Enumeration

- To list or identify facts, parts, or categories in any order

- Topic: several categories, types, size

- Task words: list, define, discuss

- Transition words: In addition Another For instance Also

Describe

- To give information about a topic, person, or animal

- Topic: some characteristics, most important

- Task words: describe, illustrate

- Transition words: For example For instance Such as

Compare and Contrast

- To point out how two topics are the same or different

- Topic: similar, a like, different

- Task words: compare, contrast, prove

- Transition words: However On the other hand As well as Unlike

Sequence- To tell about a specific order of events or steps in a process

- Topic: dates, time, order of events

- Task words: summarize, discuss, trace

- Transition words: First Next After Finally

Cause and Effect

- To explain why or how something happened

- Topic: because, since, consequently

- Task words: justify, explain, illustrate

- Transition words: The effect This led to Therefore

Problem and Solution

- To describe a problem and what was done to solve it

- Topic: the problem, what happens, why does

- Task words: evaluate, criticize, prove

- Transition words: One challenge A difficulty Having solved