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Pattern #5: The Example Pattern
Pattern #5: The Example Pattern
Let's look for a definition or explanation of a concept followed by one or more examples.
Let's look for a definition or explanation of a concept followed by one or more examples.
In the pattern of definition and example, the main idea of the paragraph is a definition or generalization of an idea and the details of the paragraph are examples of that idea.
This pattern will use words that indicate an example as transitions. These words will tell you that ideas in sentences are related to each other because they are examples of the main idea.
Transition words that show example:
Transition words that show example:
(For) example
(For) instance
Such as
(As an) Illustration
To Illustrate
Including
Specifically
To be specific
One
Once
To identify the example pattern, look for transitions as signals.
To identify the example pattern, look for transitions as signals.
These words can be used to signal how the ideas are related to each other. When you encounter words like these, they are usually connecting two ideas together, indicating that they are related. This isn't an exhaustive list, but shows some of the words that can be used in this type of pattern.
Examples of the Example Pattern
Examples of the Example Pattern
Below are examples of the definition and example pattern. Can you spot the transitions and identify the pattern?
Definition and Example—notice how the main idea is a definition or explanation of a concept and the details are examples of that concept. Since there may be only one or two examples of the main idea and each idea may not be introduced with a transition word, there may be only one transition word in the entire paragraph. Occasionally, there may not be any. If that is the case, use your reading comprehension skills to see how the ideas relate to each other even if none of them use a transition word.
Definition and Example—notice how the main idea is a definition or explanation of a concept and the details are examples of that concept. Since there may be only one or two examples of the main idea and each idea may not be introduced with a transition word, there may be only one transition word in the entire paragraph. Occasionally, there may not be any. If that is the case, use your reading comprehension skills to see how the ideas relate to each other even if none of them use a transition word.
Financial equity refers to the value you hold in an asset after subtracting any liabilities attached to it. Imagine you own a company's stock. The stock price multiplied by the number of shares you own represents your total ownership stake, or equity. This stake, however, isn't the full picture. If the company also has outstanding loans, you need to subtract that amount to understand your true ownership value. For instance, if your shares are worth $10,000 but the company owes $5,000, your financial equity would be $5,000. This concept applies beyond stocks. In your home, the market value minus your mortgage reflects your home equity. The higher your financial equity, the greater your ownership stake and potential for future gains.
Practice 1: Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the words that connect the ideas.
Practice 1: Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the words that connect the ideas.
Continue reading after the paragraph for hints.
Continue reading after the paragraph for hints.
Renewable energy refers to energy derived from sources that naturally replenish over time, making them sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. For example, solar power harnesses energy from the sun using photovoltaic panels, providing a limitless and clean energy source. As another example, wind power captures the kinetic energy of moving air through turbines to generate electricity. Hydropower, another form of renewable energy, uses the flow of water, such as rivers or dams, to produce power. These examples illustrate the diverse ways renewable energy can help meet global energy demands while reducing environmental impact.
In the paragraph, there are several clues that this paragraph focuses on giving examples of a concept. The transition words that are used to introduce the details are:
For example
Another example
Such as
Illustrate
Can you tell what concept this paragraph is illustrating? The clue is in the main idea, which is the definition of the concept. You can find the definition in the first sentence: Renewable energy is derived from sources that naturally replenish over time. The details are all examples of renewable energy.
Practice 2: Read the paragraph below and try to identify the transition words.
Practice 2: Read the paragraph below and try to identify the transition words.
This time, see if you can understand the idea presented with each transition word. These ideas are called the details. In an example pattern paragraph, each detail is an example of the concept presented in the main idea.
This time, see if you can understand the idea presented with each transition word. These ideas are called the details. In an example pattern paragraph, each detail is an example of the concept presented in the main idea.
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. Specifically, a student preparing to give a 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 the body, often triggered by situations where outcomes feel uncertain or high stakes.
Practice 3: Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the transitions that signal the pattern.
Practice 3: Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the transitions that signal the pattern.
After you've read the paragraph, complete the practice below.
After you've read the paragraph, complete the practice below.
Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor. Imagine you spill a glass of water on a sunny day. Over time, you'll notice the water slowly disappearing. This happens because the heat from the sun provides energy to the water molecules, causing them to move faster. As they gain enough energy, some molecules escape into the air as water vapor. This is why the puddle of water you spilled gradually gets smaller until it eventually dries up completely. Another example of this process can be found in nature, such as when water from the surface of the oceans heats up and evaporates into the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in the water cycle.
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