Rhetorical Modes Matrix

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 |Structure – Identify the |Tips – Provide two tips for |
| |each rhetorical mode is used. |organizational method that |writing in each rhetorical |
| | |works best with each |mode. |
| | |rhetorical mode. | |
|Narration |To tell a story |chronological order or told in|Plot summary or captivate the |
| | |the order that thing took |reader with a strong opening |
| | |place |paragraph |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| |Clearly demonstrates and |Write things on how important |Pick something you are |
|Illustration |supports a point through the |they are |interested in and write about |
| |use of evidence. | |it or gather supporting facts|
| | | | |
|Description |Detailed account of your topic|Tells about a person, place, |Pick a topic or describe it |
| | |or thing |thoroughly |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|Classification |Break thing down into |Organized by breaking it down |Analyze the topic and break |
| |categories |into subcategories |it down |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|Process |The purpose is to explain how |chronological order or step by|Have a friend or family member|
|analysis |to do something or how |step instructions on how |read your work before you |
| |something works. |something is completed |submit it or always explain |
| | | |everything clear and use good |
| | | |evidence |
|Definition |The purpose is to simply |The examples for the way thing| |
| |define something. |occur. | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|Compare and |Pros and cons of a topic |A paragraph listing the topics| |
|contrast | |and what makes them the same | |
| | |or different. And why | |
|Cause and |The way the issues of a topic |Where you list the causes and | |
|effect |are related |then discuss the effects. | |
|Persuasion |To convince someone of |The part where you introduce | |
| |something |the topic | |

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.