THE

READING-WRITING CONNECTION

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 THE
READING-WRITING
CONNECTION
John Langan

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

9

More Relationships
in Writing

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

In the previous chapter you learned about

three more patterns of organization—
illustration, comparison/contrast, and
cause and effect—and how to recognize
those patterns in reading.

This chapter will show you how to write

papers that involve these patterns of
organization.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

When you learn and practice these new writing

patterns, the goals of effective writing will
remain the same:
1 Start with a main idea or point.
2 Provide truly specific details that support
your main idea or point.
3 Think about your paper by using one or more
of the prewriting strategies (freewriting, asking
questions, list making).
4 Create a scratch outline.
5 Go on to a first draft and later drafts, with
revision and editing.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

Illustration paragraphs use one or more examples

to clarify and support a main idea.

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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

In the cartoon, the man tries to use his statement that he is hungry and tired
as an example that he shares deep emotions with his wife. (Of course, the
joke in the cartoon is that his example is not a good one!)
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

In the previous chapter you saw a list of common

illustration words. Here is that list again:

Illustration Words

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

Here is a paragraph that uses examples to support the main idea:

Rudeness, a lack of concern for another person’s feelings or
comfort, is all too common in everyday life. For example, when the guy
sitting beside you at the movie keeps texting his friends, his rude
behavior is saying, “I don’t care that you’re trying to concentrate on the
film and that my flashing screen is distracting you.” When two cashiers
are busy gossiping and ignore you as you wait to check out, their rude
behavior is saying, “We don’t care that we’re wasting your time. You
don’t matter to us.” When an elderly woman with a cane can’t find a
seat on the bus, and not one of the other riders stands up to offer her
one, their rude behavior is saying, “You’re old and have health
problems? That’s tough. Not my problem.” When a group of co-workers
make noisy plans to go to lunch together, leaving one employee behind,
their rude behavior is saying, “Does being left out hurt your feelings?
Who cares?” Whatever its form, rudeness leaves hurt feelings and
discomfort behind.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

Rudeness, a lack of concern for another person’s feelings or

comfort, is all too common in everyday life. For example, when the guy
sitting beside you at the movie keeps texting his friends, his rude
behavior is saying, “I don’t care that you’re trying to concentrate on the
film and that my flashing screen is distracting you.” When two cashiers
are busy gossiping and ignore you as you wait to check out, their rude
behavior is saying, “We don’t care that we’re wasting your time. You
don’t matter to us.” When an elderly woman with a cane can’t find a
seat on the bus, and not one of the other riders stands up to offer her
one, their rude behavior is saying, “You’re old and have health
problems? That’s tough. Not my problem.” When a group of co-workers
make noisy plans to go to lunch together, leaving one employee behind,
their rude behavior is saying, “Does being left out hurt your feelings?
Who cares?” Whatever its form, rudeness leaves hurt feelings and
discomfort behind.

What is the topic sentence (main idea) of this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

Rudeness, a lack of concern for another person’s feelings or

comfort, is all too common in everyday life. For example, when the guy
sitting beside you at the movie keeps texting his friends, his rude
behavior is saying, “I don’t care that you’re trying to concentrate on the
film and that my flashing screen is distracting you.” When two cashiers
are busy gossiping and ignore you as you wait to check out, their rude
behavior is saying, “We don’t care that we’re wasting your time. You
don’t matter to us.” When an elderly woman with a cane can’t find a
seat on the bus, and not one of the other riders stands up to offer her
one, their rude behavior is saying, “You’re old and have health
problems? That’s tough. Not my problem.” When a group of co-workers
make noisy plans to go to lunch together, leaving one employee behind,
their rude behavior is saying, “Does being left out hurt your feelings?
Who cares?” Whatever its form, rudeness leaves hurt feelings and
discomfort behind.

