Eapp Report.pdf

Reading and Writing Skills Classification, Comparison and Contrast, Cause and Effect

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Classification, Comparison and Contrast, Cause and Effect At the end of this module, the student is expected to: 1. Distinguish between among patterns of development in writing across disciplines: a. Exemplification/classification b. Comparison and Contrast c. Cause and Effect

Exemplification/Classification Classification paragraphs group items into categories, to establish a clear distinction. If the topic encompasses a large body of information, one effective way of elaborating it is through classifying things of distinct features into groups/classes. This will help in better management of information and a logical arrangement of the subtopics related to the main one. Classification groups items into categories to establish a clear distinction between related or similar ideas. Similar items are grouped into categories for the readers to better understand and analyze the material at hand. In developing classification paragraphs, the following guidelines are worth noting: 

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Finding the basis for classification.Classifying things may not always be necessary in developing paragraphs. Finding the basis for putting items into categories must be made clear before it is done. The divided items must contribute to the overall idea of the paragraph. Making distinct categories. The ideas you have gathered may be directly or indirectly related as your piece constantly revolves around one general main idea. However, in classifying specific items into categories, there must be variation, or a clear line separating each group so the readers may know the importance of grouping these items into such classes. Making sure the classification has a useful purpose. Once you have created distinct categories for the items in your paragraph, make sure that this classification will serve an important purpose in fulfilling your goal at the end of the written work. The classification must contribute to the discovery of the main idea. It must further exemplify the writer’s topic of interest, simultaneously hooking the readers into it, as well.

In developing classification paragraphs, Tiongson (2016) noted of three main principles: consistency, exclusiveness, and completeness. 1. Consistency – logical transition of one sentence or paragraph to another is significant in keeping the attention and achieving understanding of your written work. Writing classification paragraphs must possess consistency wherein there are parallel similarities among divisions made in the paragraph. This will help the reader further analyze why the divisions were made and what purpose it serves in the exploration of the main topic. 2. Exclusiveness – the intent of dividing items into groups is to mark distinctions among each. Exclusivity states that there must be no overlapping or repetition of classes or groups for the specific items identified in the paragraph/s. They must belong to one class only, in order to avoid confusion. 3. Completeness – there are definitely times when one must omit irrelevant details but classification paragraphs require the writer to include intrically related or connected classes or groups to the paragraph, if only to complete the image of the main idea. Some of the most useful key words in identifying and writing classification paragraphs are the following:          

is a kind of can be divided into is a type of falls under belongs to is a part of fits into is grouped with is related to is associated with

Dagdag (2010) also gave the following signal words to use in writing classification paragraphs:              

basis or bases characteristics criterion or criteria classify or subclassify divide into or subdivide classes or subclasses suborder features two of the… a number of… category or subcategory categorize or subcategorize groups or subgroups main type

Read the following example of a classification paragraph:

Reading and Writing Skills Classification, Comparison and Contrast, Cause and Effect

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Types of Computers There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. Most of these words imply the size, expected use or capability of the computer. While the term “computer” can apply to virtually any device that has a microprocessor in it, most people think of a computer as a device that receives input from the user through a mouse or keyboard, processes it in some fashion and displays the result on a screen. Computers can be divided into five according to the purpose they are used for and their capabilities. The most familiar type of microprocessor is the personal computer (PC). It designed for general use by a single person. While a Mac is also a PC, most people relate the term with systems that run the Windows operating system. PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses. A PC can come in two types (three if we include the Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that differ from PCs not by the working policy but in appearance as well.): Desktop and laptop. The former is not designed for portability. The expectation with desktop systems is that you will set the computer up in a permanent location. Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than their portable brethren. On the other hand, the laptops - also called notebooks - are portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than an average hardcover book. Another purpose for using a microprocessor is as a workstation. The computers used for this purpose have a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development. A computer can also be used as a server. For this, it needs to be optimized to provide services to other computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful processors, lots of memory and large hard drives. A fourth type, a main frame is the heart of a network of computers or terminals which allows hundreds of people to work at the same time on the same data. It is indispensable for the business world. Sometimes, computers can be used for specialized fields as well. The supercomputer is the top of the heap in power and expense. It is used for jobs that take massive amounts of calculating, like weather forecasting, engineering design and testing, serious decryption, and economic forecasting. With the increasing demand in different specialties, new adjustments are being made to microprocessors and new types of computers that serve different purposes emerge. In this ongoing process, it would not possible to put a full stop here. What we suggest is that it is better to keep en eye on the development of science in this field and keep updating our knowledge in Course Module

order not to be out-of-date like the computers of old times that were as big as a room.

