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 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 |Narrate an event or series of |Stay in order, beginning to end. |Keep the reader in mind when |
| |events. | |writing. |
| | | |Don’t try to do anything out of |
| | | |order. |
| |Show something specific to the |Least important to most important. |Stay on topic. |
|Illustration |reader. | |Use important facts. |
| | | | |
|Description |Give more in depth detail so it |Arranges your ideas in a certain |Go into as much detail as possible |
| |seems more realistic. |order. |because it keeps the reader more |
| | | |entertained. |
| | | |Do not become overbearing with |
| | | |descriptive words. |
|Classification |To break things up into smaller |To better explain each category. |Break down topics. |
| |subjects. | |Do not make things too broad. |
| | | | |
|Process |Explains how something works. |Offers steps of how to do something.|Proof read everything. |
|analysis | | |Make sure your steps are in order. |
| | | | |
|Definition |Explain the meaning of something you|Helps the reader understand what |Be precise. |
| |may not understand. |something is trying to explain. |Do not make a whole paragraph a |
| | | |definition. |
| | | | |
|Compare and | |Comparing things to other things so |Use simple comparisons. |
|contrast |Shows how something is the same or |the reader better understands your |Do not compare to something that the|
| |how something is different. |point. |reader will not understand. |
|Cause and |Shows a number of things being |Having things in your writing occur |Make sure to stay in order with |
|effect |connected somehow. |in order. |events that are happening. |
| | | |Do not make too many things happen |
| | | |at once, in your writing. |
|Persuasion |Try to make you believe in a certain|Helps the reader understand things |Do not be too pushy with persuasion.|
| |way. |from your view point. |Understand if the reader was not |
| | | |persuaded. |

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.