Rhetorical Mode

Associate Program Material
Appendix C

Rhetorical Modes Matrix

Rhetorical modes are methods for effectively communicating through language and writing. Complete the following chart to identify the purpose and structure of the various rhetorical modes used in academic writing. Provide at least two tips for writing each type of rhetorical device.

NOTE: You may not copy and paste anything directly from the textbook or a web site. All information included in this assignment must be written in your own words.

|Rhetorical Mode |Purpose – Explain when or why each |Structure – Identify the |Tips – Provide two tips for writing |
| |rhetorical mode is used. |organizational method that works |in each rhetorical mode. |
| | |best with each rhetorical mode. | |
|Narration |Is used when telling a story |Chronological order according to |-Understand what you're purpose is |
| | |time |from the beginning |
| | | |-create strong details keep human |
| | | |senses in mind |
| |Demonstrates and supports a point |Order of importance |-never insult you readers |
|Illustration |through evidence | |intelligence by over explaining |
| | | |concepts |
| | | |-vary the phrases of illustration |
|Description |Used when writing a description |Spatial Order |-avoid “empty” descriptors if |
| |essay where you describe person, | |possible |
| |place, and object using sensory | |-the use of a wrong word can lead to|
| |details, sight, sound, smell, taste,| |misunderstanding and confusion |
| |touch | | |
|Classification |To break a subject down to smaller, |Organized by subcatergories |-choose a topic you know well |
| |more manageable, more specific parts| |-adding interest and insight will |
| | | |enhance you're classification essay |
|Process |Is used when you're telling how to |Typically follows chronological |-have someone else read your process|
|analysis |do something and how something works|order but could also use order of |analysis to make sure it makes sense|
| | |importance |-strong communication skills are |
| | | |critical |
|Definition |You use definition when you're | |-avoid terms that are to simple that|
| |trying to explain something | |lack complexity |
| | | |-try to think of concepts you have a|
| | | |personal stake in |
|Compare and |Use this when you want to analyze |The subjects themselves one then the|-organizing strategies by subject or|
|contrast |two subjects by either comparing |other |point by point could also be used |
| |them or contrasting them or both |Or |for organizing a presentation |
| | |By individual points in which you |-it is helpful to have some phrases |
| | |discuss each subject in relation to |on hand the will cue the reader to |
| | |each point |such analysis |
|Cause and |Use when you’re trying to determine |Start with the cause (s) then talk |-use the complex nature of cause and|
|effect |how various phenomena are related in|about the effect (s) |effect to your advantage |
| |terms of origins and results |Start with the effects and then talk|-when formulating a thesis you can |
| | |about the causes |claim one of a number of causes or |
| | | |effects to be the primary, or main |
| | | |cause or effect |
| | | |-becareful of resorting to employ |
| | | |speculation or unsubstantiated |
| | | |guessing-be sure to have clear |
| | | |evidence to support the claims you |
| | | |make |
|Persuasion |Use when you want to convince or | |-a productive way to approach an |
| |move readers towards a certain point| |argument is to persuade you're |
| |of view or opinion | |audience to consider your opinion as|
| | | |a valid one not simply the “right” |
| | | |one |
| | | |-avoid forming a thesis based on a |
| | | |negative claim |

Write a 100- to 150-word paragraph explanation that demonstrates why compare and contrast is the appropriate rhetorical mode for the topic you chose in Week Two.

Compare and contrast is the best rhetorical mode for describing two closely related restaurants. McDonalds verse Burger King. There are so many differences and similarities between the two .I will be comparing and contrasting them both in my essay. I for one have always wondered why one uses buns with the seeds on them and the other does not. There are so many things I want to research. It’s interesting how much they are alike but then again how different they are. They have been big competitors as long as I can remember. Doing a compare and contrast between the two should be very interesting.