patterns of development

Patterns of Development
Exemplification/Illustration
This type of essay makes a point about a topic by providing examples to support it. In writing this, you ask:
What are some typical cases or examples of it?
Process (time order, “how to”, process analysis)
This explains how to do something in a series of steps; it explains how something works. It provides answers to questions like:
How did it happen?
What makes it work?
How is it made?
Cause and effect
This pattern of development explains the reasons (causes) why something happens; it describes the results (effects) of an event, action, or condition. You either focus on the causes or on effects. It takes care of questions like:
Why did it happen?
What caused it?
What does it cause?
What are its effects?
How is it related to something else?
Comparison and contrast
This pattern of development explains how two subjects are similar or different. It addresses questions like:
How is it like other things?
How is it different from other things?

Classification and division
This type of essay explains a subject by dividing it into types or categories; it explains a subject by dividing it into its essential parts. It provides answers to questions like:
What are its parts or types?
How can its parts or types be separated?
Do its parts or types fit into a logical order?
Into what categories can its parts or types be arranged?
Definition
This type of essay uses any number of patterns e.g you can define with examples, description, comparison and process. It supplies answers to questions like:
What is it?
How does it resemble other members of its class?
How does it differ from other members of its class?
What are its limits?