What is the topic sentence (main idea) of this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

Rudeness, a lack of concern for another person’s feelings or

comfort, is all too common in everyday life. For example, when the guy
sitting beside you at the movie keeps texting his friends, his rude
behavior is saying, “I don’t care that you’re trying to concentrate on the
film and that my flashing screen is distracting you.” When two cashiers
are busy gossiping and ignore you as you wait to check out, their rude
behavior is saying, “We don’t care that we’re wasting your time. You
don’t matter to us.” When an elderly woman with a cane can’t find a
seat on the bus, and not one of the other riders stands up to offer her
one, their rude behavior is saying, “You’re old and have health
problems? That’s tough. Not my problem.” When a group of co-workers
make noisy plans to go to lunch together, leaving one employee behind,
their rude behavior is saying, “Does being left out hurt your feelings?
Who cares?” Whatever its form, rudeness leaves hurt feelings and
discomfort behind.

What illustration phrase is used in this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

Rudeness, a lack of concern for another person’s feelings or

comfort, is all too common in everyday life. For example, when the guy
sitting beside you at the movie keeps texting his friends, his rude
behavior is saying, “I don’t care that you’re trying to concentrate on the
film and that my flashing screen is distracting you.” When two cashiers
are busy gossiping and ignore you as you wait to check out, their rude
behavior is saying, “We don’t care that we’re wasting your time. You
don’t matter to us.” When an elderly woman with a cane can’t find a
seat on the bus, and not one of the other riders stands up to offer her
one, their rude behavior is saying, “You’re old and have health
problems? That’s tough. Not my problem.” When a group of co-workers
make noisy plans to go to lunch together, leaving one employee behind,
their rude behavior is saying, “Does being left out hurt your feelings?
Who cares?” Whatever its form, rudeness leaves hurt feelings and
discomfort behind.

What illustration phrase is used in this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

Rudeness, a lack of concern for another person’s feelings or

comfort, is all too common in everyday life. For example, when the guy
sitting beside you at the movie keeps texting his friends, his rude
behavior is saying, “I don’t care that you’re trying to concentrate on the
film and that my flashing screen is distracting you.” When two cashiers
are busy gossiping and ignore you as you wait to check out, their rude
behavior is saying, “We don’t care that we’re wasting your time. You
don’t matter to us.” When an elderly woman with a cane can’t find a
seat on the bus, and not one of the other riders stands up to offer her
one, their rude behavior is saying, “You’re old and have health
problems? That’s tough. Not my problem.” When a group of co-workers
make noisy plans to go to lunch together, leaving one employee behind,
their rude behavior is saying, “Does being left out hurt your feelings?
Who cares?” Whatever its form, rudeness leaves hurt feelings and
discomfort behind.

How many examples are used in the paragraph to support

the topic sentence?
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

Rudeness, a lack of concern for another person’s feelings or

comfort, is all too common in everyday life. For example, 1when the guy
sitting beside you at the movie keeps texting his friends, his rude
behavior is saying, “I don’t care that you’re trying to concentrate on the
film and that my flashing screen is distracting you.”2 When two cashiers
are busy gossiping and ignore you as you wait to check out, their rude
behavior is saying, “We don’t care that we’re wasting your time. You
don’t matter to us.”3 When an elderly woman with a cane can’t find a
seat on the bus, and not one of the other riders stands up to offer her
one, their rude behavior is saying, “You’re old and have health
problems? That’s tough. Not my problem.”4 When a group of co-workers
make noisy plans to go to lunch together, leaving one employee behind,
their rude behavior is saying, “Does being left out hurt your feelings?
Who cares?” Whatever its form, rudeness leaves hurt feelings and
discomfort behind.

How many examples are used in the paragraph to support

the topic sentence?
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Illustration Pattern

On pages 220–222 in the textbook is a writing exercise

that will give you practice in writing a paragraph that uses
examples for support. The exercise includes a model
paragraph. It also includes specific instructions for writing
your own paragraph.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

Comparison paragraphs show how two things are

like each other.

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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

In the cartoon, the words alike and both indicate that a comparison is being made:
if the two goldfish are so much like each other, they deserve to be together.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

In the previous chapter you saw a list of common

comparison words. Here is that list again:

Comparison Words

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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

Here is the first part of a paragraph that uses comparison:

As I grow older, I am surprised to see how much I am like

my dad. For one thing, I am introverted like Dad. It’s not that
we’re unfriendly. Dad liked people just fine, and so do I. We just don’t
need to be around people much of the time. As Dad did, I enjoy
spending time alone or with just one or two people I know very well.
Another way that I am similar to Dad is that we both love to read.
When I think of my dad, I picture him sitting in an easy chair in our
living room, a book in his hand. There were always two or three books
piled on his bedside table. I, too, am always reading at least one book.
Right now there are four half-read books beside my bed. And like Dad,
I like biographies best of all. The final way that I resemble my dad is
my love of nature and gardening. . . .

