college to attend.

Compare and Contrast Organization

Compare and contrast essays can be organized in two ways:

Point by point: Here, the writer would go between two subjects and compare and contrast them according to key points or characteristics. If you compare and contrast displaced homelessness versus chronic homelessness, you might focus on their definitions, reasons, and solutions.

Subject by subject: Here, the writer focuses on the key points and characteristics of a single subject. For instance, if you compare and contrast private versus socialized medicine, you’ll have to choose which ways they are alike or differ. You might choose to write about the similarities in coverage, and the contrasts in cost.

Comparison/Contrast: Make Effective Choices

Whatever strategy you choose, you must have a basis of comparison. If you compare and/or contrast things that have nothing in common, you are not making good choices.

Remember, you don’t want to make a list of similarities and differences. You want to find points for the comparison, and rather than make a list, you must explain the points.

Compare and Contrast in a Thesis Statement

Poor examples of compare and contrast thesis statement:

Indonesia and the United States have vastly different legal systems.

This example is too general. While the U.S. legal system is built around the

idea of presumed innocence, the Indonesian system assumes the accused is guilty.

This example gives specific criteria which allows the reader to know what key points will be compared and contrasted.

DefinitionDefinition is explaining exactly what an

idea or concept means. Definition provides a structure for making ideas, people, or things more understandable.

The structure shown on the next slide defines the term Judaism in a way that makes it more understandable. The structure chosen by the writer was to explain the divisions within Judaism.

► Copying a dictionary definition is NOT what is meant by using DEFINITION as a pattern of essay development.

Definition in a Thesis Statement

For example, if you were writing a paper about world religions, you might choose to write about different sects of Judaism like the orthodox, reform, and conservative movements within that religion.

Example: Judaism has diverse interpretations, most notably the divisions of orthodox, reform, and conservative practices.

► By explaining the divisions within Judaism, the writer has clearly defined it beyond what one might find in a dictionary.

Cause and Effect Cause and effect examines the

relationships between what happens (the effect) and why it happens (the cause).

► When using the cause and effect pattern of paragraph development, the writer must establish a relationship between what happens and why it happens.

Cause and Effect, continuedOne cause may have several effects. For

instance, if you decide to move into the country from the city, you may have the benefit of cleaner air, safer neighborhoods, and cheaper prices. ► effects

Or, several causes can contribute to a single effect. For example, we make choices based on several criteria: The captain of the Titanic ignored fog warnings, iceberg warnings, and even the announcement that the ship was going to sink because he bought into the idea that the ship was unsinkable. ►causes

Cause and Effect in a Thesis Statement

To incorporate this into a thesis statement, identify the topic, make an assertion about the topic, and decide if you want to focus on causes, effects, or both.

Example: Because of their mainly vegetarian diet, Malaysia has healthier adults, less childhood obesity, and a booming farm economy.

► Which does the above thesis focus on: causes, effects, or both?

Problem Solution Problem solution writing begins by identifying

and examining a problem. After analyzing the problem, you then discuss possible solutions and their viability.

For instance, if you wanted to focus on the problem of teenage pregnancy, you would look at how others have tried to solve this problem.

The availability of contraception, mandatory sex education courses, and the inclusion of abstinence as a form of birth control would be possible solutions.

Problem Solution, continued

For an essay, you could choose to examine: … the problem and discuss how others

have tried to solve the problem,OR

● … the solution!

► When focusing on the solution, you can discuss either a single solution, how it works and why it works, or you can detail three proposed solutions and discuss and analyze their viability.

Problem Solution in a Thesis Statement

Example 1: Solving teenage pregnancy by teaching abstinence has failed because it is not practical for most children. Teens without strong role models, those with low self-esteem and those who do not participate in after school activities are getting pregnant in record numbers. ►This thesis focuses on the problem by discussing the things that have been tried in the past.

Example 2: Teenage pregnancy is a complicated problem that can be helped through increased availability of contraception like condoms, oral birth control, and IUDs. ► This thesis focuses on the solution by discussing several solutions and their viability.

Sample Professional Essays

All of the following essays can be found at the KU Library:

Neat People vs. Sloppy People by Suzanne Britt (Comparison and Contrast)

The Insufficiency of Honesty by Stephen L. Carter (Definition)

Just Walk On By: A Black Man Ponders by Brent Staples (Cause and Effect)

In Defense of Talk Shows by Barbara Ehrenreich (Division and Classification)