Patterns of Development for the Research Paper

University of South Dakota--ENGL 101-RDTN

You have three choices for patterns of development:
  1. Strawman
  2. Strawman and One or More Arguments
  3. Concession
I will also explain how to do the Nestorian because it is the "base" for the other patterns, but you should NOT use the Nestorian for your research paper. It is not a good choice because it is not helpful for a two-sided or multi-sided argument.

The Nestorian

Again, DO NOT use this pattern for your research paper!

The Strawman

If you have 1) plenty of information for your side, 2) plenty of information for the side(s) you will NOT take and 3) plenty of information that knocks down the opponents' info., this is a good choice for a pattern of development.

The Strawman and One or More Arguments

If you have 1) plenty of info. for your side, 2) plenty of info. for the side(s) you will NOT take, 3) plenty of info. that knocks down the opponents' info., and 4) additional info. to help your side of the argument, this is a good choice.

The Concession

If you have found lots of info. favoring the other side(s) and not very much info. in support of your side, you may need to use this pattern for your paper.