Identify PATTERNS

Writing starts with READING. While you are reading a text for meaning, you should be keeping note of the various patterns you notice.

Patterns are also sometimes called motifs. These motifs, when looked at together, will help you to determine the major themes of the story.

Often times, you will see that patterns connect and overlap. That's good - pay particular attention to these.

Sometimes, you might be able to jump straight from a list of patterns to ideas about those patterns.

Other times, you might need to make several lists. Here is another way to organize your thoughts:

Decide what the author wanted to tell the reader about these patterns. One pattern could potentially have different meanings, so it is important to make this clear.