Rhetorical Modes in English and Research Skills Writing
1. Exposition
- Purpose: To explain, inform, or clarify a topic.
- Key Features: Clear and organized presentation of facts, evidence, and logical arguments.
2. Argumentation
- Purpose: To persuade, convince, or prove a point of view.
- Key Features: Logical reasoning, use of evidence, anticipation and refutation of counterarguments.
3. Description
- Purpose: To create a sensory experience for the reader through vivid and detailed language.
- Key Features: Use of sensory details, figurative language, and specific examples.
4. Narration
- Purpose: To tell a story or recount events.
- Key Features: Chronological order, plot structure, character development, conflict and resolution.
5. Process Analysis
- Purpose: To explain how something works or is made.
- Key Features: Clear step-by-step instructions, use of technical language, diagrams or illustrations.
6. Comparison and Contrast
- Purpose: To identify similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
- Key Features: Parallel structure, focus on key points of comparison, use of evidence and examples.
7. Cause and Effect
- Purpose: To explain why something happened or will happen.
- Key Features: Identification of cause and effect relationships, use of evidence, logical reasoning.
8. Problem and Solution
- Purpose: To identify a problem and propose a solution.
- Key Features: Clear statement of the problem, exploration of potential solutions, evaluation of the best solution.
9. Definition
- Purpose: To establish a clear and precise understanding of a concept or term.
- Key Features: Explanation of denotative and connotative meanings, use of examples and non-examples.
10. Evaluation
- Purpose: To assess the value, quality, or effectiveness of something.
- Key Features: Use of criteria for evaluation, analysis of evidence, presentation of a judgment or recommendation.