Comparison and Contrast Comparison and contrast, from what it’s called, elaborates on the similarities and differences between two ideas. This is often done in an attempt to weigh decisions between two ideas or subjects. It aims at having the reader support a particular argument or stand presented. According to Tiongson (2016), this may also be used for plain entertainment of the reader: to let them discover the unlikely similarities between two completely different things or to identify the striking differences between two related or almost similar subjects. One technique in writing this type of paragraph development is analogy. Analogy, according to Dagdag (2010), “is a special kind of comparison because it compares items that are usually considered quite different in most aspects.” While comparison and contrast paragraphs dwell on slightly connected topics, analogy compares two subjects that are normally considered unrelated. Another technique in writing comparison and contrast paragraphs is the use of figurative language. Simile is defined as “a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind and used to make a description more empathic or vivid.” This uses the signal words, like or as-as. Example: Your smile is as bright as the sun. He was just like his father, then. Metaphor, on the other hand, is defined by the dictionary as “a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action which it is not entirely applicable.” While simile gives a straightforward comparison between two subjects, metaphor does it indirectly. Example: Time is gold. Some of the signal words used in this type of paragraph development are the following: o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

like in the same manner equally similarly also too likewise both ____ and so as – as whereas in contrast on the contrary on the other hand instead

Reading and Writing Skills Classification, Comparison and Contrast, Cause and Effect

o o o o

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to differentiate however but yet

Read the following sample comparison and contrast paragraph for further analysis: Lars Ulrich vs. Mike Portnoy (Anderson, 2005) Lars Ulrich, the drummer for Metallica, and Mike Portnoy, the drummer for Dream Theatre, share some common similarities, and some great differences in their playing style and kit setup. Both Lars and Mike play Tama drums, with full maple shells. Remo heads provide the resonance for both Mike and Lars. Both drummers play the majority of their songs with a driving bass line, coming from the bass drums. When given the chance to solo, both drummers can produce some amazing sounding beats. They take the cymbals and mix them together in a rather simple sounding way, with unparalleled rhythm. Both drummers possess amazing speed and control behind the kit. Their coordination is above most other drummers of today’s music. However, even though they both play Tama drums, Lars uses a more traditional “metal” double bass drum setup, and Mike plays a much larger triple bass drum kit. Mike also incorporates some things into his kit that Lars does not. Mike brings a lot more percussion elements than drums, such as granite blocks, a cowbell, chimes, and a gong. Mike uses two thrones (seats) behind his kit, to help him move around the kit between songs, while Lars has one, and brings his kit in closer to him. Lars prefers a simpler double bass setup, with much fewer cymbals than Mike uses. Portnoy prefers his Sabian cymbals, while Ulrich rocks out hard on his Zildjian cymbals. Lars tunes his bass drums to give a rich, driving sound, while Mike tunes his down to a sharp attack. Lars prefers to drive hard on the bass drum, as opposed to Mike who uses quick kicks in different sequences to produce a lighter sounding bass drum. Mike uses Pro Mark sticks, while you can find Ahead 5B sticks in Lars’ hands. While there are some similarities and differences between the two, both can be considered masters of their craft.

Cause and Effect Cause and Effect paragraphs are written for the following purposes: Course Module

to discuss why a certain phenomenon occurs to discuss the results of a phenomenon, event, feeling or action to understand a situation to solve a problem to predict an outcome to entertain to persuade

This type of paragraph development technique requires unity in its paragraphs. To achieve this characteristic, the writer is urged to identify which side to focus on: the cause or the effect. Having this point, the writer will be able to create the succeeding sentences and details with this in mind. The link between the causes and effects will serve as the controlling idea of the essay. A coherent arrangement of ideas will also help in establishing ease in comprehension of the readers. There should be a limitation on the number of causes and effects highlighted. Set logical boundaries to your scope. You must also decide if causes/effects can or has influence on each other or if there are individual causes/effects. Some of the signal words used in this type of paragraph are the following: -

For Because Since Due to So But For this reason As a result Consequently Otherwise Therefore Thus

Read the following example of a cause and effect paragraph: In recent decades, cities have grown so large that now about 50% of the Earth's population lives in urban areas. There are several reasons for this occurrence. First, the increasing industrialization of the nineteenth century resulted in the creation of many factory jobs, which tended to be located in cities. These jobs, with their promise of a better material life, attracted many people from rural areas. Second, there were many schools established to educate the children of the new factory laborers. The promise of a better education persuaded many families to leave farming communities and move to the cities. Finally, as the cities grew, people established places of leisure, entertainment, and culture, such as sports stadiums, theaters, and museums. For many people, these facilities made city life appear more interesting than life on the farm, and therefore drew them away from rural communities.

References Developing Paragraphs: Classification. Retrieved from: http://www.cengagesites.com/academic/assets/sites/4363/ch25.pdf Dagdag, L., et.al. (2010). Winning Strategies for Study, Thinking and Writing Skills. Mutya Publishing House, Inc. Tiongson, M.T., et.al. (2016). Reading and Writing Skills. Contrast and Comparison Paragraph (2005). Retrieved from: http://english120.pbworks.com/w/page/19006833/contrast%20and%20c omparison%20paragraph

Reading and Writing Skills Classification, Comparison and Contrast, Cause and Effect

Cause and Effect Paragraphs (2000). Retrieved from: http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fwalters/cause.html

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