There are generally nine rhetorical modes (also called patterns of development) that are using in academic writing. Sometimes they have different names, but they are still the basic modes listed here. For example, Argument mode is often called Persuasion, or Definition mode might be called Extended Defintion. However, they are all basically the same thing. Each mode has a specific purpose and structure, so it is important to know the difference between then so you know which one to use for which type of assignment or writing task.
Explanation of the Rhetorical Modes
Narration "relates a series of events, real or imaginary, in an organized sequence. It is a story, but it is a story that makes a point. You probably exchange family stories, tell jokes, read biographies or novels, and watch television situation comedies or dramas—all of which are examples of the narrative form" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 228).
Description "presents information in a way that appeals to one or more of the five senses—sight, sound, taste, and touch—usually creating an overall impression or feeling" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 268).
Illustration, also called Examples or Exemplification, uses "examples to reveal the essential characteristics of a topic or to reinforce a thesis. By providing specific situations to make abstract ideas concrete, you can often connect them to situations within the reader’s experience. Unfamiliar and complex ideas also can become clear once examples are provided" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 306).
Process Analysis "explains in step-by-step fashion how something works or how something is done or made. Process analyses provide people with practical information—directions for assembling equipment, instructions for registering for classes, an explanation of how a medication works" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 338).
Comparison and Contrast "involves looking a both similarities and differences. Analyzing similarities and differences is a useful decision-making skill that you use daily. You make comparisons when you shop for a pair of jeans, select a sandwich in the cafeteria, or choose a television program to watch. You also compare alternatives when you make important decisions about which college to attend, which field or major in, and which person to date" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 374).
Classification or Division explains a topic by "describing types or parts. Classification . . . is a process of sorting people, things, or ideas into groups or categories to help make them more understandable . . . . Division . . . begins with one item and breaks it down into parts . . . . For example a classification essay might explore types of advertising—direct mail, radio, television, newspaper, Internet, and so forth. A division essay might describe the parts of an art museum—exhibit areas, museum store, visitor services desk, and the like" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 410).
Definition, also called Extended Definition, "explains what a term means or which meaning is intended when a word has several different meanings . . . Often a definition is intended for someone who is unfamiliar with the thing or idea being defined" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 442). An extended definition focuses on a specific term and discusses it in detail" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 446).
Cause-and-Effect "analyzes (1) causes (why an event or phenomenon happened), (2) effects (what happens because of the event or phenomenon), or (3) both causes and effects . . . . Many academic disciplines also focus on why questions: Psychologists are concerned with why people behave as they do; biologists study why the human body functions and reacts as it does; historians consider why history events occurred" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 474).
Argument, also called persuasive essay or position paper, "makes a claim and offers reasons and evidence in support of that claim. A sound argument also anticipates opposing viewpoints and acknowledges, accommodates, and/or refutes them" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 544). "An effective argument is a logical, well-thought-out presentation of ideas that makes a claim about an issue and supports that claim with evidence. An ineffective argument may be an irrational, emotional release of feelings and frustrations. Many sound arguments, however, combine emotion with logic" (McWhorter, 2012, p. 514).
Now that you know what the nine modes are, which modes would you use for the following college assignments?
- A law student, who attended a court trial, must write a paper that tells the sequence of events and what various participants said during the trial.
- A student in an architecture class must choose a historical building and write a paper that describes in specific detail what the building looks like.
- A student in a poetry class who must analyze the metaphors in a poem uses specific examples from the poem to demonstrate the use of metaphors.
- A student’s chemistry lab partner missed class, so he wrote down step-by-step instructions for how to do the lab experiment for his classmate.
- A student in a computer science class must write a paper that discusses the similarities and differences between Windows and Mac operating systems.
- A student in a museum administration class must write a paper that first explain the different categories of museums (art, natural history, science, etc.) and then explain the parts of an art museum (exhibit areas, museum store, visitor services desk, etc.).
- A nursing student must write a paper that explains the concept of terminal illness.
- A student in an American History class must write a paper about what caused the Civil War and the effect the war had on the United States.
- A student in a philosophy class must write a paper that tries to persuade the reader that euthanasia for terminally ill patients gives them dignity in death.
Answers: 1 =Narration; 2 = Description; 3 = Illustration; 4 = Process Analysis; 5 = Compare/Contrast; 6 = Classification/Division; 7 = Definition; 8 = Cause/Effect; and 9 = Argument.
McWhorter, K. T. (2012). Successful College Writing. (5th ed.). New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martins.
© 2012-2013 by Kathy Matthes. All Rights Reserved.