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

As I grow older, I am surprised to see how much I am like

my dad. For one thing, I am introverted like Dad. It’s not that
we’re unfriendly. Dad liked people just fine, and so do I. We just don’t
need to be around people much of the time. As Dad did, I enjoy
spending time alone or with just one or two people I know very well.
Another way that I am similar to Dad is that we both love to read.
When I think of my dad, I picture him sitting in an easy chair in our
living room, a book in his hand. There were always two or three books
piled on his bedside table. I, too, am always reading at least one book.
Right now there are four half-read books beside my bed. And like Dad,
I like biographies best of all. The final way that I resemble my dad is
my love of nature and gardening. . . .

What is the topic sentence (the sentence that expresses

the main idea) of this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

As I grow older, I am surprised to see how much I am like

my dad. For one thing, I am introverted like Dad. It’s not that
we’re unfriendly. Dad liked people just fine, and so do I. We just don’t
need to be around people much of the time. As Dad did, I enjoy
spending time alone or with just one or two people I know very well.
Another way that I am similar to Dad is that we both love to read.
When I think of my dad, I picture him sitting in an easy chair in our
living room, a book in his hand. There were always two or three books
piled on his bedside table. I, too, am always reading at least one book.
Right now there are four half-read books beside my bed. And like Dad,
I like biographies best of all. The final way that I resemble my dad is
my love of nature and gardening. . . .

What is the topic sentence (the sentence that expresses

the main idea) of this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

As I grow older, I am surprised to see how much I am like

my dad. For one thing, I am introverted like Dad. It’s not that
we’re unfriendly. Dad liked people just fine, and so do I. We just don’t
need to be around people much of the time. As Dad did, I enjoy
spending time alone or with just one or two people I know very well.
Another way that I am similar to Dad is that we both love to read.
When I think of my dad, I picture him sitting in an easy chair in our
living room, a book in his hand. There were always two or three books
piled on his bedside table. I, too, am always reading at least one book.
Right now there are four half-read books beside my bed. And like Dad,
I like biographies best of all. The final way that I resemble my dad is
my love of nature and gardening. . . .

What comparison words are used in this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

As I grow older, I am surprised to see how much I am likelike

like like Dad. It’s not that
my dad. For one thing, I am introverted
we’re unfriendly. Dad liked people just fine, and so do I. We just don’t
need to be around people much of the time.As As Dad did, I enjoy
spending time alone or with just one or two people I know very well.
similar
Another way that I am similar to Dad is that we both love to read.
When I think of my dad, I picture him sitting in an easy chair in our
living room, a book in his hand. There were always two or three books
piled on his bedside table. I, too, am always reading at least one book.
Right now there are four half-read books beside mylike bed. And like Dad,
resemble
I like biographies best of all. The final way that I resemble my dad is
my love of nature and gardening. . . .

What comparison words are used in this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

As I grow older, I am surprised to see how much I am likelike

like like Dad. It’s not that
my dad. For one thing, I am introverted
we’re unfriendly. Dad liked people just fine, and so do I. We just don’t
need to be around people much of the time.As As Dad did, I enjoy
spending time alone or with just one or two people I know very well.
similar
Another way that I am similar to Dad is that we both love to read.
When I think of my dad, I picture him sitting in an easy chair in our
living room, a book in his hand. There were always two or three books
piled on his bedside table. I, too, am always reading at least one book.
Right now there are four half-read books beside mylike bed. And like Dad,
resemble
I like biographies best of all. The final way that I resemble my dad is
my love of nature and gardening. . . .

