Chapter 11: Multiple Patterns
Mixing Patterns
When you are reading, you may notice that a paragraph contains more than one pattern of connection. When the ideas are better expressed using two patterns, you may notice the use of two different types of transition words. These readings will use multiple patterns to further clarify and organize the ideas. You should still be able to identify each pattern as you find the design of the connections.
Below are examples of mixed patterns. See if you can identify the patterns by finding the signaling transition words.
Paragraph 1
Cities flourish due to a confluence of factors, acting like a magnet for people and businesses. Economic opportunity is a major draw. To begin with, cities offer a concentration of jobs in various sectors, attracting individuals seeking better career prospects and higher wages. This results in a larger pool of skilled labor, further enticing businesses. Additionally, cities act as hubs for innovation and education, with universities and research centers, thus creating a vibrant exchange of ideas fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. This synergy fuels economic growth and attracts even more people. Infrastructure also plays a role. Efficient transportation networks connect different parts of the city, allowing for easier movement of goods and people. Finally, amenities like cultural institutions, entertainment options, and diverse communities create a desirable quality of life, further propelling city growth.
Plastic waste has become a major environmental problem, but there are several ways to address this issue. One of the main challenges is that plastic does not decompose easily, leading to large amounts of waste in landfills and oceans. To combat this, recycling programs can help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up as waste by reprocessing it into new products. Additionally, individuals can reduce their plastic use by opting for reusable items, such as water bottles and shopping bags. If we implement these solutions, then we can significantly reduce plastic pollution and its impact on the environment.
Practice 11.1
Although both owls and hawks are birds of prey, they differ significantly in two areas. One major difference is their hunting styles. Owls are nocturnal hunters, relying on their exceptional night vision and keen hearing to locate prey in complete darkness. In contrast, hawks are diurnal, hunting during the day using their sharp eyesight to spot prey from great distances. Another difference is their physical makeup. Physically, owls have soft, fringed feathers that allow them to fly silently, making them stealthy predators, while hawks have sleek, powerful wings built for speed and agility in open skies. These differences highlight how each bird has evolved to dominate its unique hunting environment.
In the paragraph, the author uses several words as clues or signals that the paragraph is a list of differences. Here are the transition words that act as signals for each relationship:
Contrast:
- Differ
- In Contrast
- While
- Differences
List:
- One
- Another
Since this paragraph is a list of differences, you should easily be able to understand what differences are listed. These are the details of the paragraph. There are two major differences: one is the hunting style and the second is the physicality of the animals.
Practice 11.2
Frodo and Aragorn, two central characters in The Lord of the Rings, differ significantly in their roles, personalities, and journeys. Frodo, a humble hobbit, is thrust into the dangerous mission of destroying the One Ring despite his lack of combat skills or desire for adventure. In contrast, Aragorn, a skilled ranger and rightful heir to the throne of Gondor, is a natural leader and warrior who willingly embraces his destiny to unite the free peoples of Middle-earth. A second major difference is in their personalities. While Frodo often struggles with self-doubt and the corrupting influence of the Ring, Aragorn demonstrates unwavering resolve and strength of character. Furthermore, Frodo’s journey is largely internal, grappling with the burden of the Ring, whereas Aragorn’s story focuses on his external quest to reclaim his kingship and rally allies. These differences underscore the unique ways each character contributes to the overarching quest to defeat Sauron.
Practice 11.3
The economic after-effects of the COVID shutdowns unfolded in a series of impactful stages. Initially, businesses across various sectors experienced immediate closures, leading to widespread layoffs and a sharp rise in unemployment. As the shutdowns persisted, supply chains were disrupted, causing shortages of goods and rising costs for essential items. Following this, governments implemented large-scale stimulus packages to stabilize economies, leading to short-term financial relief but also contributing to long-term inflationary pressures. Over time, many businesses shifted to remote work or online operations, permanently changing the structure of several industries. Finally, as economies began to recover, labor shortages and wage increases emerged, driven by shifts in workforce priorities and a reassessment of job satisfaction. These cascading effects illustrate the long-lasting and evolving economic consequences of the pandemic shutdowns.
Remember a pattern repeats and is a consistent design. While most paragraphs will use a pattern to explain their ideas, there can be transition words in a paragraph that do not fit with the design of the ideas. When you find these transition words, it is important to understand that those words are connections between the sentences, but they do not always influence the pattern of organization. Try to spot the pattern and don’t let individual transition words confuse you about the pattern.
As a kid, you may have dreamed of being an astronaut when you grew up. However, becoming an astronaut isn’t easy. It requires a blend of physical prowess, intellectual sharpness, and experience. Firstly, there are the academic qualifications – a master’s degree in a STEM field like engineering or physics is a must. Astronauts also need nerves of steel and a peak physical condition to pass rigorous medical tests and physical training. Furthermore, significant experience in a relevant field, such as piloting jet aircraft, is highly desirable. Ultimately, those who make the cut possess not only the technical know-how, but also the mental fortitude and adaptability to thrive in the demanding and extraordinary environment of space.
Getting adequate sleep is essential for academic success. When students have a consistent sleep schedule, they are more likely to feel alert and focused in class, which leads to better participation and understanding of the material. Conversely, a lack of sleep can cause difficulties with concentration and memory, making it harder for students to retain information and perform well on exams. Additionally, sleep deprivation often results in increased stress levels, which can further hinder academic performance. Therefore, maintaining a regular sleep routine is crucial for students to achieve their best results in school.
Anxiety is a feeling of intense worry or unease that often arises in response to stressful or uncertain situations. For instance, a student might feel anxiety before a major exam, experiencing a racing heart and difficulty concentrating as the test approaches. Similarly, someone preparing for a public speech might feel sweaty palms, trembling, or even nausea due to fear of speaking in front of an audience. Anxiety can also manifest in everyday scenarios, such as feeling uneasy while waiting for important news, like the results of a job interview. These examples highlight how anxiety can affect both the mind and body, often triggered by situations where outcomes feel uncertain or high stakes.
Attributions
Strengthening Reading and Comprehension by Audrey Cross and Katherine Sorenson is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Media Attributions
(sĭn-ər-jē), n.
The combined effect of two or more elements that is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
(ĭm′plə-mĕnt), v.
To put a plan, decision, or idea into effect.
(ĭm′plə-mənt), n.
A tool or instrument used to carry out a task.
(hĭn′dər), v.
To create difficulties that delay or prevent something from happening.
