Rhetorical Modes

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 rhetorical mode is used.
Structure – Identify the organizational method that works best with each rhetorical mode.
Tips – Provide two tips for writing in each rhetorical mode.
Narration
The purpose of the narration is when the writer chooses to tell a story or different stories. The story can be factual or fictional. A factual story can be a biography and fictional can be an assortment of short stories that are made up. The writer also needs to make sure the audience is attached to the story emotionally.
The organizational methods for narration have many different parts. An introduction is thinking of what type story to write meaning factual or fictional. Make sure the story has a beginning, middle and end to keep the readers interested. Chronological order is arranging thoughts within time. Supporting paragraphs contain a plot, character, conflict and theme. Last would be time transition words and phrases to keep the readers emotionally involved in the story.

One tip is to let the reader be aware of the purpose of the story either factual or fictional at the beginning.

Another tip is making sure the story has strong connection so the reader can sense different emotions within the story.

Illustration

The purpose of illustration is display and or establishes something clearly. If it were an illustration essay it would need to clearly and support a main point using evidence.
The structure of illustration is making sure the main topic has a good introduction and thesis statement about writer’s point of view. Solid evidence is important and included within the body paragraph. Make sure to use the phrases of illustration words correctly. If possible use time transition words to organize evidence. Last is the writer needs to write a convincing conclusion about the summary of the essay.

One tip is to make sure that I do not insult the intellect of the readers by over clarifying concepts they may already know. At times it may be necessary to express the main point again.

Another tip is to limit the amount of phrases used within an essay and use more than just one. When a range of phrases are used it helps the readers stay involved with my writing.
Description
The purpose of description is to keep the audience interested within the writing using the five senses that are sight, smell, sound, taste and touch.
The structure of the description can be more flexible but include a person, place or object. It can also include tone and main point. The spatial order is important as well since it helps organize ideas such as physical, appearance or descriptive writing.

One tip is evade using empty descriptors since there are different meanings and can confuse the readers.

Another tip is to make sure I am aware of who the audience is such as age, taste or personality. Classification
The purpose of classification is to take a subject and break it down into smaller sections to be more manageable within specific parts.
The structure of classification is to start with an opening paragraph that presents a wider topic. The thesis should clarify how the separated into subgroups and why. Supporting details, examples and descriptions. The conclusion will organize and join all subcategories with the topic.

One tip is to select a topic that I am more knowledgeable about so it will be easier to break down and create interesting parts.

Another tip is avoiding excessively basic classification and breaks it down three different ways.
Process
analysis
The purpose of the process analysis is a breakdown of how to do something or to display how it works. It will need to articulate into clear, complete steps.

The structure of the process analysis starts with a conversation of the process and a thesis statement that positions the goal of the process. Selecting a topic that is exciting and fairly complex but clarified in a series of steps. Make sure the body paragraphs include solid details and time transition phrases. The conclusion will define the end results of the process.

One tip is to have somebody else look over my process analysis to verify it makes sense.

Another tip is after the person reads my process analysis I can correct any unclear areas.
Definition
The purpose of definition is basically defining something. There can be different ways of defining a word within a single person’s point of view or a group.

The structure of definition starts with an overall dialog of the term being defined. Have a strong identification of the term along with the meaning. Make sure the body paragraphs cover good examples and details. The conclusion will include all of the fundamentals of the definition at the end and strengthen the thesis.

One tip is to evade simple terms that lack complexity. Defining concepts other than objects will make things more effective.

Another tip is to think of ideas I have more knowledge in that contain personal worth and importance.
Compare and contrast The purpose of compare and contrast is to examine two subjects by both comparing them and contrasting them. They can also include comparing and contrasting them both.

The structure of compare and contrast is to choose a good topic in which I want to compare, contrast or both. A thesis will be added toward the end of the introduction. The body of will need to have a subject or point by point so the audience will know the purpose. Adding phrases about compare and contrast will help the readers. The conclusion will consist of a summary of key points and support thesis.

One tip, when comparing and contrasting it is important to offer valuable knowledge to the reader.

Another tip is to establish by subject or point to point at work within for any type of presentation.
Cause and effect The purpose of cause and effect is to explain how numerous phenomena are associated in terms of origins and results.

The structure of cause and effect is selecting a fascinating cause and effect. Then present it in an appealing way and end the introduction thesis declaring the main cause. Evidence is necessary to support the cause and effect. Make sure to add phrases of causation. Last is the conclusion of the summary of core points and emphasize thesis.

One tip is to select one cause or effect as a primary and once it is determined, it can be established as a thesis.

Another tip is avoiding any guessing and use strong evidence to support the claims complete.
Persuasion
The purpose of persuasion is to influence, motivate or direct readers toward a certain point of view or belief.

The structure of persuasion starts with a likeable introduction by selecting a topic and the thesis is the writer’s point of view. Adding my own opinion needs to backed by factual information. Strong evidence is vital when convincing an audience to believe my point of view. A tone must match the audience and bias but it needs to be used in a meaning good way and not used excessively. The conclusion needs to be convincing with a summary of the main argument and thesis.

One tip is not to feel that an argument is needed to win but approach it differently and try to persuade the audience to intend the opinion as the right one.

Another tip is making sure the word prove isn’t used too much when writing. It may be difficult to prove an argument but can be debatable.

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.

In my opinion, the compare and contrast is the appropriate rhetorical mode for my writing assignment I choose which is two methods of losing weight. There are three ways I can approach my writing assignment such as compare is discussing items that are similar. Contrast is to describe how they are different. Compare and contrast is when there are two subjects to analyze comparing them in ways they are alike, contrasting them or having the ability to do both compare and contrasting them. Losing weight has plenty of options to write about but I need to make sure I am comfortable with whichever rhetorical mode I decide to select for my final writing assignment.