What addition words are used to move the reader from

one point of comparison to the next?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

As I grow older, I am surprised to see how much I am likelike

For one
my dad. For thing, like like Dad. It’s not that
one thing, I am introverted
we’re unfriendly. Dad liked people just fine, and so do I. We just don’t
need to be around people much of the time.As As Dad did, I enjoy
spending time alone or with just one or two people I know very Another
well.
similar
Another way that I am similar to Dad is that we both love to read.
When I think of my dad, I picture him sitting in an easy chair in our
living room, a book in his hand. There were always two or three books
piled on his bedside table. I, too, am always reading at least one book.
Right now there are four half-read books beside mylike bed. And like Dad,
I like biographies best of all.final resemble
The final way that I resemble my dad is
my love of nature and gardening. . . .

What addition words are used to move the reader from

one point of comparison to the next?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Comparison Pattern

On pages 223–224 in the textbook is a writing exercise

that will give you practice in writing a paragraph that uses
comparison. The exercise includes a model paragraph. It
also includes specific instructions for writing your own
paragraph.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

Contrast paragraphs show how two things are different.

We might, for example, contrast two instructors, two jobs,
or two friends. Contrast helps us understand the two things
more clearly and why we feel the way we do about them.

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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

In the cartoon, the speaker is contrasting two possible ways to die.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

Here is the list of contrast words you saw in the previous

chapter:

Contrast Words

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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

Here is a paragraph that uses contrast:

My daughter’s way of doing homework is very, very different
from the way I did my homework, years ago. First of all, I did my
homework in the family den, because that is where the typewriter (for
writing my papers) and the telephone (for keeping in touch with my
friends) were. However, my daughter does her homework in her room,
in coffee shops, at friends’ houses, or wherever else she wants,
because her laptop computer and her cell phone are portable. A
second difference is that when I did homework, especially research
papers, I spent a lot of time at the library. That’s where the
encyclopedias and other research materials were. But my daughter
does all of her research on the Internet; she only visits the library to
check out books. In addition, I kept track of homework assignments
the only way I could—by writing them down in a notebook. My
daughter, on the other hand, can go online to her teachers’ websites to
see what work is assigned. And finally, I handed in homework by, well,
handing it to my teacher. In many cases, my daughter e-mails her
assignments to her instructors.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

My daughter’s way of doing homework is very, very different

from the way I did my homework, years ago. First of all, I did my
homework in the family den, because that is where the typewriter (for
writing my papers) and the telephone (for keeping in touch with my
friends) were. However, my daughter does her homework in her room,
in coffee shops, at friends’ houses, or wherever else she wants,
because her laptop computer and her cell phone are portable. A
second difference is that when I did homework, especially research
papers, I spent a lot of time at the library. That’s where the
encyclopedias and other research materials were. But my daughter
does all of her research on the Internet; she only visits the library to
check out books. In addition, I kept track of homework assignments
the only way I could—by writing them down in a notebook. My
daughter, on the other hand, can go online to her teachers’ websites to
see what work is assigned. And finally, I handed in homework by, well,
handing it to my teacher. In many cases, my daughter e-mails her
assignments to her instructors.
What is the topic sentence (the sentence that expresses
the main idea) of this paragraph? Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

My daughter’s way of doing homework is very, very different

from the way I did my homework, years ago. First of all, I did my
homework in the family den, because that is where the typewriter (for
writing my papers) and the telephone (for keeping in touch with my
friends) were. However, my daughter does her homework in her room,
in coffee shops, at friends’ houses, or wherever else she wants,
because her laptop computer and her cell phone are portable. A
second difference is that when I did homework, especially research
papers, I spent a lot of time at the library. That’s where the
encyclopedias and other research materials were. But my daughter
does all of her research on the Internet; she only visits the library to
check out books. In addition, I kept track of homework assignments
the only way I could—by writing them down in a notebook. My
daughter, on the other hand, can go online to her teachers’ websites to
see what work is assigned. And finally, I handed in homework by, well,
handing it to my teacher. In many cases, my daughter e-mails her
assignments to her instructors.
What is the topic sentence (the sentence that expresses
the main idea) of this paragraph? Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

My daughter’s way of doing homework is very, very different

from the way I did my homework, years ago. First of all, I did my
homework in the family den, because that is where the typewriter (for
writing my papers) and the telephone (for keeping in touch with my
friends) were. However, my daughter does her homework in her room,
in coffee shops, at friends’ houses, or wherever else she wants,
because her laptop computer and her cell phone are portable. A
second difference is that when I did homework, especially research
papers, I spent a lot of time at the library. That’s where the
encyclopedias and other research materials were. But my daughter
does all of her research on the Internet; she only visits the library to
check out books. In addition, I kept track of homework assignments
the only way I could—by writing them down in a notebook. My
daughter, on the other hand, can go online to her teachers’ websites to
see what work is assigned. And finally, I handed in homework by, well,
handing it to my teacher. In many cases, my daughter e-mails her
assignments to her instructors.

