Rhetorical Modes Matrix

Rhetorical Modes Matrix

Rhetorical modes are various 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.

Rhetorical mode Purpose
Explain when or why each rhetorical mode is used. Structure
Explain what organizational method works best with each rhetorical mode. Tips
Provide two tips for writing in each rhetorical mode.
Narration Telling stories is narration. Chronological order is the best organizational method; this method puts ideas in order according to time. To create strong details keep human sense in mind.
When writing, be sure to understand what the purpose is from the start, this will help decide if the writing is fictional or factual.
Illustration Shows or demonstrates something clearly. Order of importance is the best organizational method. This method arranges ideas according to their significance. Vary the phrases of illustration, to keep the reader’s attention to the writing.
Over explaining concepts may cause readers to feel like their intelligence is insulted.
Description Makes sure the audience is fully absorbing the words on the page. Spatial order is the best method. This method arranges ideas, according to physical characteristics or appearances.

Avoid empty descriptions if possible.
Make an effort to use details or descriptions that express thoughts that will register to others.
Classification Breaks down large subjects into smaller and more specific parts. Starting with an introduction and thesis topic, the body is next.
The body lists categories, which are broke down into sub-categories; and the essay will have a strong conclusion. When writing, break down the topic three ways, helps the reader learn and see it in new ways. Smaller broken down parts can be very interesting.
Process
analysis Explains how to do something or how something works. By clearly writing a detailed introduction, body, and conclusion. Every detail is in chronological order. Clearly written directions will be the most effective. Mistakes can be found when another person reads the paper.
Definition Means to define something, such as words or phrases. Defining a term or phrase is the first thing to happen. Next is a thesis and the essay body explains the context of the definition. The conclusion pulls the essay together and reinforces the thesis. Avoid simple words; they are ineffective when writing a definition essay.
Write about something personal because it will be more engaging.
Comparison and contrast Explores the similarities between two or more items. A compare and contrast essay can be written two ways. The first way is to focus on one topic and describe its pros and cons, and move to the next topic. The second way is to write about the compared matters one after the other in a back-and-forth pattern. The introductory paragraph should contain information about each subject or events getting compared.
Write why comparing and contrasting is worth the reader’s attention.
Cause and effect Traces the causes of a particular event or situation, to describe effects or both. Typically a cause-and-effect paper has an introductory paragraph defining or clarifying the subject itself, and stating the nature of the paper; a body of several to many paragraphs, and a brief concluding paragraph. When writing a cause-and-effect paper, explain events so readers who may know a little, but never heard the entire story of how the events are linked by logical cause and effect.
Persuasion A mode of persuasion uses statistics and facts. Persuasion is clearly a sort of demonstration; the modes of persuasion are furnished by the spoken word. There are three kinds, persuasion is achieved by the speaker's personal character, Second, persuasion may come through the hearers, and Third, persuasion is affected through the speech. Name specific things to inject some emotion into arguments.
Metaphors and storytelling are powerful tools of persuasion.