5. CSK Patterns of Development/Literary Devices

Analogy

Analogy

A comparison of two different things that are similar in some way. This can be seen in writing with a comparison and contrast pattern of development. Ex: trump - titanic

Analysis

The process of dividing a subject into its component parts and examining the parts. Fundamental for critical thinking, reading, and writing. Ex: anatomy of a newspaper

spatial organization

Shows reader where things are in relation to other things. Works well when writer wishes to create a mental picture of something. Movement is usually parallels the way we look at things (top to bottom, side to side)

Chronological organization

Writing that is in order of the occurrence in time of events. Can be used to explain a process or analyse an event by dividing it into periods. Topics of a historic nature are best organized using this pattern.

Structural organization

Divides a subject into its parts, types, elements, and shows how these subdivisions are related to each other. The different parts, types, and elements of the subject form a whole. This would be used if one were to analyse the structure of an atom.

Process Analysis

A method of paragraph/essay development where the writer explains step by step how something is done or how to do something. Ex: how a plant grows. It can be informative (how something works) or directive (how to do something)

Definition

Deeply examines a word or a concept. Specifies the characteristics that distinguish the subject from other members of its class. Ex: a writing piece on what climate change is

Comparison and Contrast

Pattern of development that analyses the similarities and differences between subjects. This can compare ideas, objects, people, places, etc. Ex: similarities and differences between two political parties

Cause and effect

Explains why something happened and its consequences. Particularly powerful when writer provides the relationship between these two (terms) that reader wasn't expecting; makes reader see things in a new light

General to Specific

Scheme where topic sentence comes first and the following sentences become specific. Used in paragraphs to achieve a certain emphasis on something.

Specific to General

The elements of a paragraph build to general conclusions. "Less common than the opposite of this." Thesis placed towards the end.

Abstract to Concrete

The first kind of writing/language refers more to intangible characteristics such as mood, tone, and feelings. The second kind of writing refers more to physical, tangible detail. switching back and forth in an essay loses it's effect

Problem-Solution

Introduces an issue and then proposes or explains a way to deal with it. Ex: legal drinking age causes problems, lowering age would solve these problems.

Countering the opposition

Stating a strong argument of one's opponent and then refuting it with logical and/or ethical reasons. Used to support one's own argument in their writing. Ex: opponents idea = dogs are better than cats bc they are more fun and loyal but refuting by saying cats are better bc cats are cleaner and more independent.

Question-Answer

Organizational structure of text where a question is posed/asked and then answered. The answer in ones writing is backed up by reasons, facts, logic, examples. Effectively used to lead into an argument.

Classification

Involves sorting many things into groups based on their similarities. All the members in a group must share at least one similarity. For example, we can assign people into groups based on salary.

Narration

Retells a significant sequence of events, usually in the order of their occurrence (chronologically). It focuses on certain important events rather than background events. Sometimes events are rearranged to create a flashback to past events.

Illustration

The supplying of detailed examples or reasons. Examples and reasons used to develop and support an idea. Enables writers not to just tell but show what they mean.

Description

The sensory qualities of a person, place, thing or feeling. Sometimes this is subjective, meaning it is influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

Parallelism

The use of similar grammatical structures or similar elements of meaning within a sentence or sentences. Used to link sentences to each other which can help ensure continuity within a paragraph. Used to make writing concise and easy to follow.

Repetition of key terms

Is a literary device that repeats the same words or phrases a few times. Used to make an idea clearer and more memorable. Also used to connect sentences within a paragraph. Emphasizes the repeated word in the readers mind.

Shift in perspective, person or tone

Changing from first (I), second (you), and third (he/she/it) person. This can happen throughout a work as the narrator's perspective changes, or as the plot becomes more complex. They are used to make the reader feel a series of different emotions and can make the writing exciting.

Climactic organization

The arrangement of details or ideas in order of increasing importance to reach a climax. It leaves readers with the most important point/event freshest in their minds. It can also create suspense and hold the readers attention.

Anecdote

A short story about a real person or events. This writing usually serves to make the listeners laugh or ponder about a topic. Ex: a little stoyr about my first day of high school

Irony

A figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning. Ex: a tattoo of the word temporary. Often used to create humour

Aporia

Questioning oneself (or rhetorically asking the audience). being in doubt. Ex: "to be or not to be, that is the question?" Sometimes answered by the writer but can also be left unanswered or answered by the reader.

Ambiguity

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage. Open to more than one interpretation. Ex: "I rode a black horse in red pajamas"

Affect/Pathos

This is an appeal made to an audience's emotions in order to evoke feeling. Ex: "Your donation might help this puppy get off the street" in a promotional poster for adoption. Often used in persuasive writing. An example of rhetoric language