What contrast words are used in this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

My daughter’s way of doing homework is very, very different

from the way I did my homework, years ago. First of all, I did my
homework in the family den, because that is where the typewriter (for
writing my papers) and the telephone (for keeping in touch with my
However,my daughter does her homework in her room,
friends) were. However,
in coffee shops, at friends’ houses, or wherever else she wants,
because her laptop computer and her cell phone are portable. A
difference is that when I did homework, especially research
second difference
papers, I spent a lot of time at the library. That’s where the
encyclopedias and other research materials were. But my daughter
does all of her research on the Internet; she only visits the library to
check out books. In addition, I kept track of homework assignments
the only way I could—by writing them down in a notebook. My
daughter, onon the
the other
other hand,
hand, can go online to her teachers’ websites to
see what work is assigned. And finally, I handed in homework by, well,
handing it to my teacher. In many cases, my daughter e-mails her
assignments to her instructors.

What contrast words are used in this paragraph?

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

My daughter’s way of doing homework is very, very different

from the way I did my homework, years ago. First of all, I did my
homework in the family den, because that is where the typewriter (for
writing my papers) and the telephone (for keeping in touch with my
However,my daughter does her homework in her room,
friends) were. However,
in coffee shops, at friends’ houses, or wherever else she wants,
because her laptop computer and her cell phone are portable. A
difference is that when I did homework, especially research
second difference
papers, I spent a lot of time at the library. That’s where the
encyclopedias and other research materials were. But my daughter
does all of her research on the Internet; she only visits the library to
check out books. In addition, I kept track of homework assignments
the only way I could—by writing them down in a notebook. My
daughter, onon the
the other
other hand,
hand, can go online to her teachers’ websites to
see what work is assigned. And finally, I handed in homework by, well,
handing it to my teacher. In many cases, my daughter e-mails her
assignments to her instructors.
What addition words are used to move the reader from
one point of contrast to the next? Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

My daughter’s way of doing homework is very, very different

from the way I did my homework, years First of all,of all, I did my
ago. First
homework in the family den, because that is where the typewriter (for
writing my papers) and the telephone (for keeping in touch with my
However,my daughter does her homework in her room,
friends) were. However,
in coffee shops, at friends’ houses, or wherever else she wants,
because her laptop computer and her cell phone are portable. A
second difference is that when I did homework, especially research
second difference
papers, I spent a lot of time at the library. That’s where the
encyclopedias and other research materials were. But my daughter
does all of her research on the Internet; she only visits the library to
check out books. In In addition,
addition, I kept track of homework assignments
the only way I could—by writing them down in a notebook. My
daughter, onon the
the other
other hand,
hand, can go online to her teachers’ websites to
finally, I handed in homework by, well,
see what work is assigned. And finally,
handing it to my teacher. In many cases, my daughter e-mails her
assignments to her instructors.
What addition words are used to move the reader from
one point of contrast to the next? Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Contrast Pattern

On pages 225–226 in the textbook is a writing exercise

that will give you practice in writing a paragraph that uses
contrast. The exercise includes a model paragraph. It also
includes specific instructions for writing your own
paragraph.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

Cause and effect paragraphs show reasons or results.

They seek to explain the causes of some behavior or
event. Or they describe the effects or consequences of
some behavior or event.

