Rhetorical Forms Definition Comparison-Contrast Classification Process Analysis Description Narrative Cause-and-Effect Argumentative

Rhetorical Forms: Definition A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means.

Definition Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are in general. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their physical senses.

Definition However, abstract terms, such as love, pain, or patriotism, have different meanings for different individuals since such terms play on people’s feelings more than their physical senses.

Definition The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating how that term should be applied.

Rhetorical Forms: Comparison and Contrast A comparison/contrast paper explains the similarities and differences between subjects to make a point about how the two compare or contrast in some significant way.

Comparison and Contrast To compare subjects is to look for similarities; to contrast subjects is to look for differences. You will often find that you can't do one without the other. To find differences often requires similarities in the first place.

Comparison and Contrast The point of the paper is not simply to illustrate that two subjects are the same or different; the point is to analyze how they compare or contrast and why their similarities or differences are important.

Rhetorical Forms: Classification A classification essay will break a large subject into categories for the purpose of analysis. A classification essay is also known as “classification and division” since it divides the larger topic into smaller parts.

Classification Often the most useful classification essay will take disparate elements, things don't seem to go together, and show patterns of connectedness that the reader would not have guessed were there. 

Rhetorical Forms: Process Analysis Giving directions is a practical kind of writing that everyone does that requires special attention to clarity. The assumption of the writing is that the reader will actually be able to follow your directions. You must write clearly so that the reader will not get lost.

Rhetorical Forms: Description Describes a person, object, or event so vividly that the reader feels like he/she could reach out and touch it.

Rhetorical Forms: Narrative Narrative papers tell a story.

Rhetorical Forms: Cause/Effect To write a cause and effect essay, you’ll need to determine a scenario in which one action or event caused certain effects to occur.  Then, explain what took place and why. This essay allows us to identify patterns and explain why things turned out the way that they did.

Rhetorical Forms: Argumentative Much of academic learning is based on arguments that are supported by evidence analyzed through critical thinking.  To write an argument essay, you’ll need to gather evidence and present a well-reasoned argument on a debatable issue. Though there are plenty of times in your life when it’s best to adopt a balanced perspective and try to understand both sides of a debate, this isn’t one of them. You MUST choose one side or the other when you write an argumentative essay!

Works Consulted http://www.northland.cc.mn.us/owl/doing%20the% 20definition%20essay.htm http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/compos ition/classification.htm http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/