“What am I going to write about?” That’s the usual response when students have to write a modes of development paragraph. Not knowing how to choose a suitable topic, students often fall back on repetitive (and weak) subjects: For a comparison/contrast paper, sports cars vs. SUVs. For a process paper, a recipe. And so on.
So I’m going to offer some suggestions. You’ll notice that all these recommendations have something in common: a meaning. There’s a reason for making the comparison, outlining the process, and so on. (For an introduction to modes of development, click here.) A good modes paper doesn’t just list facts: It always gives readers useful information.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Comparison (notice that all these topics show that two things that seem very different are actually very similar)
- public schools offer the same educational experiences as private schools, at a much lower price
- a low-cost US vacation offers the same enjoyment as a pricey European trip
- volunteer work can be as impressive on a resume as a full-time job
- rescue animals are as much fun to own as purebreds
- the fitness facility on campus is just as good as a gym you pay for
Contrast (notice that all these topics show that one thing is better or worse than another)
- a Mac is better than a PC
- term insurance is better than whole-life insurance
- reading on a Kindle is better than reading a conventional book
- taking a year off after high school is better than going to college right away
Cause (notice that you’re focusing on factors that that came before a problem or event)
- why students drop out of high school
- what inspired you to enroll in college
- reasons you broke off a relationship
- what your committee did to ensure that your prom was successful
Effect (notice that you’re focusing on factors that that came after a problem or event)
- problems students face when they don’t complete high school
- how your life got better after you break off a relationship
- how a part-time job helped you mature
- results of a new law in your state
Process (notice that all these topics show how to do a step-by-step process in a better way OR take a stand about a process, showing that it’s easy, beneficial, or harmful)
- how to bake a better cake
- a better way to organize your tax documents
- a soothing way to get your child ready for bed
- how to disagree without damaging a relationship
- what happens to a fetus when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol
- donating blood is easy
- a task you know how to do better than other people
- an environmentally friendly way to clean your apartment
- a process that more people should do
- a process that’s a waste of time
Classification (notice that all these topics offer readers multiple options for dealing with a particular situation)
- three types of diapers
- three ways to discipline a misbehaving child
- three ways to study for a test
- three ways to amuse a cat
- three ways to get experience to put on a job application
- three types of birth control
- three ways to stop procrastinating
Definition (notice that these define the best or worst person or thing in a particular category)
- the best (or worst) date
- the best (or worst) parent
- the best (or worst) boss
- the best (or worst) party
- the best (or worst) place for students to live
Narrative (notice that every story happened ONCE and makes a point)
- a disagreement that you resolved in a positive way
- an experience that taught you something
- a time when you realized how much you appreciate your family
- an experience that caused you to end a relationship
- a time when you solved a problem in a creative way
There you have it! I hope these suggestions will help you find a topic that’s meaningful and meaty enough to earn you a good grade.