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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

In this cartoon, the doctor explains that the man’s red spots
are caused by pepperoni pizza.
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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

In this cartoon, the doctor says the man’s cactus appearance

is the result of not drinking enough water.
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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

Here is the list of cause and effect words you saw in the
previous chapter:

Cause and Effect Words

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 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

Here is a paragraph that uses cause and effect:

I’m the first person in my family to ever go to college. When I

graduate—and I will—it will be due to the influence of my older sister,
Marisa. One reason I want to stay in college is her honesty about her
own life. Like many women in my family, Marisa had a baby when she
was very young. Marisa loves her daughter, but she’s truthful about
how being a mom has caused her to limit her choices. “With a baby, I
don’t have the time or money to go to school,” she says. “Get your
education before you have a kid.” Secondly, Marisa defends me when
other people criticize what I’m doing. When people say I’m acting like
I’m better than them, or that I should be helping more around the
house instead of studying, Marisa gets in their faces. “You’re just
jealous since she’s making something of herself,” she’ll say. “You
should support what she’s doing, not criticize.” And last, Marisa gives
me material help whenever she can. Her money is tight, but if she
knows I need to buy a textbook, then she’ll slip me some money out of
her paycheck. She noticed that my backpack was falling apart and
surprised me with a new one. Because of Marisa’s love and help, I
have the courage to keep going.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

What is the topic sentence (the sentence that expresses

the main idea) of this paragraph?
I’m the first person in my family to ever go to college. When I
graduate—and I will—it will be due to the influence of my older sister,
Marisa. One reason I want to stay in college is her honesty about her
own life. Like many women in my family, Marisa had a baby when she
was very young. Marisa loves her daughter, but she’s truthful about
how being a mom has caused her to limit her choices. “With a baby, I
don’t have the time or money to go to school,” she says. “Get your
education before you have a kid.” Secondly, Marisa defends me when
other people criticize what I’m doing. When people say I’m acting like
I’m better than them, or that I should be helping more around the
house instead of studying, Marisa gets in their faces. “You’re just
jealous since she’s making something of herself,” she’ll say. “You
should support what she’s doing, not criticize.” And last, Marisa gives
me material help whenever she can. Her money is tight, but if she
knows I need to buy a textbook, then she’ll slip me some money out of
her paycheck. She noticed that my backpack was falling apart and
surprised me with a new one. Because of Marisa’s love and help, I
have the courage to keep going.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

What is the topic sentence (the sentence that expresses

the main idea) of this paragraph?
I’m the first person in my family to ever go to college. When I
graduate—and I will—it will be due to the influence of my older sister,
Marisa. One reason I want to stay in college is her honesty about her
own life. Like many women in my family, Marisa had a baby when she
was very young. Marisa loves her daughter, but she’s truthful about
how being a mom has caused her to limit her choices. “With a baby, I
don’t have the time or money to go to school,” she says. “Get your
education before you have a kid.” Secondly, Marisa defends me when
other people criticize what I’m doing. When people say I’m acting like
I’m better than them, or that I should be helping more around the
house instead of studying, Marisa gets in their faces. “You’re just
jealous since she’s making something of herself,” she’ll say. “You
should support what she’s doing, not criticize.” And last, Marisa gives
me material help whenever she can. Her money is tight, but if she
knows I need to buy a textbook, then she’ll slip me some money out of
her paycheck. She noticed that my backpack was falling apart and
surprised me with a new one. Because of Marisa’s love and help, I
have the courage to keep going.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

What cause and effect words are used in this paragraph?

I’m the first person in my family to ever go to college. When I

graduate—and I will—it will be due to the influence of my older sister,
Marisa. One reason I want to stay in college is her honesty about her
own life. Like many women in my family, Marisa had a baby when she
was very young. Marisa loves her daughter, but she’s truthful about
how being a mom has caused her to limit her choices. “With a baby, I
don’t have the time or money to go to school,” she says. “Get your
education before you have a kid.” Secondly, Marisa defends me when
other people criticize what I’m doing. When people say I’m acting like
I’m better than them, or that I should be helping more around the
house instead of studying, Marisa gets in their faces. “You’re just
jealous since she’s making something of herself,” she’ll say. “You
should support what she’s doing, not criticize.” And last, Marisa gives
me material help whenever she can. Her money is tight, but if she
knows I need to buy a textbook, then she’ll slip me some money out of
her paycheck. She noticed that my backpack was falling apart and
surprised me with a new one. Because of Marisa’s love and help, I
have the courage to keep going.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

What cause and effect words are used in this paragraph?

