Rhetorical Modes

What are Rhetorical Modes? Different methods of writing which you can incorporate into your writing to make it more effective Use the modes to your advantage – as a writer (to make your essay stronger) – and for your reader (to help them connect with your essay better) Choose your mode wisely for each paper – you wouldn’t want much narration in a typical research paper These modes are often found with one another. Example: rarely will you find just a process analysis paper without a little bit of definition and description.

What are the Nine Rhetorical Modes? Illustration Description Narration Definition Comparison/Contrast Cause/Effect Division/Classification Argumentation Process Analysis

Illustration Explains a general statement by means of one or more specific examples Examples are specific cases or stories which make a general statement more believable. Usually used in conjunction with some kind of analysis or argumentation Use illustrations (specific reasons) to support an argument

Description Describes something – a person, a place, or an object Captures it in words so others can imagine it or see it in the mind's eye Uses descriptive examples that make use of the senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch) to convey an image or represent an idea

Narration Tells the story of what happened, the specific events that happened, and the people who were involved Uses organized facts and details in a clear chronological or time order May use first, second or third person in any narrative, but be consistent in your use of personal pronouns

Definition Explains what a word, idea, or topic means Remember you must be very clear when you define something for your reader!

Comparison/contrast Comparison examines the ways in which two persons, places, or things are similar Contrast examines the ways in which they are different Helps the reader understand one person, place, or thing in relation to another Many times the goal of a comparison is for evaluation Example: If you are comparing various fast food restaurants, for example, you will want to reach some conclusion about which restaurant is the best. Therefore, you need to use some specific criteria (price, healthiness, etc.) on which to base your comparison.

Cause/effect Examines why something happened or what its consequences were or will be Refers to a direct relationship between events Answers the question "why did something happen, and/or what results did it have?"

Division/Classification gathers items, ideas, or information into types, kinds, or categories according to a single basis of division Division/Classification essays often also use Definition Example: You might start with a paper about sports and divide it up into three particular sports – baseball, football, and basketball. You could then classify these sports by their popularity in the American culture.

Argumentation Also known as Persuasion Involves the development of the writer's own argument Sometimes involves using outside sources and references to other writers The primary function of Argumentation is for the writer to articulate his/her opinion about the issue being discussed.

Process Analysis Describes how to do something, how a particular event occurs, or how something works Instructions are very similar to a Process Analysis essay