Rhetorical Modes Rhetorical refers to the ancient art of argumentation and discourse. Thus, rhetorical modes would be the techniques used to manipulate the language to effectively transmit the author’s message to a reader. Patterns. Mode may be defined as: a. A manner, way, or method of doing or acting: e.g., modern modes of travel. b. A particular form, variety, or manner: a mode of expression.

Thus, rhetorical modes would be the techniques used to manipulate the language to effectively transmit the author’s message to a reader. Patterns.

Let the question decide the mode. For example: Which is more important, college or university? - Use Comparison. 2. What happens when I don’t attend class regularly? - Use Cause/Effect.

How to decide which to use

Definition Uses Helps you better understand your topic. May suggest an organization for your essay. Tells the reader exactly what you are talking about. Example What is fast-food? A frozen dinner or a Big Mac?

Chronology Uses Trace a topic’s development over time. Could involve a cause-effect or problem-solving approach. Example Trace the development of fast-food restaurants since 1950.

Description Uses Adds concrete, physical details to an essay. Must be organized systematically. May be needed in Definition. Example Describe a Big Mac.

Narration Uses Introduce or reinforce your topic. Illustrate a principle. Clearly identify a problem. Example Relate an occurrence at a fast-food restaurant that illustrates the dangers of food poisoning.

Process (“how to”) Uses Focus on the steps needed to do something. Example Describe the process for obtaining a burger from the time the customer places his/her order to the time they receive it.

Classification/Division Uses Organize a large number of items into more manageable groups according to their relative similarities. Break a subject down to better understand the whole. Example Burgers: hamburgers, fish burgers, veggie burgers.

Cause-Effect Uses Explain the cause(s) of a condition. Explain the result(s) or effect(s) of a condition. Example Show how eating too much fast-food may cause obesity and other health-related conditions. Show the causes of obesity related to the fast-food industry.

Question/Answer Uses Introduce the topic of a paragraph or essay. Engage the reader with a question that arouses their curiosity. Example Ask the traditional questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How

Example/Illustration Uses Support a point. Clarify an idea. Example “Fast-food restaurants save time.” Illustrate by showing the convenience of drive-throughs.

Problem-Solution Uses Introduce a solution. Could focus on both problem and solution. Example Problem - “Dubious nutritious value of fast-foods.” Solution - Propose ways fast-foods could be made healthier.

Cost Benefit Uses Analyse the pros and cons of a topic. Weigh advantages and disadvantages. Example Focus on individual, community, or global costs or benefits of fast-foods. These could include financial, time, health, energy for example.

Analogy Uses Compare two unlike objects to better understand one of them. Example Compare fast-foods to the pace of contemporary society.

Compare/Contrast Uses Show similarities and/or differences. Example Compare some aspect of one fast-food restaurant to another.

Practice Below are 15 general topics. Using at least three different organizational modes (methods) per topic, write three different topic sentences for each topic.

Topics Alternative schooling Animal rights Eating disorders Email Evolution Exercise Gas prices Internet piracy

Topics continued Global warming Organ transplants Privacy Public speaking Same-sex marriages Sports violence Stress

Examples using the topic “rap music” Cause-Effect: Rap music, with its reliance on ever-changing slang, has expanded people’s vocabulary; for instance, one’s boyfriend is now called one’s “boo.” Definition: Rap music is defined by some as being no more than talking over someone else’s music.

Description or Narration: The lights were dim, and the crowd, writhing to the rhythm of the bass, was pressing forward to the stage. Chronology: The style of rap music has evolved considerably since it first gained popularity with North American youth in the early 1990s.

Question-Answer: How does rap music manage to offend a broad demographic group while maintaining a strong fan base? Problem-Solution: It may seem somewhat ironic, but it is possible that many of the problems addressed in rap lyrics could be solved through this very same medium.

Compare (and Contrast): Rap and hip-hop music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their offensive lyrics and radical counter-cultural appeal, can be compared in terms of their sociological implications to the rock-and-roll revolution of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Personal: When I first heard rap music I found the type of lyrics offensive and sexist.

Cause-Effect: Living in the ghetto, surrounded by “booty’ and the ‘brothers,” can sometimes cause young men to chant words to a particular rhythm that has no melody. Also: Rap music has been used as a vehicle for the oppressed minority to get its voice heard.

11. Process: To create rap music you need a DJ to provide the beats by mixing records and an MC who takes the beats and contributes the vocals to make the finished product. 12. Classification: There are many different forms of rap; these include hop-hop, hard core, and R&B.

13. Definition and Division: Rap is a unique form of music that is built around heavy bass beats mixed with sharp, quick lyrics. There is a whole spectrum of rap music, ranging from slow love ballads to fast-paced dance songs.

14. Cost-Benefit: Though rap may lead young people to openly and healthily question authority and the status quo, it can lead some adolescents to commit acts of violence against society. Analogy: Rap can be compared to the insistent and repetitive chants of an evangelist preacher.

Credits Henderson, Eric. The Empowered Writer. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press, 2010. pp. 110-120.