I’m the first person in my family to ever go to college. When I

graduate—and I will—it will be due due to
to the influence of my older sister,
reason I want to stay in college is her honesty about her
Marisa. One reason
own life. Like many women in my family, Marisa had a baby when she
was very young. Marisa loves her daughter, but she’s truthful about
caused her to limit her choices. “With a baby, I
how being a mom has caused
don’t have the time or money to go to school,” she says. “Get your
education before you have a kid.” Secondly, Marisa defends me when
other people criticize what I’m doing. When people say I’m acting like
I’m better than them, or that I should be helping more around the
house instead of studying, Marisa gets in their faces. “You’re just
since she’s making something of herself,” she’ll say. “You
jealous since
should support what she’s doing, not criticize.” And last, Marisa gives
me material help whenever she can. Her money is tight, but ifif she
then she’ll slip me some money out of
knows I need to buy a textbook, then
her paycheck. She noticed that my backpack was falling apart and
Because of
surprised me with a new one. Because of Marisa’s
M love and help, I
have the courage to keep going.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

What addition words are used to move the reader from

one cause to the next?
I’m the first person in my family to ever go to college. When I
graduate—and I will—it will be due due to
to the influence of my older sister,
reason I want to stay in college is her honesty about her
Marisa. One reason
own life. Like many women in my family, Marisa had a baby when she
was very young. Marisa loves her daughter, but she’s truthful about
caused her to limit her choices. “With a baby, I
how being a mom has caused
don’t have the time or money to go to school,” she says. “Get your
education before you have a kid.” Secondly, Marisa defends me when
other people criticize what I’m doing. When people say I’m acting like
I’m better than them, or that I should be helping more around the
house instead of studying, Marisa gets in their faces. “You’re just
since she’s making something of herself,” she’ll say. “You
jealous since
should support what she’s doing, not criticize.” And last, Marisa gives
me material help whenever she can. Her money is tight, but ifif she
then she’ll slip me some money out of
knows I need to buy a textbook, then
her paycheck. She noticed that my backpack was falling apart and
Because of
surprised me with a new one. Because of Marisa’s
M love and help, I
have the courage to keep going.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

What addition words are used to move the reader from

one cause to the next?
I’m the first person in my family to ever go to college. When I
graduate—and I will—it will be due due to
to the influence of my older sister,
Marisa. One reason I want to stay in college is her honesty about her
One reason
own life. Like many women in my family, Marisa had a baby when she
was very young. Marisa loves her daughter, but she’s truthful about
caused her to limit her choices. “With a baby, I
how being a mom has caused
don’t have the time or money to go to school,” she says. “Get your
Secondly, Marisa defends me when
education before you have a kid.” Secondly,
other people criticize what I’m doing. When people say I’m acting like
I’m better than them, or that I should be helping more around the
house instead of studying, Marisa gets in their faces. “You’re just
since she’s making something of herself,” she’ll say. “You
jealous since
should support what she’s doing, not criticize.” And last,last, Marisa gives
me material help whenever she can. Her money is tight, but ifif she
then she’ll slip me some money out of
knows I need to buy a textbook, then
her paycheck. She noticed that my backpack was falling apart and
Because of
surprised me with a new one. Because of Marisa’s
M love and help, I
have the courage to keep going.
Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.
 9 More Relationships in Writing

The Cause and Effect Pattern

On pages 227–228 in the textbook is a writing exercise

that will give you practice in writing a paragraph that uses
cause and effect. The exercise includes a model paragraph.
It also includes specific instructions for writing your own
paragraph.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.

 9 More Relationships in Writing

More Relationships
in Writing–Summary

• Illustration, comparison, contrast, and cause and effect are

patterns of organization writers can use to help show clearly
the relationships between ideas.

• The Illustration Pattern

— Illustration paragraphs use one or more examples to clarify and
support a main idea.

• The Comparison Pattern

— Comparison paragraphs show how two things are like each other.
• The Contrast Pattern
— Contrast paragraphs show how two things are different.

• The Cause and Effect Pattern

— Cause and effect paragraphs show reasons or results. They seek
to explain the causes of some behavior or event. Or they describe
the effects or consequences of some behavior or event.

Copyright © 2013 Townsend Press. All rights reserved.